TRINKTalks

• 13: Natural Trailblazers: 13 Ways to Climate-Friendly Wine with Camilla Gjerde, Christine Pieroth, and Miki Smith - TRINKTalks

  Welcome to Episode 12 of TRINKTalks! In this episode, we discuss Camilla Gierda’s book Natural Trailblazers. This publication explores the intersection of natural wine, climate change, and sustainability, highlighting how organic farming, biodiversity, and alternative packaging can reduce the wine industry’s environmental impact. The journey to identify trailblazing producers committed to sustainable practices is both complex and rewarding, with new grape varieties offering resilience in the face of climate challenges. The natural wine movement, rooted in social good as much as rebellion, emphasizes the importance of consumer education and collective responsibility. It also celebrates the growing influence of women in wine and encourages collaboration among producers to drive innovative, climate-conscious solutions.If you would rather read the transcript, you can!Consider joining the TRINK community. Read up on our subscriptions and unlock exclusive wine content, benefits, and experiences. ABOUT TODAYS GUESTS Miki Smith is a Virginia-based entrepreneur, wine educator, and climate-conscious leader. With a WSET Level III certification and working toward her Diploma, she founded GoodWine in 2021 to spotlight planet-friendly producers committed to low-carbon farming and ethical practices. Through her platform and regional wine club, she educates consumers on sustainable wine choices and amplifies voices driving climate-focused change in the industry.Christine Pieroth, known as Piri Naturel, is a pioneering natural winemaker from Germany’s Nahe region, where her family has farmed since 1781. After studies at Geisenheim and international vineyard work, she launched her label in 2019, crafting low-intervention wines from organic, regenerative vineyards. Christine integrates agroforestry and PIWI hybrid grapes to boost biodiversity and resilience, earning a feature in Natural Trailblazers for her climate-forward, terroir-driven approach.Camilla Gjerde is a Norwegian-born, Sweden-based natural wine writer and advocate. A WSET Diploma holder with a PhD in Political Science, she’s the author of We Don’t Want Any Crap in Our Wine and Natural Trailblazers, profiling pioneering producers leading sustainable, low-carbon wine practices. Through her work, Gjerde champions authenticity, climate action, and social good within the global natural wine movement.ABOUT TRINK TRINKTalks has been brought to you by TRINK Magazine, an independent quarterly digital publication exploring the “German-speaking wines” of Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.LEARN MORE:https://www.facebook.com/trinkmaghttps://www.instagram.com/trink_magazine/https://x.com/magazinetrink?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/trink-magazine/ABOUT THE HOSTS OF TRINK TALKSValerie Kathawala specializes in the wine cultures, traditions, and innovations of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, as well as those closer to her home in New York City. Her work appears in the pages of Noble Rot, The Art of Eating, SevenFifty Daily, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Pipette, Glug, Pellicle and a number of other publications. She is the co-founder and co-editor of the wine magazine TRINK. She is currently at work researching and writing a new course (2025) on German wines for the Wine Scholar Guild. Paula Redes Sidore moves smoothly between the worlds of wine and words. She is a double-certified sommelier, through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Chamber of Commerce.  In 2012, she founded Weinstory, a creative content and translation agency dedicated to transposing the world of German-speaking wine into English. She is the German and Austrian regional specialist for jancisrobinson.com and a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Paula has a Masters degree in fiction writing, and her work has been featured in jr.com, Sevenfifty Daily, Feinschmecker, and Heated.Thanks for listening and keep Trinking! 

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• 12: What it means to make modern wines with Weingut Schätzel - TRINKTalks

