A Journey of Passion – Looking Back and Ahead

It was my esteemed colleague, Rudolf Knoll, who encouraged me in 2012 to apply for active membership in Weinfeder e.V. Back then, as now, I was heavily engaged in my professional duties. In January 2008, I founded and subsequently managed the first German-English online wine magazine guided by journalistic principles, a project that demanded my full attention. Month after month, I wrote twenty wine articles—how was I supposed to find the time to dedicate myself properly to Weinfeder? Moreover, my work was closely tied to social media, with my more than 4,000 subscribers already expecting regular content. But my colleague Rudi, who had been supporting me as a co-author for my online magazine since 2009, sparked my curiosity.

A closer look revealed that Weinfeder was more than just an association of professional wine journalists—it had its own medium, the Weinfeder Journal. Originally a newsletter at the association’s founding in 2003, it still existed in 2012, albeit as a rather simple Word document, neither editorially refined nor visually polished. Yet, I quickly recognized its potential. As the managing director of a publishing subsidiary, I was accustomed to leading editorial projects and producing magazines for clients. I had both the software and hardware for professional layout work, and my years of experience in producing print-ready publications had honed my skills.

Almost inevitably, a connection formed: the Weinfeder Journal and my expertise in overseeing journalistic media came together. With issue No. 35, I took over the editorial leadership and production of the journal in the spring of 2012—an endeavor that continues to bring me great joy to this day. The collaboration with our dedicated colleagues and guest authors is particularly rewarding. A special thanks goes to Dr. Christa Hanten, also a Weinfeder member, who took over proofreading in the mid-2010s. Together, we have achieved a level of quality that can stand alongside established wine magazines.

Despite all our enthusiasm, there is one challenge we should address: fostering a new generation of wine journalists. Our members are experienced experts with deep industry insights and excellent connections in the wine world. However, what we could improve upon is attracting young, dedicated colleagues who want to test or develop their journalistic skills. Sure, social media is fast-paced and entertaining—but well-researched stories are like a fine wine or a captivating book: both require time, depth, and care. As Weinfeder e.V., we offer young talents a platform, access to our network, and a readership of over 5,000 subscribers who eagerly anticipate our quarterly 90-page magazine. Our contributions reach not only wine enthusiasts but also key players in the wine industry—the who’s who of the German-speaking wine scene.

Dear readers, at the end of February, the 75th edition of the Weinfeder Journal was published. As always, I hope you enjoy reading it. If you have any questions, suggestions, or constructive criticism, I am happy to hear from you. Let’s continue the dialogue—and make the most of the reports and features from our authors to expand your wine knowledge.

Read the Weinfeder Journal as an e-journal or download it as a PDF: edition in German only

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