From Vineyards to Glass: Trinkfluss Wines and where wine meets stories
A New Chapter Begins
Wine is more than just a drink—it’s a connection to stories, history, and the places we love. This is where our journey begins.
For years, I’ve toyed with the idea of launching a project to bring together a community of wine lovers with a focus on all things Germany, Austria, and beyond. Here in the UK, we’re lucky to have some fantastic wines—whether locally made or imported—but the wines from what I’d call Central Europe have often flown under the radar.
Why Central European Wines?
There are plenty of reasons for this, but I can’t help thinking that the complexity of language and wine laws has something to do with it. Countries like Hungary and Greece face the same challenge—wine labels can look like something out of a Harry Potter spellbook! And honestly, I get it—Sancerre Les Mont Damnes rolls off the tongue much easier than Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Kiedrich Gräfenberg or Heimann Családi Birtok, Kékfrankos Bati Kereszt. But over the years, winemakers in these regions have made huge strides in simplifying labels and make them more appealing for export markets.
One thing every winemaker in every country has in common is a story. Whether it’s the story behind the winery, rich family traditions, the vineyard itself, a special vintage, or that one unforgettable bottle—wine in its purest form is, after all, an agricultural product that’s been cultivated for centuries. These days, we don’t drink litres of it to prepare for battle or because water quality is questionable, but wine has become firmly woven into our culture and traditions.
Quality Like Never Before
In the past few years, wine laws have been reformed, and quality has significantly improved. There’s never been a better time to drink wine. The variety and craftsmanship we have today is thanks to the men and women who work with that wild, untameable vine—at the mercy of nature. Labels have also evolved, simplifying that all-important first impression.
So, What’s Trinkfluss?
Now, onto why Trinkfluss Wines—and maybe most importantly, what the heck is Trinkfluss? The word Trinkfluss basically means “drinking flow” in English, referring to a wine’s drinkability or quaffability. It’s a term you’d often hear if you’re tasting with someone who’s mastered the German language. It’s a great compliment to a wine because, let’s be honest, no one wants to use a knife and fork to drink their wine! And just to be clear—this doesn’t mean cheap guzzling wines. Even the highest-quality wines can and should have Trinkfluss.
These are the kinds of wines that make first dinner dates memorable, enhance weddings, special family occasions, anniversaries, or those Sunday Roasts with friends. They’re the bottles we remember fondly when we look back on those moments that enrich our hearts.
Why Trinkfluss Wines?
Now, I’ll admit- I’m a little biased. Being from Germany and having spent time in Austria, I grew up with these wines. A glass of Riesling to me is as comforting as a cup of tea with biscuits or the bliss of a Cadbury Dairy Milk. Sadly, these wines haven’t always been easy to find, and aside from the odd passionate shop owner, they’ve often been underrepresented.
E&R Wine Shop, Portland- Oregon
In early 2024, I went to the US for Oregon Pinot Camp. You might be wondering how this ties in, but stay with me. Despite a packed schedule of tastings and winery visits, a group of us managed to squeeze in some local wine shop visits and even a wine bar or two. I was amazed by the broad variety of Central European wines on display—multi-vintage flights, from iconic wineries to up-and-coming growers. It was clear that Germany, Austria, Hungary, and beyond were well represented. From Seattle to Miami, San Francisco to Boston, Central European wines were everywhere. Picture above- E&R Wines in Portland Oregon, one of many shops across the state and the wider US with a superb listing of German Riesling and more.
What’s the Goal?
So, why Trinkfluss Wines? The goal is to create a community—a one-stop shop where you can find an exciting and diverse range of wines. Iconic producers, under-the-radar growers with tiny allocations, and most importantly, wines with stories behind every bottle, all at fair prices and with one of the lowest thresholds for free delivery in the UK.
What am I trying to achieve? Well, you don’t get rich in the wine trade, especially with wines that some might find a bit esoteric. You definitely don’t get famous! My motivation is simple: to share my passion for these growers and their wines with like-minded people. To tell their stories and spark conversations, with the hope of converting a few more people to the amazing character, quality, and soul of these wines. So let’s drink some incredible wines and go on this journey together.
"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it."
Greg Anderson
A Final Note on How I Talk About Wine
At this point, I’d like to add a quick note about how I prefer to talk about wine. While wine can be a complex subject with plenty of technical jargon, I’ve always liked to focus on stories. Stories about the people behind the label, their local area, community, and historical significance. Maybe my approach to wine is a bit more philosophical rather than scientific. While residual sugar, pH levels, and acidity are important, I’ve found that no one ever buys wine based on that. After all, what matters most is that you enjoy the heavenly liquid in your glass. You’ll see this reflected in the product descriptions and winemaker profiles. If you’re someone who prefers a more technical approach, you probably already follow the right kind of wine writers. But if you ever want more detailed information, just drop us a line.
What’s Next?
So, what’s next? Explore our selection, find a bottle that speaks to you, and let’s share the journey. We’re just getting started, and I’d love for you to be part of it.