Recap VDP.Weinbörse 2025

Fulfilled, inspired, and full of gratitude, we look back on

two intense days at the 2025 VDP.Weinbörse.

What a weekend! The conversations are still echoing in our ears, the encounters and discoveries still resonating within us – the 2025 VDP.Weinbörse concluded yesterday, and it was far more than just a trade fair: it was a vibrant expression of our shared passion for site-driven fine wines from Germany – and a strong sign of confidence in challenging times for the wine industry.

The festive kick-off on Saturday evening set the tone: invited guests, outstanding sparkling wines, and rare bottles from the VDP.Estates left no doubt that this fair would be held under the banner of excellence.

More than 3,500 trade visitors took the opportunity to taste the new vintages from 189 VDP.Estates, network, and engage in conversations about developments in the regions. The continued rise in international attendance was just as striking as the sense of optimism with which many guests left the event.

Once again, the VDP.Weinbörse confirmed its role as the most important international trade fair for German fine wine.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the next VDP.Weinbörse on April 26 and 27, 2026 – and to everything that will take shape, grow, and mature until then.

The official opening on Sunday morning began with a welcome address from Nino Haase, Mayor of Mainz, and culminated in a remarkable keynote speech by VDP.President Steffen Christmann. Drawing a wide cultural-historical arc – from the monastery of Eberbach to recent Harvard studies – he emphasized:
“We do not enjoy wine because it is healthy – although, precisely this enjoyment may well be.”

Wine, he continued, is a cultural asset – a source of joy, exchange, and inspiration, not a consumer good under suspicion. Enjoyment, Christmann argued, is part of a lifestyle that fosters both vitality and longevity.

“Tasting wines is like browsing a great library – familiar, yet always full of new discoveries,” was his striking metaphor. At the same time, he stressed that the association takes its responsibility for mindful alcohol consumption very seriously, while calling for a more differentiated debate – one that also considers the cultural and social value of moderate wine enjoyment.

A deeply emotional highlight followed with the presentation of the VDP.Silver Badge of Honor.
Hansjörg Rebholz (VDP.Estate Ökonomierat Rebholz, Pfalz) and Joachim Heger (VDP.Estate Dr. Heger, Baden) were honored for their decades of voluntary service to the VDP – in the presidium, federal executive board, and various working groups – and for their commitment to origin, quality, and the common good.

In a stirring tribute, long-time colleague and friend Paul Fürst (VDP.Estate Rudolf Fürst) praised the two honorees by referencing wine reviews – which, as it turned out, captured their personalities with surprising precision:
Hansjörg Rebholz stands for uncompromising fidelity to origin, with a signature style defined by depth, drive, and precision. His wines – and his personal conduct – are marked by consistency, character, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Joachim Heger, by contrast, impresses with generosity of thought and action, his deep commitment to the VDP community, and a style that combines intellect, individuality, and emotional accessibility – both in wine and in life.

In addition, Marc Adeneuer (VDP.Estate J.J. Adeneuer, Ahr) and Jochen Becker-Köhn (VDP.Estate Robert Weil, Rheingau) were awarded the facsimile of the original 1910 VDP.Grape Eagle – in recognition of their long-standing and formative contributions to the regional VDP boards as well as their work in the VDP's Marketing Working Group.

The coveted award – the brass plaque bearing the VDP.Eagle, which only restaurants and wine venues with outstanding wine lists may display – was presented seven times during the opening ceremony this year.
The “Ausgezeichnetes Weinkonzept”, a joint initiative of the VDP and meiningers sommelier, went to exceptional sommeliers who bring wines to life with expertise, integrity, and genuine hospitality.

In addition, the VDP.Nachwuchspreis honored five young talents whose projects demonstrate how committed the next generation is to shaping the future of winegrowing – whether through the preservation of dry stone walls, permaculture in top vineyards, or social inclusion within the daily life of a wine estate.

Over the course of both days, 189 of the 202 VDP.Estates presented their latest vintages – including, for the first time, the 2024s, which were eagerly awaited and enthusiastically received.

More than 3,500 trade visitors from 28 countries came to Mainz to gain insights into regional developments, experience the unique styles of the estates, and exchange ideas with colleagues from trade, gastronomy, and the media.

Media interest was strong: Numerous – including international – wine journalists, experts, and opinion leaders followed the VDP.Weinbörse closely with reports, interviews, and in-depth background coverage.

The Masterclasses shed light on various facets of excellence within the VDP.Estates – insightful, nuanced, and led by top experts.

Caro Maurer MW provided a comprehensive introduction to the VDP.Classification system, brought to life through a tasting that covered the entire pyramid – from VDP.GUTSWEIN to the pinnacle: VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. In addition to illustrating quality and origin, she also conveyed the key facts about the association itself – compact, precise, and well-founded.

Sascha Speicher (meiningers sommelier) presented a Masterclass featuring eight outstanding Pinot Noirs from VDP.Estates – Meyer-Näkel, Schnaitmann, Krone Assmannshausen, Gutzler, Rings, Jülg, Rudolf Fürst, and Salwey – demonstrating the stylistic diversity and regional character of German Pinot. The takeaway: there is no single "German style" – but there is a remarkably high standard that stands strong on the international stage.

Mike Best MW, together with VDP.Sekt producers from Schlossgut Diel, Weingut Aldinger, Weingut Schloss Sommerhausen, and Sektgut Barth, explored the question: Where does German Sekt stand today? From an international perspective, the answer was clear: German Sekt has reached parity with the world's best sparkling wines – thanks to its precision, depth, and sense of place.

Finally, Nancy Großmann (Grill Royal, Berlin) and Marie-Helen Krebs (Ikigai, Schloss Elmau) showcased mature Rieslings from 2023 (VDP.Estate Dönnhoff), 2015 (VDP.Estate Gunderloch), and 2009 (VDP.Estate Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken) – a powerful demonstration of the aging potential of Germany’s finest wines. At the heart of the session was a comparison of dry versus fruity Rieslings in maturity, with a clear conclusion: Great wines need time – and reward patience with depth, minerality, and remarkable expression even after more than a decade.

VDP.President Steffen Christmann summed it up perfectly: “The Weinbörse is, and remains, by far the best event we take part in. No other fair attracts such a large and precisely targeted audience. It was heartening to experience the consistently positive atmosphere – especially in these unsettled times.”

Theresa Olkus, Managing Director of the VDP, added: “The debut of the 2024 vintage was convincing – both nationally and internationally. We are thrilled by the response and full of anticipation for what lies ahead.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all supporters, helpers, and partners – and especially to our guests, who share our passion for handcrafted wines with a clear sense of origin.

We look forward to welcoming you to the next VDP.Weinbörse on April 26 and 27, 2026.