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The "Erste Ostfriesische Winzergenossenschaft eG" was founded in Berlin a few days ago. The aim of the responsible persons is to cultivate high-quality white wine between Ems and Jadebusen. "Climate change and the adaptation of the wine law make it possible" says Torsten Oltmanns, the initiator of the idea. The management consultant and professor of economics, who was born in Bremen and grew up in East Frisia, emphasises: "We have examined the conditions intensively - East Frisia has what it takes to become Germany's new wine-growing region."
"We are already looking for suitable plots of land", says Laura-Sophie Grunert, who prepared the project "Wine for East Frisia", "Now is the right time for the foundation". A maximum of 99 members with sympathy for the region and interest in viticulture will join together in the cooperative. The responsibility for the quality of Northwest German wine will be taken over by the Rhine-Hessian Geisenheim graduate and winemaker Angelina Schmücker. The former wine princess says: "I am looking forward to bringing Rhineland wine culture to East Frisia."
The initial aim is to plant the early-ripening and resistant grape variety Solaris, which is already growing on Sylt, on one hectare. Oltmann and his colleagues plan to produce around 8,000 bottles of wine a year. A later expansion is possible.
Up to 300 hectares of new vineyards can be planted in Germany by 2020. Each German state is entitled to at least 5 hectares, but only if there are applications.
(uka / Photo: obs - First OWG)