  Welcome to Episode 12 of TRINKTalks! In this conversation, Jule and Kai Schätzel discuss their journey into winemaking, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices and the role of community in the winemaking process. They share insights on the philosophy of balance in winemaking, the transition to natural wines, and the challenges faced along the way. The discussion highlights the significance of innovation in tradition and the potential for winemaking to contribute positively to the world.Consider joining the TRINK community. Read up on our subscriptions and unlock exclusive wine content, benefits, and experiences.Can’t listen in? Read the transcript instead! ABOUT GUESTS KAI & JULE SCHÄTZELKai and Jule Schätzel are the visionary duo behind Weingut Schätzel in Germany’s Rheinhessen, where they’ve redefined what the region—and Riesling itself—can express. The Schätzel family has been rooted in Nierstein since 1350, with the first vines planted during that time. Since taking the helm in 2008, Kai transformed his family’s centuries-old estate into one of Germany’s most distinctive, terroir-driven wineries, anchored in minimalism and a relentless pursuit of purity. The arrival of Jule in 2020 marked a new chapter, as the couple guided the estate to full Demeter biodynamic certification and pioneered ecological practices like planting shade trees amid the prized Roter Hang vineyards to combat climate stress. Together, they craft wines of remarkable tension, clarity, and restraint, fermenting with ambient yeasts in their 800-year-old cellar where a naturally occurring flor yeast allows for unsulfured bottlings without oxidative character. ABOUT TRINK TRINKTalks has been brought to you by TRINK Magazine, an independent quarterly digital publication exploring the “German-speaking wines” of Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Founders Paula Redes Sidore, based in Germany, and Valerie Kathawala, in New York, were brought together by their shared love for these wines and the conviction that a deep understanding of the cultural contexts in which they are embedded is essential to appreciating them fully. TRINK launched in 2020. From the outset, their mission has been to deepen the understanding of how wine intersects with and impacts the narrative, culture, history, and geography of the European spaces where German is common cultural currency. LEARN MORE:https://www.facebook.com/trinkmaghttps://www.instagram.com/trink_magazine/https://x.com/magazinetrink?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/trink-magazine/ABOUT THE HOSTS OF TRINK TALKSValerie Kathawala specializes in the wine cultures, traditions, and innovations of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, as well as those closer to her home in New York City. Her work appears in the pages of Noble Rot, The Art of Eating, SevenFifty Daily, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Pipette, Glug, Pellicle and a number of other publications. She is the co-founder and co-editor of the wine magazine TRINK. She is currently at work researching and writing a new course (2025) on German wines for the Wine Scholar Guild. Paula Redes Sidore moves smoothly between the worlds of wine and words. She is a double-certified sommelier, through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Chamber of Commerce.  In 2012, she founded Weinstory, a creative content and translation agency dedicated to transposing the world of German-speaking wine into English. TRINK is the natural extension of that pursuit. She is the German and Austrian regional specialist for jancisrobinson.com and a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Paula has a Masters degree in fiction writing, and her work has been featured in jr.com, Sevenfifty Daily, Feinschmecker, and Heated. She lives on the northern wall of wine growing with her family in Bonn, Germany.Thanks for joining us today and remember to Keep Trinking!!

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• 11: Beyond the Cut: Cultivating Vine Health with Marco Simonit - TRINKTalks

  Welcome to Episode 11 of TRINKTalks! In this episode we sit down with Marco Simonit, renowned Italian agronomist and co-founder of Simonit & Sirch, the world’s leading vine pruning consultancy. Marco shares the story of what first drew him to the art of vine pruning, how he developed his pioneering gentle pruning technique, and why it’s transforming vineyards across the world.We delve into the unique challenges facing German and Austrian viticulture, the lessons learned from old vines, and the incredible resilience of grapevines. Marco also discusses the future of vineyard management, the role of innovation, and how digital education is reshaping viticultural training for a new generation!Consider joining the TRINK community. Read up on our subscriptions and unlock exclusive wine content, benefits, and experiences. Our Episode Transcript is coming soon!ABOUT GUEST MARCO SIMONITMarco Simonit is an Italian agronomist and co-founder of Simonit & Sirch, the world’s leading vine-pruning consultancy and training group. Hailing from Friuli, Italy, Simonit developed a passion for vine care that led him to revolutionize pruning practices through his "gentle pruning" method. This approach focuses on making smaller, strategic cuts to preserve the vine’s internal structure and sap flow, thereby extending vine longevity and enhancing grape quality. His techniques have been adopted by over 130 prestigious wineries worldwide. Simonit’s commitment to education is evident in the establishment of the Simonit & Sirch Vine Master Pruners Academy, which offers both in-person and digital training programs. ABOUT TRINK TRINKTalks has been brought to you by TRINK Magazine, an independent quarterly digital publication exploring the “German-speaking wines” of Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Founders Paula Redes Sidore, based in Germany, and Valerie Kathawala, in New York, were brought together by their shared love for these wines and the conviction that a deep understanding of the cultural contexts in which they are embedded is essential to appreciating them fully. TRINK launched in 2020. From the outset, their mission has been to deepen the understanding of how wine intersects with and impacts the narrative, culture, history, and geography of the European spaces where German is common cultural currency. LEARN MORE:https://www.facebook.com/trinkmaghttps://www.instagram.com/trink_magazine/https://x.com/magazinetrink?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/trink-magazine/ABOUT THE HOSTS OF TRINK TALKSValerie Kathawala specializes in the wine cultures, traditions, and innovations of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, as well as those closer to her home in New York City. Her work appears in the pages of Noble Rot, The Art of Eating, SevenFifty Daily, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Pipette, Glug, Pellicle and a number of other publications. She is the co-founder and co-editor of the wine magazine TRINK. She is currently at work researching and writing a new course (2025) on German wines for the Wine Scholar Guild. Paula Redes Sidore moves smoothly between the worlds of wine and words. She is a double-certified sommelier, through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Chamber of Commerce.  In 2012, she founded Weinstory, a creative content and translation agency dedicated to transposing the world of German-speaking wine into English. TRINK is the natural extension of that pursuit. She is the German and Austrian regional specialist for jancisrobinson.com and a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Paula has a Masters degree in fiction writing, and her work has been featured in jr.com, Sevenfifty Daily, Feinschmecker, and Heated. She lives on the northern wall of wine growing with her family in Bonn, Germany.Thanks for joining us today and remember to Keep Trinking!

