Greek-German wine network
The financial crisis that is currently such a large threat to Greece and to the whole of the European Union has unfortunately seen many ripple effects. These last days and weeks have badly strained the relationship between the people of Greece and Germany. Emotions are running high on both sides, and the friendly relationship that has guided these two countries over many years is severely put to the test.
I have received many calls for action by making a statement on this blog. I will answer those calls today in a different way than many might have expected. As a German living in Greece who promotes Greek wines abroad – with a focus on the German market – I wish to offer help in a constructive way.
One of my key contacts in Germany is without any doubt Dirk Würtz. He is winemaker from Rheinhessen, and a key player in the social networking scene. I write articles about Greek wines on his blog on a regular basis, and we have teamed up for a number of wine events. Dirk did not know Greek wines before we met, but over a period of a few months he caught the bug. I have received his full support, and I am immensely grateful for this.
We have decided to announce a new project today – the launch of a Greek-German wine network. As of today, the wine estates of Dirk Würtz and Manousakis in Crete are officially twinned. Both wineries will offer wines of their partner, present the partner’s wines at trade shows, and help to explore new markets in their respective home countries. In addition they will organise events in both countries and exchange information.
Every wine estate can participate in this new network. We will find the best partner in Germany for any Greek wine estate is interested in joining this network. We are planning to organise a large event in summer to celebrate this new exciting wine networking partnership between our two countries.
Good luck with your new Wine Network! Thinking creatively about business is the best solution in hard times. I have no doubt you will be very successful and so very excited for you!
That is a fantastic idea! Hopefully it will go some way to calming emotions on both sides as both countries have had (up till now) a very good relationship after the Second World War, with millions of German tourists coming to Greece as well as the large Greek communities that came to Germany as Gastarbeiter and now contribute so much to German life. It is a shame that tabloids often guide opinion or are falsely seen as representative of a nation’s views. I am ashamed that Greeks believe whatever Bild says is what the majority of Germans feel, that is like saying that whatever Espresso or other Greek tabloids say are representative of what most Greeks feel. Good luck!
Viviane, thank you so much for your kind words. I believe the idea of starting such a wine network has merit and it is important to show unity in troubled times.
I could not agree more with your statement that the tabloids are not a representative of a nation’s view. The Bild articles have actually led to an outcry by many other journalists. The creation of a network between Greek and German wineries will be beneficial for the promotion of the respective wines. German wines are very underrepresented in Greece, and it can only be seen as a great opportunity for Greek wineries if there German partners include these wines in their presentations. I am very excited by this project!
This is a great initiative Markus! You are right, German wines are underrepresented in Greece. I’ll be looking forward to hearing more about this and to participate in any tastings!
Good idea Markus.
Here in New York, wineries in a couple of the regions in the state are doing the same thing to promote their products. They call it “sister wineries” or something like that.