It's Wednesday, February 14, 2024, I'm back from pruning the vines and actually want to take my lunch break. But before lunch, I think to myself, I quickly check my emails. So I sit down on my office chair, open my inbox and find the following message, which I can't make sense of at first glance:
Dear Sven Hohl
I am writing to you on the basis of our current Falstaff voting "The most popular young winegrowers" and would like to congratulate you: You have made it into our top 6 after the nomination phase. You are also welcome to share the link online with your community. Voting runs until February 22.
Wait a minute, these days you have to be careful about the sender and content of an email. Especially when you are told that you have achieved or won something. But on closer inspection of this message, I realize that it comes directly from the office of the well-known trade magazine
Falstaff. The portal is known for its
wine reviews, culinary and travel topics. Wow, what a joy!
More young female winemakers nominated than young male winemakers
After lunch, I send some voting links to friends and family. I also post the voting link on our social media channels. Then the waiting starts - and with it the carousel of thoughts. How will I fare alongside all these prominent young winemakers who have also been nominated? Yes, young female winemakers! Four of the six nominees are women. A good sign - the
wine industry is becoming more female. That's good - after all, it's taste that counts, not gender.
Message from falstaff: "Um, I voted"
February 22: Falstaff voting is closed. February 23: We do what we do best - we stand in the vines (and work). 11:30 am: My cell phone vibrates. Seconds later, I'm stunned. My parents ask what's going on. "Um, I've won..." I stammer, completely perplexed. I'm used to shouts of joy from my mother (shh, don't tell my mother). But cheers from my father? That comes as a surprise...
It's an incredible honor for me to hold the title of
"Switzerland's Most Popular Young Winemaker 2024". And I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. I would also like to thank the whole Rebhalde team, especially my parents. "We" are Young Winemaker of the Year!
And perhaps I can also give you, dear readers, something to take away with you. The local
wine industry has become extremely diverse and there is a lot going on in these exciting times. For example, there are many young and talented winemakers in this country. Women and men, some of whom are breaking new ground and creating interesting wines. Fresh wines that are worth trying. Have fun discovering them.
Switzerland