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• 10: Exploring Austria's Organic Edge with Fred Loimer and Gerhard Wohlmuth - TRINKTalks

  Welcome to Episode 10 of TRINKTalks! In this episode, we dive into Austria’s organic wine movement with two highly respected winemakers — Fred Loimer and Gerhard Wohlmuth. From biodynamic practices to the unique terroirs of Kamptal and Südsteiermark, discover how these pioneers are redefining quality and sustainability in Austrian wine. Consider joining the TRINK community. Read up on our subscriptions and unlock exclusive wine content, benefits, and experiences. ABOUT TODAYS GUESTS Fred Loimer of Loimer Winery is one of Austria’s most respected and forward-thinking winemakers, known for his commitment to biodynamic viticulture and expressive, terroir-driven wines. Based in the renowned Kamptal region of Lower Austria, Fred took over his family’s winery in 1997, infusing it with both a reverence for tradition and a bold spirit of innovation.After studying enology at Klosterneuburg and gaining international experience in places like Germany and California, Fred returned home with a clear vision: to craft wines that truly reflect the character of their origin. In 2006, he converted his vineyards to biodynamic farming, emphasizing a holistic, sustainable approach to viticulture.Fred is particularly celebrated for his elegant Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, as well as for his distinctive sparkling wines and natural wine projects. As a founding member of Respekt-BIODYN, a biodynamic certifying group, Fred has been instrumental in shaping the modern identity of Austrian wine on the global stage.Gerhard Wohlmuth of Weingut Wohlmuth is a highly regarded Austrian winemaker from Südsteiermark, known for crafting precise, expressive wines that capture the dramatic slopes and unique soils of the region. As the current steward of his family’s winery — which dates back to 1803 — Gerhard blends deep-rooted tradition with a sharp, modern sensibility.Specializing in Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay, his wines are celebrated for their clarity, minerality, and age-worthiness. Gerhard’s meticulous vineyard work on some of Austria’s steepest vineyards, combined with a restrained, thoughtful approach in the cellar, has earned him recognition both at home and internationally.Beyond his role as a winemaker, Gerhard is an advocate for preserving Südsteiermark’s distinct identity, championing its complex terroirs and continuing his family’s multi-generational legacy with passion and precision.ABOUT TRINK TRINKTalks has been brought to you by TRINK Magazine, an independent quarterly digital publication exploring the “German-speaking wines” of Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.LEARN MORE:https://www.facebook.com/trinkmaghttps://www.instagram.com/trink_magazine/https://x.com/magazinetrink?lang=enABOUT THE HOSTS: Valerie Kathawala specializes in the wine cultures, traditions, and innovations of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, as well as those closer to her home in New York City. Her work appears in the pages of Noble Rot, The Art of Eating, SevenFifty Daily, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Pipette, Glug, Pellicle and a number of other publications. She is the co-founder and co-editor of the wine magazine TRINK. She is currently at work researching and writing a new course (2025) on German wines for the Wine Scholar Guild. Paula Redes Sidore moves smoothly between the worlds of wine and words. She is a double-certified sommelier, through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Chamber of Commerce.  In 2012, she founded Weinstory, a creative content and translation agency dedicated to transposing the world of German-speaking wine into English. She is the German and Austrian regional specialist for jancisrobinson.com and a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Paula has a Masters degree in fiction writing, and her work has been featured in jr.com, Sevenfifty Daily, Feinschmecker, and Heated.Thanks for listening and keep Trinking! 

