Interesting People

Meet Manuel – Our Pfalz Expert

06 May, 2015

Our Pflaz wine expert is Manuel Bretschi. He is the Head of Education at the German Wine Institute. He was a sommelier at Restaurant Vila Vita Rosenpark, Restaurant Aubergine in Cape Town and a Finalist at the Sommelier Cup 2010/2011. He studied International Wine Business at Geisenheim University.

GET TO KNOW MANUEL

When did you discover your passion for wine?

I found my passion for wine when I began studying Industrial engineering. I was interested in the huge variety found – every wine tastes different – as well as the science behind wine and food pairing. During a trip around the world I visited many different wine estates and got a lot of experience of new world wines.

What are your key highlights of the Pfalz wine region?

A key highlight of the Pflaz wine region is that some of the best Riesling wines in the world come from the Pfalz. There is a special kind of volcanic soil named basalt. The Riesling wines are full bodied with a lot of exotic flavours with high aging potential.

When are the best times to visit the Pfalz wine region?

Actually the best time for visiting is difficult to say. In spring it is great to see all the flowering almond trees, which is very beautiful. In summer and autumn every week there is a wine festival there. The people are very friendly, open-minded and they like wine and food. In winter there are many Christmas markets.

What is a traditional local wine and food pairing dish?

One of the most famous dish is called “Pfälzer Saumagen”. It is a sausage with potato and spices. It goes very well with classic riesling.

Finally, what would be your top 3 tips for the keen wine traveller when visiting your region?

  • Go to see the biggest wine barrel in the world in Bad Dürkheim! 
  • The wine village Deidesheim is unmissable.
  • Be sure to research which wine festivals are on before you go.

JOIN MANUEL’S PFALZ WINE TOUR

 Discover Pfalz with Manuel with his full day Pfalz wine tour during which you’ll visit some of the most famous Riesling vineyards and learn all about German wine.


    READ MANUEL’S PFALZ TRAVEL GUIDE

    Manuel is so passionate about Pfalz, so make sure you read his brilliant (and free!) Travel Guide.

     Get Your Travel Guide!

    Join our mailing list to stay up to date on our top travel tips and giveaways