To kick off the evening, the group took a ride on the Rüdesheim “Vineyard Express” to visit the region’s famous “Krähennest” vineyard, which is managed by the university. To get a true sense of the vineyard's special character, the group tasted two Riesling wines from the student project “Organic Cultivation and Biodiversity of Riesling on Recultivated Old Terraces”.
After the tasting, the guests returned to Geisenheim’s exclusive university cellar, where they were greeted with a refreshing secco made from fungus-resistant Muscaris grapes, followed by a “Sustainable Dinner for Future“ prepared by Janko Hilliges, Chef de Cuisine, and Carsten Esser, Head of Culinary Advisors at Nestlé Professional. While creating a firework of culinary delights, the two chefs provided useful information on the carbon footprint of their menu and explained why they put so much emphasis on using regional products and modern cooking techniques. The menu, prepared in a sustainable, reusable solution without any plastic, was paired with fine wines from the university's own VDP winery as well as wines from the extremely steep slopes of the Mosel from VDP Wine Estate Knebel, presented by Geisenheim alumnus Matthias Knebel. Late in the evening, the group returned to Wiesbaden with many impressions from Geisenheim, including an exclusive box containing a piece of rock from the Krähennest vineyard.
On the occasion of the symposium, the Institute of Masters of Wine and Hochschule Geisenheim University also signed a formal cooperation agreement. “This agreement is sure to give a boost to the internationalization of the university”, says Prof. Dr. Monika Christmann, Head of the Department of Enology at Hochschule Geisenheim University, who has been teaching the “first year Masters of Wine students” for many years. “Our relationship is a very close one. In the courses, the Masters of Wine gain new insights and perspectives, and today we are taking the opportunity to show them what’s going on in Geisenheim. This will intensify our work - learning by doing - you just have to see it for yourself.”
The IMW’s international symposium is held every 4 years. This year, for the first time, the symposium took place in Germany. Hosted by the Federal State of Hessen, the city of Wiesbaden and the German Wine Institute (DWI), the event brought together wine professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world, supported by the VDP.
Voices:
“First of all, the Masters of Wine are the ones that made the evening so special. I’m impressed by the in-depth knowledge they must have to pass the tough exam. For me as a winegrower, it was a great honor to present my wines in front of such a distinguished audience.”
Matthias Knebel, Knebel Wine Estate, Winningen/Mosel
“The one thing that was particularly inspiring tonight was to present the interplay between good food, fine wines and regional and seasonal products with you.”
Carsten Esser, Head of Culinary Advisors at Nestlé Professional
“My impression of the train is amazing. The view of the valley is incredible and could not be better and the wine is very special and unique.”
Louis Geirnaerdt, participant of the 10th Masters of Wine Symposium
“I was super excited when I discovered that I was coming to Geisenheim, because the relationship between Geisenheim and the Masters of Wine is a very close one. And I thought I was the only Master of Wine who had never been to Geisenheim, but I found another one here. It is lovely to come, and fabulous to have a glass of wine and to see Prof. Schultz and the terraced vineyards. Perfect.”
Richard Bampfield, MW
“It is also my first visit to Geisenheim. I’ve heard for many years that the institution is very famous. What a fantastic location and I was so impressed with the hands-on activity in the vineyard.I didn't expect that the students actually manage the vineyard and the wine – very impressive, really.”
Hugo Rose, MW