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• 9: Mosel Pinot Noir Riesling Dressed in Red - TRINKTalks

  Welcome to Episode 9 of TRINKTalks! Today TrinkTalks gives the floor to contributing writer Christoph Raffelt, a fellow podcaster and German wine pioneer. Tune in as Christoff interviews Mosel region wine producers Tobias Feiden, Gernot Kohlmann, & Jonas Dostert on their approaches and challenges when it comes to producing great pinot noir wines. Consider joining the TRINK community. Read up on our subscriptions and unlock exclusive wine content, benefits, and experiences. ABOUT TODAYS GUESTS Tobias Feiden works closely with his wife, Rebecca Materne at Materne & Schmitt. While they collaborate, he focuses entirely on red wines, especially his passion: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). He cultivates approximately 5,000 m² of vineyards in the Gemarkungen Winningen and Moselsürsch, in the heart of the Mosel’s finest terraced vineyards. His red wines receive equal treatment, with subtle differences emerging from the various vineyard locations and terroir.Jonas Dostert is a dynamic young vigneron based in Nittel on the Mosel River near Luxembourg, where his limestone-based vineyards on gentle 30-degree slopes are ideal for the lesser-known Elbling grape. Working with both young vines and older, organically certified parcels, Jonas produces fresh, balanced wines with a moderate 10–12% alcohol content. Gernot Kohlmann is the visionary winemaker behind Weingut Batterieberg, nestled in the heart of Germany’s Mosel region. Embracing the unique slate soils and steep slopes that define his vineyards, he combines traditional methods with innovative, minimal-intervention techniques to produce wines that truly capture the region’s distinctive terroir. Committed to sustainable viticulture and meticulous craftsmanship, Gernot’s approach allows the natural character of the grapes to shine.ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST HOSTChristoph Raffelt is one of an exciting new vanguard of voices when it comes to German wine. And voices is not a euphemism here, as it is indeed his voice together with his stellar cast of winemakers and guests that come together on his monthly podcast Originalverkorkt.de; while his words appear in his online magazine of the same name. Christoph has been on the road since 2016 with Büro für Wein & Kommunikation as a freelance journalist, copywriter and all-round wordsmith. His work has appeared in such esteemed publications as Meiningers, Weinwirtschaft, Weinwelt, Sommelier, Champagne-Magazin and Schluck.ABOUT TRINK TRINKTalks has been brought to you by TRINK Magazine, an independent quarterly digital publication exploring the “German-speaking wines” of Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.LEARN MORE:https://www.facebook.com/trinkmaghttps://www.instagram.com/trink_magazine/https://x.com/magazinetrink?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/trink-magazine/ABOUT THE HOSTS OF TRINK TALKSValerie Kathawala specializes in the wine cultures, traditions, and innovations of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, as well as those closer to her home in New York City. Her work appears in the pages of Noble Rot, The Art of Eating, SevenFifty Daily, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Pipette, Glug, Pellicle and a number of other publications. She is the co-founder and co-editor of the wine magazine TRINK. She is currently at work researching and writing a new course (2025) on German wines for the Wine Scholar Guild. Paula Redes Sidore moves smoothly between the worlds of wine and words. She is a double-certified sommelier, through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Chamber of Commerce.  In 2012, she founded Weinstory, a creative content and translation agency dedicated to transposing the world of German-speaking wine into English. She is the German and Austrian regional specialist for jancisrobinson.com and a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Paula has a Masters degree in fiction writing, and her work has been featured in jr.com, Sevenfifty Daily, Feinschmecker, and Heated.

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