She was just 12 years old when her father sent her to the wine cellar to remove the yeast from the wine. Even then, she took everything very seriously and was aware of the responsibility. No, she didn't love the Barbies - she liked the smell of the maturing wine.
She grew up in a family of winemakers who have dedicated their lives to making wine for generations. As the constant shadow of her father and grandfather, she learned the hard work in the vineyards and cellars at an early age.
After studying wine business in Geisenheim, she completed oenological internships in South Africa and France. In 2017, she successfully completed her Master's degree in wine marketing and management in Bordeaux.
In 2016 she was awarded the FALSTAFF Wine Trophy “Newcomer of the Year 2016”. In 2019 she took second place as “Best Young Winemaker in Germany”!
Now Victoria has arrived – the Lergenmüller winery is the highest winery in the Palatinate. Here, in an almost Mediterranean location, she has her oenological laboratory and to the delight of her two daughters.
BADEN
At the Walz winery, it is normal for the young generation to enjoy their upbringing in an aura of wine. The Walz winery in sunny Heitersheim has been family-owned for over 300 years and is now being run by the 13th generation and is flourishing again.
With Jakob and Johannes Walz, both in their early 20s, two real, young South Baden veterans are maturing. With their professional training, Thomas Walz's sons are growing seamlessly into the processes of an award-winning winery. Both the oenological and scientific side as well as
The brothers’ artisanal winemaking training will also shape the family business for decades to come.
Thanks to the deep-rooted wine experience, outstanding wines of the highest quality are produced here. Since 1712, all experience has been passed down from father to son and constant work has been done to optimize quality.
For the Walz family, their work is always in harmony with nature. The vines are cultivated according to the guidelines of controlled organic viticulture, without artificial fertilizers or chemical plant protection.
Of course, the dreamlike location between the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest slopes, blessed with rainfall and hours of sunshine, is an impressive prerequisite for wines of unmistakable character.
True to the Walz motto, “in the cellar we only do what is necessary so that the natural aromas can fully develop - and the wines are given all the time they need to mature...”, you can see the calmness that good wine loves so much.
Young Poets is pleased to be able to experience customer-oriented top performances thanks to Jakob and Johannes' curious drive.
WÜRTTEMBERG
Christoph Kern has a tree-like build – but the olfactory nerves of a four-legged animal.
He comes from the Württemberg wine family Wilhelm Kern and is the 5th generation. Here our wine poet combines traditional winemaking with contemporary innovations.
He gained inspiration for this from the St. Michael-Eppan wine cooperative in South Tyrol and the Elephant Hill Winery in New Zealand. He studied for his bachelor's degree at the renowned wine college in Geisenheim. He then went on to do his master's degree in industrial engineering at the Technical University of Munich.
He has received several awards for his bold, modern style. The Württemberg Winegrowers' Association named him "Young Winemaker of the Year 2018" and the DLG awarded him third place in the Young Winemaker 2017/18 awards.
Following the principle of strong sustainability, Christoph Kern always optimizes all upcoming work processes. His winery has been awarded the “FAIR and GREEN eV” seal since 2019.
Our wine poet Christoph Kern has wine in his blood, Italy and New Zealand in his rearview mirror, and still a lot planned.
We look forward to new creations.
APULIA
Alessandra, who loves to experiment, is currently taking on an important role in the world of wine in Puglia. In an interview she once said: "We women here are not actually born with the ambition to take on leadership positions. But I have a lot to thank my father for. He always encouraged me to act independently and confidently! - Now I have arrived where I am today."
She grew up on two continents, in Como and Philadelphia, and was educated in Buenos Aires. She then studied international management. But the charm of the Apulian wine hills was just too tempting. At just 24 years old, she took over responsibility for three wineries. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge about every phase of the production cycle continues to this day.
She was recently recognized by Fortune 40 under 40 as one of the best young wine protagonists. The criteria range from courage, perseverance, identity to passion, innovation and entrepreneurial vision.
Her father, Claudio Quarta, worked for many years as a genetic biologist in the USA. In 2005, the adventure in the vineyards of Apulia began. The company has now grown to include 3 wineries with different preferences.
His daughter Alessandra now wants to continue the tradition here, but also take the needs of the new generation into account. "Nowadays, young people prefer lighter wines and pay attention to the company's communication! - And this from the label to social media!" It is no coincidence that this statement reflects the company philosophy of "Young Poets".
Just recently, Alessandra Quarta was awarded the 2024 “Crangrande Medal” at ministerial level. This recognition is intended to underline the winemaker’s achievements and the importance she has contributed to the promotion and enhancement of the wine-growing culture in her region.
She is currently investing her personal passion in the further development of a
young, fresh, aromatic Primitivo. Its name is derived from the Latin "primitivus", which means "earlier". - So it has absolutely nothing to do with "primitive"! In fact, its grapes are harvested in the first days of September.