ALONE YOU ARE STRONG, TOGETHER YOU ARE UNBEATABLE.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AS A MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF MOSELLAND EG?

In particular I see the challenges in successfully positioning of Moselland eG in the constantly changing sales markets while maintaining and further expanding its competitiveness. In doing so, it is crucial to motivate employees, promote innovation and increase efficiency while remaining true to the cooperative values and sustainability.

WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT THE WORLD OF WINE?

Discovering the enormous diversity of wine-growing countries and wine-growing regions inspires me. Each region stands for its individual grape varieties, terroirs and unique wine-growing culture. My travels to national and international wine-growing regions have sharpened my eye for the beauty of our wine culture. It gives me pleasure to be able to share this experience with others.

CONTROLLER AND BOARD MEMBER? A DRY JOB, ISN’T IT?

On the contrary. Analysing the figures provides information about the development of the company as a whole – and what could be more exciting than knowing and working on them? As a board member, you have to keep an eye on the whole multi-layered company with its processes and human interdependencies. Every day unfolds new tasks in store.

PREFER RED OR WHITE WINE?

As a Mosel native, I grew up with Riesling, which I still appreciate. But it’s just as important for me to look beyond my own nose, because there are great wines to discover in all wine-growing regions of the world – red, white and rosé.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE MOSELLAND?

Inventive – persevering – down-to-earth

IN A NUTSHELL, WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU IN SALES?

Above-average customer satisfaction in harmony with economic feasibility.

YOUR MOTTO?

What you do, do completely, because there is no glory in half-measures!

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT WORKING IN THE WINE INDUSTRY?

Wine is a natural product that depends on many factors. Due to the different conditions every year, no two vintages are the same, which makes it always exciting and challenging. In the medium term, much better conditions must be created for winegrowers in order to preserve German wine culture.

HOW MANY LANGUAGES DOES AN EXPORT MANAGER NEED TO SPEAK?

You can get by very well in the global markets with English. This applies to commercial negotiations as well as commenting on the wines themselves.

GERMAN OR INTERNATIONAL CUISINE?

When you travel extensively internationally, you get to know the diversity of food around the world. Delicious sushi in Japan, a juicy burger in the USA or bitterballen in the Netherlands. Everything is fun. Of course, our home country also has a lot to offer with regional products.

DO YOU PREFER HOLIDAYS IN GERMANY OR ABROAD?

I go on holiday with my family wherever we feel comfortable. Wellness in Tyrol, sunbathing on Mallorca, a short trip to the Palatinate or to Zeeland in the Netherlands. Everything is possible!

FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH WINE?

My love of wine was practically born in my cradle. I come from a traditional wine family on the Ruwer and have thus experienced the profession of winemaker from an early age!

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT QUALITIES ARE NEEDED IN MARKETING?

It’s a combination of sociability, openness to new things, a flair for design, being able to put yourself in the customer’s shoes, working with determination and thinking outside the box. At the same time, you should never forget the work and effort that goes into our wines.

PREFER WHITE OR RED WINE?

If I have to decide: White wine! I simply feel obliged to my homeland! Nevertheless, it is precisely the enormous diversity that makes wine tasting so interesting. In general, I am open to all discoveries!

DRY OR SWEET?

From dry to sweet, with red wines I like to stay in the dry range, but with white wines, especially in the summer months, I also like to go for something more delicate and sweet.

HOW MUCH CHARACTER IS THERE IN WINE?

For me, character means that the wine reflects its origin through its smell and taste.

WHAT DO YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

The diversity and working with a natural product. In addition to winemaking, my activity also includes blending the wines with our team and customers. In winemaking, every vintage brings new challenges.

TECHNOLOGY OR NATURE?

Technology, you can control it.

E-MAIL OR MEETING?

Meeting. The reactions of some colleagues come across better in-person rather than by e-mail.

YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE AT MOSELLAND?

There is no special one. But the view from the visitors’ walkway into the cellar is something special.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT BEING A WINEMAKER?

The incredible variety of challenges and techniques, both in growing the grapes and in making the wine. The involvement with facilities that have been in production for almost a generation and provide us with a wonderfully cultural and enjoyable beverage.

PREFER DESK OR VINEYARD?

Definitely prefer the vineyard. Only outdoors do I get the immediate feel for how a vintage develops and at the same time I can exchange ideas with our members directly on site.

FAVOURITE SEASON IN THE VINEYARD?

Definitely autumn, when you can actually judge the quality of the grapes just before the harvest. This is the highlight of the wine year and everyone is excited to see the result and at the same time relieved to have made it this far.

A PASSIONATE BUYER?

As a buyer at Moselland, you should not be afraid of numbers and have a passion for wine. I especially appreciate the cooperation with my team. It makes every day work much easier when you can work with motivated people and the fun doesn’t fall by the wayside in the end.

ARE YOU A PENNY-PINCHER?

As a buyer, you are responsible for finding the best quality for all necessary materials, but always staying within the budget.

YOUR BALANCE TO THE STRESS OF THE JOB?

Hiking is my balance to the job. Put on hiking boots, pack some provisions and then just enjoy the beautiful hiking trails along the Mosel and completely switch off.

DEFINE QUALITY?

Quality is the compliance of a product within set requirements. Our goal is to deliver high quality wines that meet the expectations of our customers.

IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT IT IS IMPORTANT…

…to be very precise, to work in a targeted manner and not to let up until all specifications have been met. Product safety has the highest priority.

THE MOST EXCITING THING ABOUT YOUR JOB…

…is the varied and interesting range of tasks. Always facing new challenges and gaining deep insights into the value-adding areas of the company.