Wines of Germany and European Union Announce Joint Program to Promote European Riesling in the U.S.

NEW YORK, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Wines of Germany, along with the European Union (EU), announced today a joint campaign, "Destination Riesling," to market European Riesling in the U.S.

The campaign, underwritten by the German Wine Institute and the EU, will promote a holistic communications platform to increase interest and awareness for European Riesling among consumers in the U.S. The three-year campaign will contain both consumer marketing and trade elements.

Sommeliers and members of the wine trade have long recognized European wines for their excellent qualities as well as the unique artisanal nature of the producers making the wines. In spite of this, Riesling is only now showing a rise in popularity among the average U.S. consumer. Riesling is currently the fastest growing white varietal in the U.S. (35.6 percent by volume). In the last year, wine consumption in the U.S. has grown considerably, with a 24% increase in Riesling purchases in food stores in the U.S.(1) In addition, imports of German wine to the U.S. have seen an increase of 28% over the last year.(2)

"We are thrilled to promote European Riesling on a new, larger scale that has never before been possible at this level," said Monika Reule, managing director of the German Wine Institute in Mainz, Germany. "We believe that the tradition and legacy of winemaking in Europe, in addition to the superior climate in which European Riesling grows, makes it a benchmark for Riesling around the globe. We feel it is crucial to communicate this message to wine lovers in the U.S."

The program will kick off with a "Destination Riesling" luncheon at the highly anticipated New York City restaurant, 154 South Gate, at the Jumeirah Essex House Hotel. The luncheon will highlight some of Europe's finest Riesling producers and vintages and feature pairings guided by sommelier Troy Weissman that express the breakthrough cuisine of Head Chef Kerry Heffernan.

Producers presenting wines are: Steffen Christmann of Weingut Christmann (Pfalz, Germany); Severine Schlumberger of Domaines Schlumberger (Alsace, France); Fritz Hasselbach of Weingut Gunderloch (Rheinhessen, Germany); Hannes Hirsch of Weingut Hirsch (Kamptal Kremstal, Austria); Christian Witte of Schloss Johannisberg (Rheingau, Germany); and Johannes Selbach of Weingut Selbach-Oster (Mosel, Germany).

European Riesling offers an extensive range of flavors and tastes, from bone dry to seductively rich and fruity, making it one of the most versatile and food-friendly varietals in the world. The "Destination Riesling" campaign will focus on highlighting the best-in-class differentiators of European Riesling and the unique terroirs of Germany, Austria and Alsace.

    Elements of the 2008 European Riesling program include:
    -- "Riesling & Co." Tour: Sit-down luncheons and tastings will be held in
       San Francisco (May 12th) and Chicago (May 13th); trade and consumer
       walk-around tastings will be held in New York City on May 15th.
    -- Presence at the Aspen Food & Wine Festival (June 2008).
    -- "Riesling Week" (June 2008): Restaurants in New York, Chicago, Las
       Vegas and San Francisco will offer by-the-glass Riesling choices, as
       well as pairings and other special promotions.  Tastings will also be
       held at selected retailers in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
    -- Advertising: The program will contain both on and offline advertising
       and a viral campaign.
    -- Press trips (September and June 2008): Trips will journey along the
       Riesling Route visiting key vineyards and winemakers.
    -- Food & Wine Pairing campaign: Wines of Germany and the EU will partner
       with retail stores in the U.S.  The campaign will offer seminars and
       tastings that will be open to the public.

"By bringing European Riesling to the forefront of the new marketing campaign, we believe that we will expose the varietally-oriented U.S. consumer to the wide versatility of Riesling and continue to build a strong following in the U.S. for the world-class wines that German and other European regions have to offer," added Monika Reule.

About Wines of Germany

Wines of Germany, formerly known as the German Wine Information Bureau, is the exclusive U.S. office of the Deutsches Weininstitut. Wines of Germany is focused on creating greater awareness to further enhance the image and increase sales of wine in the U.S. through educational and promotional activities. It is the primary information source on wines deriving from the 13 German wine growing regions for members of the wine trade, the media, and U.S. consumers. The promotional and educational efforts of Wines of Germany focus primarily on Riesling, the most famous German grape variety.

     Campaign financed with aid from the European Union.

    (1) The Gomberg-Fredrickson Report for September 2007, Volume 27, Number
        9, "Comments on Wine Shipment Trends Through September 2007," p. 5.
    (2) The Gomberg-Fredrickson Report for September 2007, Volume 27, Number
        9, "Imported Wine Shipments by Country of Origin," p. 24.


    Media Contact:

    Sherri Weiss Poall
    Wines of Germany
    212.994.7556
    sherri.poall@rfbinder.com