Fräulein Quellgeflüster: Riesling is considered the "queen of grape varieties" - what makes it so special?
Annkathrin: Its unique interplay between acidity and fruity aromas - you won't find that in any other grape variety. The acidity also ensures that Riesling is a very long-lasting wine. With the right quality, it can mature for ten years without any problems.

Fräulein Quellgeflüster: Why does Riesling thrive particularly well here?
Annkathrin: Riesling loves chalky soils like we have here in the Rhine basin. It is also a big fan of cooler summers without extreme peaks. However, the now long dry periods and the heat are causing it a lot of trouble. If global warming continues to develop like this, it will be problematic for Riesling ...

Fräulein Quellgeflüster: How can you recognize a good Riesling?
Annkathrin: Quite simply - by the fact that it tastes good ;-) Given the variety, everyone should be able to find the right one for them. From dry to noble sweet, everything is possible. This is not the case with other grape varieties, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc - these are vinified dry.

Fräulein Quellgeflüster: Where is the best place to enjoy Riesling?
Annkathrin: At the "longest wine bar in the world", the Rheingau Wine Week (opens in a new tab) in Wiesbaden, you can taste it in all its diversity, "up and down" the Rheingau, so to speak. The wine stands along the Rhine are also very nice and are easily accessible by bike. The Biebrich wine stand between the Rhine and the castle, for example, offers a great backdrop.

It is also always worth stopping off at the small Rheingau wine taverns run by winegrowers. You can sit together over wine and small regional delicacies. New acquaintances are not excluded! Personally, I like the Keßler winery (opens in a new tab) in Oestrich-Winkel. You can enjoy Rheingau Riesling over the vineyards with a good meal. And another tip: the Wiesbaden wine calendar (opens in a new tab) is a great companion, where you can find all the events throughout the year!

Fräulein Quellgeflüster: How do you become a wine queen?
Annkathrin: At local level, you express your interest to the winegrowers or the reigning majesties. As a rule, you first become a princess to "get a taste" of the office. It can be intimidating at first to speak freely in front of lots of people - but you soon get used to it. You can then apply to become Rheingau Wine Queen. This is then a real election with a written test and an expert interview in front of a jury.

Fräulein Quellgeflüster: What appeals to you about being Wine Queen?
Annkathrin: I love bringing my home region closer to others and representing the entire region. The office has changed dramatically in recent years: We wine majesties are now taken seriously as experts. That makes me happy and proud! It's such a great office that gives me a lot in return: I've been able to get to know so many great personalities and have inspiring conversations. And I love seeing the children's eyes light up when they stand in front of the stage. The majority of us girls have stood at exactly this point. That gives me hope that the next generations of wine majesties are also assured!

Fräulein Quellgeflüster: How many wine majesties are there in the Rheingau?
Annkathrin: There are now over 50 of us, which is actually the highest density in Germany in relation to the size of the wine-growing region. We see ourselves as a "weekend family" - friendships are made for life. It's an office that connects, where you learn a lot about yourself and grow beyond yourself.

Fräulein Quellgeflüster: It was kind of predicted that you would one day become wine queen ...
Annkathrin: That's right! Even as a little girl, I was on stage at the coronations in my home town and held the crown cushion. A friend who was Wiesbaden's wine queen once put the crown on my head on Shrove Tuesday and told me that I would become wine queen one day. However, I would never have dreamed that I would be in office for so long - nine years now! One year as Kostheim Wine Princess, four years as Kostheim Wine Queen and now four years as Wiesbaden Wine Queen. A wonderful time, without which I would certainly not have become the person I am today.