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.
Discover how Dorli Muhr transformed a small family vineyard on the Spitzerberg into one of Austria’s most respected Blaufränkisch estates. Explore the unique terroir of Carnuntum, the philosophy behind these acclaimed wines, and detailed tasting notes of six outstanding Blaufränkisch expressions from one of the country’s leading producers.
DuMOL has evolved from a small Sonoma startup into one of California’s leading producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, combining estate-driven viticulture, organic farming, and a distinctive focus on Green Valley terroir. Under the leadership of winemaker Andy Smith, the winery has helped redefine modern California fine wine through precision, freshness, and a commitment to vineyard expression.
Field blends, once the dominant form of vineyard planting across Europe, are experiencing a remarkable revival as winemakers seek greater biodiversity, resilience, and complexity in their wines. Exploring examples from the Douro Valley, Alsace, Rioja, and Vienna, this masterclass reveals how ancient field blend vineyards are shaping some of the most compelling wines of the modern era.
At the Jean-Pierre Moueix 2025 En Primeur tasting in the Netherlands, we explored four standout Bordeaux 2025 wines from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, including Château Bélair-Monange, Château Trotanoy, Château Hosanna and Château La Fleur-Pétrus. Through a lunch hosted by Edouard Moueix and a tasting of mature vintages, the event offered a compelling perspective on the future of Bordeaux, the challenges facing the region and why its finest wines remain among the most exciting in the world.
Discover Restaurant Azurite in Delft and chef-owner Mario Ridder in Episode 4 of Season 2 of Chefs & Cellars, the podcast by Dutch Wine Apprentice. Explore one of the Netherlands’ most exciting fine dining destinations as we discuss hospitality, wine, gastronomy, and the philosophy behind a restaurant built on decades of culinary experience.
Restaurant Azurite in Delft, led by renowned Dutch chef Mario Ridder, is emerging as one of the Netherlands’ most compelling fine dining destinations, combining world-class gastronomy, exceptional hospitality, and a remarkable 12,000-bottle wine cellar. Through an in-depth Chefs & Cellars interview and dining experience, Dutch Wine Apprentice explores how decades of culinary expertise have culminated in a restaurant that seamlessly blends Michelin-level cuisine, memorable wine pairings, and the rich cultural heritage of Delft.
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