April 10, 2023 – Skurnik Wine & Spirits and The German Wine Collection (The GWC), leading German wine importers in the United States, announced today that they are joining forces to promote the German & Austrian wine categories at the top level. This, first of its kind, tasting tour will feature over 45 Growers, hosting tasting events in 17 cities nationwide.
“Partnering with The German Wine Collection in New York and California for a series of trade tastings and seminars is an unprecedented opportunity. We share the same goals: promoting and introducing excellent wines from German-speaking countries to our American audience. The GWC’s stellar group of German growers complements the wonderful German and Austrian growers represented by Skurnik Wines & Spirits. This is a great occasion for our customers to taste and learn about the very best wines from Germany and Austria, all in one place,” says Gabe Clary, German, Austrian, and Champagne Portfolio Director for Skurnik Wines & Spirits.
Kicking off the new initiative, the two importers will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Verband Deutscher Prädikats und Qualitätsweingüter (VDP) Grosses Gewächs (GGs) in New York City and Los Angeles. They will present wines from every single vintage of the last 20 years from their top growers as part of the event series.
The GGs represent the pinnacle of German wine, as they encompass the best dry wines from top sites of the VDP members. It has been 20 years since the introduction of the GGs as the Grand Cru equivalents of Germany. While the category still flies under the radar in the U.S., it has garnered only the best scores and awards from top critics and publications worldwide.
“Gabe and I have realized that instead of hosting competing events, with a common interest and passion in promoting this niche category, we are stronger together. With this next generation, we feel a responsibility to create a better understanding and appreciation for these stellar growers,” says Jenna Fields, President of The GWC.
In addition to German wine, a group of prestigious Austrian producers will be touring—launching a German and Austrian wine voyage across America. Some participants include Dönnhoff, Eva Fricke, Rebholz, Schäfer-Frohlich, Bründlmayer, Wirsching, Georg Breuer, Schlossgut Diel, Karthäuserhof, Nikolaihof, Bernhard Ott, Schloss Gobelsburg and dozens more.
Joint promotion of the portfolios will start with a series of events all over the U.S. between June 20th-28th, 2023, and showcase the top wines from Germany and Austria. “Save the Dates” and official invitations to follow.
