my Experience at proWein dusseldorf: where the wine world meets
ProWein – What is this all about?
That was my first thought when our professor, Steven Charters MW, announced that we will be attending as a class. At the time, we were studying in Dijon, France, nearing the end of our academic year in July. I had already found myself in some pretty special places, vineyards across Italy, England, France, and beyond but this one felt different. ProWein, held in Düsseldorf, Germany, was the world stage of wine. For me, a Tongan from New Zealand studying in Burgundy, this was more than a field trip, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the global wine world gathered under one roof. And any excuse to step outside France for a new adventure? Absolutely fantastic.
Walking into ProWein 2018 felt like running into a packed Eden Park, my heart was racing with excitement, but this was the global wine scene. Over 6,700 exhibitors from 61 countries representing about 300 wine regions lined the halls. It wasn’t just a tasting event, it was a masterclass on a global scale. More than 500 sessions filled the schedule, from guided tastings and seminars to live discussions at the buzzing ProWein forums. Each stand told its own story, whether it was Champagne and sparkling wines, craft spirits, organic and biodynamic producers, or even beer innovators pushing boundaries. There were deep dives into topics like maturation, food and wine pairings, and even the finer details of marketing and logistics because wine is not just about what’s in the glass, it’s about the journey behind it. As The Wine Chief, I couldn’t have asked for a better classroom, every sip and conversation was a new lesson in how truly diverse, dynamic, and connected our wine world really is.
What I was most looking forward to at ProWein 2018 was visiting the New Zealand area. Don’t forget, I have been living in France for over ten years, so seeing that familiar silver fern flag and hearing the Kiwi accent in the middle of Düsseldorf was already special. I knew I’d be heading back home for good in five months, so this was more than just a tasting stop, it was networking with purpose. Naturally, I made a side step straight for the New Zealand stands.
I sat in on a masterclass hosted by Jamie Goode a wine author I had gain interest in, diving into how Sauvignon Blanc found its spiritual home in Marlborough. We tasted six wines from the region, and my first impression hit instantly the purity, the zesty acidity, and those fruit driven notes of white peach, green apple, and passionfruit. It was downright yummy, and I couldn’t wait to explore more.
That evening, I was invited to dinner with the New Zealand Winegrowers Association an incredible opportunity to meet so many passionate people from home shaping our wine story abroad. The highlight for me was meeting Philip Gregan, CEO of NZ Winegrowers, who was pleasantly surprised to discover I was a Tongan from New Zealand studying in Burgundy. He was down-to-earth and genuinely encouraging. To top it off, I ran into an old rugby mate, Eugene Beneke. After a few vinos, a lot of laughs, and some great conversation, it was a perfect Kiwi night in Germany.
If you love wine, ProWein is the place to be. Three days surrounded by the world’s best producers, tasting beautiful wines, and hearing the stories behind them, it’s an experience every wine lover should have at least once. Even with all that time, I barely scratched the surface of the 60-plus countries represented, but what I did taste left a lasting impression. My highlight? A stunning Grüner Veltliner from the south of Austria, where the Mediterranean influenced climate brings out this perfect harmony between lively acidity and pure fruit. The subtle pepper note that rounded off the palate was unforgettable, and the length of flavour lingered long after the glass was empty. It wasn’t just a tasting it was an experience that reminded me why I fell in love with wine in the first place.
Looking back, I can honestly say I was one lucky guy. To walk through those endless halls, tasting wines from every corner of the world, and meeting people who live and breathe what they pour, it was mind blowing. The world of wine is a beast! vast, complex, and endlessly inspiring. ProWein reminded me that no matter how much you think you know about wine, there’s always more to discover, more to taste, more to learn. If you ever get the chance to experience it for yourself, go. You never know who you will meet, what stories you will uncover, or which glass will completely change the way you see wine. As your Wine Chief, trust me on this one, ProWein is not just an event, it is an adventure in flavour, culture, and connection.
Malo ‘aupito