The "Queer Wine" competition has been launched in Rhineland-Palatinate with the aim of promoting more diversity. It's all about diversity... and the juice of the vine. It's no coincidence that the whole thing is taking place in this federal state.
After all, a large part of the wine produced in Germany is obtained in the region. The initiative was launched under the Minister for Family Affairs, Katharina Binz of the "Die Grünen" party. In this way, the focus is to be placed on more equality.
The mix of enjoyment and an important topic could work out. After all, the competition is something of a premiere and a combination that has never been seen before in this form.
Who can participate?
The target group of applicants addressed by "Queer Wine" is large. Because: Every winery that is located in Rhineland-Palatinate and where queer people work in a "responsible position" can submit their application.
By the competition is to be made attentive among other things also to the fact that the various way of life belongs naturally also to the "wine world",... But here evenly not yet so visibly is, as in other ranges. The organizers are obviously of the opinion that exactly THAT should change in the future.
In the course of a tasting, two wineries are finally selected to become ambassadors. The wines in question will then in turn be sent to various people from politics and society so that the message associated with the competition can be carried even further into the world. At the same time, about 500 wine bottles will also be purchased by the Ministry of Family and then presented to guests.
Wineries that meet the relevant requirements can apply by February 28.
Julia Klöckner speaks out against competition
One person who apparently has little to do with the idea of a queer wine is Julia Klöckner. For her, it seems little comprehensible to promote queerness in the industry only a few months after the flood disaster in Germany, which also affected numerous wineries. Klöckner explained to the Bild Zeitung that the vintners in the region of the Ahr currently had other problems than to deal with the topic of queer wines. Accordingly, it is currently not primarily about sexual identity.
Ultimately, it also has nothing to do with the quality of a wine whether it is produced by members of the scene, among others.
However, criticism of the action comes not only from Julia Klöckner, but also from the right... Among other things, because no one has yet applied for the award. It was quickly suggested that there might not be a company in the wine scene where queer people worked in leading positions.
Also many comments in the social networks showed once again with how much sarcasm and irony numerous critics face the topic. One point that was emphasized again and again was that it simply doesn't matter whether queers are involved in a wine or not and that this has nothing to do with its ultimate taste. However, it is probably precisely these people who simply find it difficult to understand what the Queer Wine Competition is ultimately supposed to be about. Let's hope that the advertising drum will continue to be beaten and that a few more companies will be found by the end of the month that are interested and meet the requirements to increase the visibility of the community within the wine industry.