We’re thrilled to kick off Season 2 of Grape Masters with a story of partnership, passion, and innovation. In this inaugural episode, we delve into the intertwined histories of two of Germany’s most iconic wineries: Weingut Kühling-Gillot Battenfeld-Spanier, located in Rheinhessen.
Our guest, Carolin Spanier, shares insights into the legacy of her family’s Kühling-Gillot estate, renowned for its red slate soils and distinct mineral-driven wines. She also reveals how her husband, Hans Oliver (H.O.) Spanier, transformed Battenfeld-Spanier into a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking on the limestone terroir of the Zellertal Valley.
Together, Carolin and H.O. exemplify the perfect balance of tradition and modernity, sustainability, and innovation. From their challenges in adapting to climate change to their collaboration in elevating Rheinhessen’s global reputation, their journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Carolin also discusses their global impact, exporting to 38 countries, and their collaboration with La Place de Bordeaux, which has brought German Riesling into the spotlight as a world-class wine.
Grape Masters, by Dutch Wine Apprentice, brings you exclusive interviews with leading wineries and iconic winemakers. Through 1:1 interviews we learn what is the key behind their success, share behind the scene insights and personal stories. Join us and learn from the best of the best, while enjoying a glass of wine!
You can read more about Grape Masters here.
Season 2, Episode 1 of Grape Masters is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and through RSS feed. Don’t forget to subscribe and like our podcast to stay updated on upcoming episodes.
Learn more about Kühling-Gillot Battenfeld-Spanier on our website, and discover the incredible wines that define Rheinhessen!
We would like to thank our guest, Carolin Spanier, for sharing her remarkable story. Kühling Battenfeld is imported by, and available through, De Bruijn in Wijnen and Bâtard Vintrepreneurs.
High above the Tuscan coast near Riparbella, Caiarossa is redefining biodynamic winemaking with mosaic terroirs, scientific precision, and a Bordeaux-driven philosophy of balance. Under Alexander van Beek, the estate crafts expressive Sangiovese and Bordeaux-blend wines that capture the energy, freshness, and authenticity of coastal Tuscany.
Discover the highlights of the Poot Agenturen 2025 portfolio tasting, featuring legendary estates such as Aldo Conterno, Dr. Bürklin-Wolf, Château Cos d’Estournel and Bibi Graetz, with in-depth masterclasses on Barolo 2015 and terroir-driven German Riesling. From Bordeaux and Piedmont to Tuscany, Napa Valley and Chile, this comprehensive tasting report reveals why Poot Agenturen remains one of the Netherlands’ most respected fine wine importers.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon at Rosewood Amsterdam brought together CEO Mathieu Roland-Billecart, a rare vintage masterclass and a refined Champagne pairing lunch at Restaurant Eeuwen, hosted by Dutch importer Résidence Wijnen. From Nicolas François 1996 to Clos Saint-Hilaire 1998, this exclusive Amsterdam tasting showcased why Billecart-Salmon remains one of the world’s most revered family-owned Champagne houses.
CUE Amsterdam hosted an exceptional four-hands dinner featuring chefs George Kataras and Matthias Marc, paired with the refined Champagnes of Bruno Paillard. The evening showcased the restaurant’s rising prominence in Dutch fine dining, elevated by precise pairings presented by Pierre-Jules Peyrat of Maison Bruno Paillard.
Discover the top sparkling wines of 2025 in our comprehensive blind tasting, showcasing standout bottles from Champagne, Franciacorta, England, Corpinnat, Trento, and the Loire. These results reveal rising regions, exceptional value, and the cuvées that truly impressed when labels and reputation were stripped away.
Discover the story behind Boekenhoutskloof in this special Grape Masters episode, recorded live at De Wereldse Wijndagen with South African winemaker and industry leader Marc Kent. From Franschhoek to the Swartland and the Douro Valley, this conversation offers rare insights into one of the most influential figures shaping modern South African wine.
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