German Wine Tasting at Loft29

Our first event of 2025 is an educational tasting of German wines, organized by Events Co-Chair Gunnar Pritsch.

This is also our first joint event with YMC.

The objective of the evening is to introduce attendees to the wide range of wine styles produced in Germany today.

You may think German wine is white, fruity, and sweet – thanks to Blue Nun. However, the reality is:

• Most German wine today is dry.
• Red varietals are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting warmer climates.

About Our Host: Stephen Bitterolf

Stephen Bitterolf, an importer of German wines and owner of Vom Boden, has graciously agreed to guide us through this unique event.

Vom Boden’s portfolio includes top German producers and spans:

• Mosel
• Nahe
• Rheingau
• Rheinhessen
• Pfalz
• Franken
• Baden

Stephen is also the mastermind behind Rieslingfeier, an annual German and Austrian wine celebration.

Venue: Loft29

The event will take place at Loft29, an artistic loft owned by fashion and celebrity photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth.

This intimate speakeasy experience blends the charm of German culinary traditions with modern elegance.

Cuisine by Michelin-Trained Chef Simon Cordes

Chef Simon Cordes, known for his innovative take on authentic German cuisine, will curate:

• A seasonal canapé menu
• A variety of cheese and charcuterie

The evening will begin with a 45-minute reception, where Chef Simon’s team will serve five canapés buffet-style.

We will then sit for a guided tasting of seven different wines:

• A red wine
• A non-Riesling white wine
• Two dry white Rieslings
• Two fruitier white Rieslings

Family-style charcuterie boards will be available to cleanse the palate.

Understanding German Wine Classifications

This educational event will also include insights into:

• Germany’s complex wine regions and classifications
• The difference between Grosses Gewächs, Grosse Lage, Kabinett, Prädikatswein, and Beerenauslese
• The VDP classification system, which focuses on terroir rather than ripeness or sugar levels

MENU & WINE PAIRINGS

Reception

Sparkling & Dry White Wines

• NV Hild Elbling Sekt
• 2022 Öhlzelt Riesling “Blauenstein” Dry

Hors d’Oeuvres

• Orange-Cured Sea Bass – buckwheat blini, crème fraîche, chives, trout roe
• Beetroot Crispbread – goat cheese, roasted pine nuts
• Crackling Pork Shank – apple chutney, multigrain toast
• Wild Mushroom Tartlets – roasted garlic, lemon, thyme
• Smoked Trout – egg salad, pumpernickel, scallions

Tasting (Classroom-Style Setup)

Red & White Wines

• 2022 Fries Pinot Noir “vom Schiefer”
• 2022 Emrich-Schönleber Weissburgunder

Dry Rieslings

• 2023 Beurer Riesling Estate Dry
• 2023 Lauer Riesling Saarfeilser GG

Fruitier Rieslings

• 2023 Ludes Riesling Ritsch “Terrassen” Kabinett
• 2023 Lauer Riesling Kupp Spätlese
• 2002 Kerpen Sonnenuhr Spätlese

Accompaniment:

• Family-Style Charcuterie Boards

📌 Note: Menu items are subject to slight variations based on product availability.

Event Logistics

Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Location: Loft29 – 208 W. 30th St, Suite 801, New York, NY 10001
Dress Code: Cocktail attire with name tag

Contribution:

• Members: $160
• Guests: $185
• (4% surcharge applies if paying by credit card – Zelle or check preferred)

Limited Seating & Reservation Details

Reservations for this event can be made online at www.wfsny.org or by contacting Rose Clemson at ro**@***ny.org or 908-719-0550.

Acknowledgments

The Society sincerely thanks:
✔ Stephen Bitterolf for sharing his expertise and wine selections
✔ Chef Simon Cordes for his innovative cuisine
✔ Loft29 and Udo Spreitzenbarth for hosting this unique event

This is a rare opportunity to explore German wines in-depth.

We urge you to log in to reserve your seat before spots fill up.

In wine, food, and friendship,

Jack A. Gordon
President
Wine and Food Society of NY