Details

In addition to the numerous international initiatives that have been reported here, the DWI’s 15 „Wines of Germany“ (WoG) agencies abroad also initiated their own donation programs to aid the winemakers affected by the catastrophe. The global WoG agencies reported their action in many social media channels e.g. instagram besides others.

Russia: Generous sign of solidarity

#WeAhrTogether was the hashtag of the Russian Wines of Germany (WoG) agency’s successful charity initiative. In a touching display of solidarity that multiplied through diverse social media activities, the WoG-team brought together more than 60 importers and sommeliers from different Russian cities to produce a common video. They also organized charity tastings in wine schools, e.g. at Fort, Millesime, together with the St. Petersburg Sommelier Association, the Moscow Sommelier Association and several restaurants. The money raised from each event was transferred to the Ahr’s donation account that has been created by DWI to pool all resources. They also held a successful charity tasting and auction in their own Moscow office that raised 2.400 euros, helped by contributions from renowned fine dining restaurants like “Savva” and “Grand Cru.”

The Netherlands: Charity tastings and auctions

Dutch wine merchants and winemakers also expressed their solidarity through involvement in a charity tasting and auction to benefit vintners of the Ahr Valley. The total donation raised from several events promoted by the Dutch Wines of Germany bureau (Duitse wijn), contributed a substantial five-digit amount for the cause. The voluntary activities included a charity tasting in the premises of the Dutch wine merchant Karakter Wijnimport in Amsterdam, which was attended by 120 guests and supported by numerous Dutch merchants (German language report about this campaign).

United Kingdom: The World's Best Vineyards Event

The UK office is promoting an online auction that coincides with the announcement of 'The World's Best Vineyards' which will be held at Schloss Johannisberg in the Rhine Valley, Germany. On September 20th, the organizer William Reed Business Media realises this outstanding event whose benefits will be donated to the wineries of the Ahr. Find John Downes (MW) respective call to action here.

Swedes arrange fundraising events

The Swedish WoG agency arranged a fundraising event for the Ahr together with the restaurant E&G - the leading German winebar&restaurant in Sweden. On August 31st, the E&G-Team opened up the restaurant - a day when they are normally closed. Guests paid the usual prices for food and wine and the restaurant gave everything above their costs to the donation account (see account details here). On top of that, WoG Sweden contributed an additional 500 Euros from their budget in order to backup local volunteers in the Ahr region.

Wines of Germany Japan raised awareness

The WoG-Team in Japan opened up an individual donation account to raise money and kept on informing their wine scene about the assistence work being done in the Ahr region. Reposts of stories of the devastation received from the Ahr, numerous posts with the hashtag #SolidAHRity and other social media activities helped to raise awareness for the plight of Germany's badly hit Ahr valley and its' renowned pinot noir producers.

Chinese winelovers empathise with the injured parties

The Wines of Germany office in China reports that business friends and wine lovers alike empathise with the affected parties of the Ahr region. Besides the official statements published by WoG China on WeChat and winesofgermany.com.cn , the leading media outlets, including www.sina.com , www.sohu.com , www.baidu.com , www.winesinfo.com , Vinehoo, Yunjiu, Winecon, etc, have reported on the severe situation in the Ahr, which have also drawn great attention on social media. WoG hosted charity sales during Riesling Weeks' consumer activities and income received from ticket sales to the Summer of Riesling consumer parties were donated to the Ahr. Jeuce Huang, Mateus Wu from the WoG China team, as well as several Chinese wine importers also made personal donations in addition to this.

International Media Coverage

Drinks Business e-newsletter: See why Germany's Ahr wine region needs our help - The Drinks Business
 Pictures: flood disaster devastates wine producers in Ahr Valley - The Drinks Business
Harpers Wine and Spirits: Germany calls for aid following extreme floods - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News