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The renowned Bremer Ratskeller has been named the winner of the Fachhandelspreis 2020. The competition is organised annually by the German Wine Institute (DWI) in cooperation with the trade magazine "Wein+Markt". The silver medal went to sommelier Daniel Hasert, who runs the specialist wine shop "Daniel's Weine" in Winterbach near Esslingen in Württemberg. Third place went to "Der Weinladen" in Idstein near Wiesbaden. The organisers awarded the prizes a few days ago at the Wine Retailers' Day in Frankfurt by the German Wine Queen Eva Lanzerath.
The criteria of the competition include expert advice by qualified staff, the appealing and clear presentation of the wines, which should include different grape varieties and come from as many regions as possible. The award-winning specialist retailers had met these requirements in an exemplary manner. This was also proven by unannounced on-site visits.
In his laudation of the competition winner, Werner Engelhard, editor-in-chief of "Wein+Markt", emphasised the over 600-year-old tradition of the Bremen Ratskeller, which is also one of the most important wine shops in Germany and focuses one hundred percent on German wines. The vaults of the world cultural heritage site house the world's largest collection of top German wines. But the company does not only cultivate its tradition. The wine cellar has developed its assortment, its services and its concept in line with the times and is also involved in the social sector. "The combination of retail shop, gastronomy and event location makes for a unique wine experience," Engelhard quoted from the jury's assessment.
The runner-up of the competition, Daniel Hasert, has interested his customers in German wines since 2009. The trained sommelier specifically selects newcomers and premium vintners with whom he also designs his own wine collections. The jury also praised the large number of events at which he "skilfully stages German wines". They range from after-work events and BBQ parties to virtual wine tastings, seminars and vintner tastings to training courses for the catering industry.
"Der Weinladen" in Idstein impressed the jury with its friendly and competent advice from the Grüninger-Fey family, who have been running their shop since 1983. The wine shop also includes a 500-year-old vaulted cellar that provides an atmospheric setting for wine tastings, seminars, culture and culinary events. Customers can buy larger quantities of wine from the company's external warehouse. In addition, the team is "constantly developing creative ideas, for example for joint activities with local restaurateurs and retailers from other sectors".
In addition to trophies, certificates and plaques, the winners receive valuable merchandise vouchers from the competition sponsors "Zwiesel Kristallglas" and "Howasped" as well as vouchers for staff training by the DWI worth a total of 6,000 euros. They will also be appointed to the jury for the election of the German Wine Queen 2021 in Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
(uka / Photo: German Wine Institute)