VDP promotion of young talents for vintners with talent and passion enters the fifth round

27 February 2013 - Prädikatsweingüter Pfalz stellen die "VDP.SpitzenTalente" 2013 vorstellen On one hand you can already count the generations of "top talent" that the
On one hand you can already count the generations of "top talent" that the VDP.Pfalz has taken under its wing for a limited time with wide-ranging practical support, good advice and diverse presentation opportunities - a small reason to celebrate and kick off the next round: the talent promotion program, which was launched by the VDP Pfalz in 2003, aims to support the qualitative development of viticulture in the Palatinate and thus ensure positive developments in the field of talented young talents. The 26 VDP wine estates in the Palatinate are not only concerned about their own young members in the context of the succession of generations, but they also want to demonstrate a piece of responsibility for the future with this initiative, which is unique in Germany. "We attach great importance to learning from each other. Of course, our VDP top wineries, which are considered to be successful, dynamic and creative, have a wealth of experience to pass on, but youthful, professional curiosity is also an incentive for "old hands" to continue and further develop."Training has always been very important in VDP estates, so all Palatinate VDP wine estates are, of course, also training companies and every year they release highly qualified and motivated young winemakers into the wide world of wine. In addition, there is the perhaps typical Palatinate mentality of not keeping experience and knowledge to oneself, but to gladly pass it on to colleagues and the next generation. Aware of the fact that there is a large potential of well-trained successors in the Palatinate, the talent program was created. These young talents often have their hands tied at home due to the operational requirements or existing customer structures to put their own ideas and goals into practice on the way to higher quality. This is where the talent development program provides impetus and support.

Expectations and requirements for the "VDP.Top Talents"

• At the time of admission to the program, candidates must not be older than 35 years.
• The "Young Talents" must have already worked for several years in their own or their parents' winery. Their positive impact on wine quality is reflected in awards, accolades, etc.
• Applicants must express interest in being accepted into the program.
• Before the vote in the general meeting, two colleagues of the VDP Pfalz examine the operation to get an impression of the winery and the person.
• At the general meeting, these colleagues give their opinion and evaluation before the admission is voted.
• After acceptance into the program, the "Jungen Talente" are over a limited period of 5 years at all important events, the VDP Pfalz thereby
• The winery must manage its entire area according to the guidelines of environmentally friendly viticulture.
• The "Young Talent" participates with a precisely defined sub-area of the farm of at least 3 ha in the program.
• On this area, all provisions that apply to the operations of the VDP Palatinate are to be observed. For example, only VDP recommended grape varieties are allowed and the yield of 75 hl/ha may not be exceeded in any case.

The VDP Palatinate offers the young colleagues for five years a very attractive platform to present and compare with the VDP members together. Many new contacts open up opportunities to achieve the desired goal faster and more successfully. But also the cooperation and the exchange of experience or ideas between the generations of vintners brings everyone further. Because just as not every generation has to "reinvent the wheel", standing still in the pursuit of the highest quality and in the best terroirs would also mean a step backwards. The first six vintners of the "Young Talents Generation" made their debut at the Weinkost in May 2003. The group included names that have already attracted a lot of public attention as well as real new discoveries. So far, only Philipp Kuhn from Laumersheim (2008) and last year Boris Kranz from Ilbesheim made the leap into the VDP, which is by no means a matter of course. Today, Philipp Kuhn, as a member of the board, is an understanding link between the association and the new generation.

The current "Young Talents" of the VDP Pfalz
Markus Spindler from the Heinrich Spindler winery (2011)
Alexander Pflüger from the Pflüger winery (2011)
Frank Ackermann from Weingut Ackermann (2011)
Andreas Porzelt from Weingut Porzelt (2011)

New to the list are :
Stephan Schwedhelm from the Klosterhof winery (2013)
Jürgen Krebs from the Krebs winery (2013)
Philipp Kiefer from the wine and sparkling wine house Aloisiushof (2013)
Andreas Meyer from the winery Karl-Heinz and Andreas Meyer (2013)

"We do not make it easy for ourselves with the selection of the ?Young talents` not easy", Hansjörg Rebholz explains. Since the idea was born, the club is always probing the young talent in the region. The SLFA Neustadt and Hans-Günther Schwarz, who has a good overview of the "young scene" due to his many years of intensive work as a trainer, are on hand with neutral advice. The VDP Palatinate attaches particular importance to talent and passion, two characteristics that distinguish all "Young Talents". A completely new feature this year is that the top talents will go on a pleasure "tour" through Germany. Together with friendly wineries and restaurateurs, the eight wineries will show all their skills and wine diversity at kitchen parties, tastings and flying menus.
VDP. Die Prädikatsweingüter
Press and Public Relations
In the wine warehouse building Zollhafen, Taunusstr. 61
Tel. 06131-94565-14 - Fax 06131-94565-10 www.vdp.de