Wine sovereigns - Lucia Winterhalter is the new Baden Wine Queen
Knowledge and a convincing performance made Lucia Winterhalter the 74th Badish Wine Queen. The 25-year-old from Bad Krozingen (Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district) convinced the jury and takes over the position from Julia Noll from Buggingen (Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district), who held the office in the 2023/2024 season. The jury chose Sofia Hartmann from Schriesheim (Rhein-Neckar-Kreis) and Verana Haßler from Freiburg as Wine Princesses.
Challenges ahead
Approximately 150 events are planned for the Wine Queens, including the opening of the Freiburg Wine Festival shortly after taking office. "I am very much looking forward to this honorary commitment and the efforts that the Badish Trio will make for the entire growing region and all Badish winemakers and winemakers next year," said Holger Klein, managing director of the Badish Winegrowers' Association, according to a statement from Freiburg.
Agriculture Minister Peter Hauk referred to the many challenges of the industry in the context of a congratulatory message, including those related to climate change and extreme weather events. The Wine Queens also have the task of "making society aware of the situation of the industry and its businesses, as well as making a conscious decision for wine from the region, from Baden-Württemberg," explained the CDU politician.
Baden is a Burgundy region
The Badish Winegrowers' Association represents the interests of 453 member businesses, including 346 wineries and self-marketing winegrowing businesses, as well as 75 winery cooperatives. Together, around 20,000 people are employed in viticulture there.
According to the German Wine Institute, Baden is a Burgundy region. In Germany's third largest wine-growing area (15,679 hectares), the Burgundy grape varieties accounted for 62% of the vineyard area. In terms of Spätburgunder (5,029 hectares) and Weißburgunder (1,660 hectares), Baden is the number one in Germany. The new grape variety Souvignier Gris, which was bred in Freiburg, is grown on 123 hectares and is the most commonly grown variety in Baden.
Lucia Winterhalter, hailing from Bad Krozingen in the Baden-Württemberg's Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district, was awarded the Badish Wine Queen title, adding another accolade to the region's rich customs. Her victory in the annual competition acknowledges her knowledge and dedication to the region's wine industry.
Besides Lucia, the jury also recognized the merits of two other contestants, Sofia Hartmann from Schriesheim in the Rhine-Neckar district and Verana Haßler from Freiburg, awarding them the titles of Wine Princesses. These women will join Lucia in promoting the region's agriculture, primarily focusing on wine production, at various events throughout the year.
As the new Badish Wine Queen, Lucia aims to foster a greater appreciation for the local wine industry and encourage responsible consumption, acknowledging the challenges faced by the sector due to climate change and extreme weather events. Her commitment also extends to collaborating with local wine producers, helping boost the region's economy and cement the Badish Württemberg as a significant player in the international wine market.
The Badish Winegrowers' Association, founded in 1952, represents various enterprises in the region, including 346 wineries and self-marketing winegrowing businesses, 75 winery cooperatives, and approximately 20,000 employees. As part of their outreach, they promote specialist knowledge within the wine sector and engage with the local community, forging a strong bond between people and their local customs, traditions, and drinks.
Baden is recognized as a Burgundy region due to its rich viticulture history and the prevalence of Burgundy grape varieties, such as Spätburgunder and Weißburgunder, covering a significant portion of its vineyard area. The latest grape variety, Souvignier Gris, was developed by researchers at the University of Freiburg and has become the most commonly grown variety in Baden, CE. The broad range of options available allows wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike to explore different flavors and textures, representing the region's pride and identity.
Intrinsically connected to the region's heritage, the Badish Wine Queen, Wine Princesses, and Baden's renowned wine industry work together to create a memorable experience for visitors, ensuring that the traditions and customs remain alive and celebrated for future generations to enjoy.
