As part of its centennial celebration, the VDP Prädikatsweingüter has teamed up with more than 70 of Berlin’s most interesting, international art galeries for a tasting of members’ wines on 5 September 2010. For the first time in the history of the VDP, all 195 member estates will present their finest wines in conjunction with contemporary art. Both wine and art are on an equal footing at the event. Guests have the option of discovering “wine & art” on their own or by participating in one of the 200 guided tours conducted by specially selected art guides and sommeliers.

The colonnade of the old National Gallery on the “Museum Island” will serve as a central information and meeting point. Guests will be able to get an overview of when and where what’s happening and join group tours into the world of “wine & art” (advance reservations recommended; some last-minute tours will be offered). Throughout the afternoon between noon and 6:00 p.m., guests can either stroll or take one of the special shuttle busses from gallery to gallery. Alternatively, bicycles and rickshaws will be available at the colonnade. Last but not least, numerous sponsors will also be on hand at the central information and meeting point.  

“I’m very pleased that Germany’s 200 best wine estates have selected Berlin for their special centennial event,” says Klaus Wowereit, mayor of Berlin. “This is a wonderful addition to the city’s broad spectrum of events – for residents and visitors alike.”

According to Steffen Christmann of Weingut A. Christmann/Pfalz and current president of the VDP: “I find the combination of wine and art something quite special. Both ‘works of wine’ and ‘works of art’ are an expression of the personality of their creator. To truly appreciate either requires more than a simple sip or passing glance.”

“I was enthusiastic about this event from the first moment I heard about it and needed less than a second to agree to participate,” says Frank Lehmann of Galerie Gebr. Lehmann. “Both wine and art play a key role in my life and I’m thrilled that we’ll be able to combine the two in such a sensual manner.”

Advance tickets for “VDP Wein & Kunst Berlin” can be purchased at more than 1,200 eventim AG ticket offices or online via www.eventim.de at an early-bird price of €20,00 through June (€27,00 thereafter), plus the usual advance booking fee.

The Prädikat Wine Estates will celebrate its centennial in 2010 under the motto: “A Century of Fine Wines from Top Sites and Creative Vintners.” Since its founding in 1910, the VDP, the world’s oldest association of wine estates, has been committed to the correlation of producer/site/quality, a trinity that has helped set high standards in German wine culture. The 200 members will celebrate this special birthday with a blaze of activities in Germany and wherever else top German wines are at home.

The complete centennial program is on the VDP website (www.vdp.de) and will be updated on a regular basis.