World wine talk

Until a few years ago, the majority of Dutch hospitality establishments offered a small-scale wine selection with limited choice. Nowadays, multiple house wines, wines by the glass, wine explanations at the table, food and wine pairing advice, and exciting wines from relatively unknown wine countries or regions are increasingly being offered. In short, a development has been underway for some time that contributes to surprising guests.

These developments mean that wine trends are emerging with increasing frequency. Some trends last only a year or a season, while others manage to take root in the world of the wine lover. This presents challenges for the hospitality entrepreneur. The entrepreneur seeks out special wines with an exceptional price-quality ratio, wines with a special story, and surprisingly beautiful wines from lesser-known wine countries to continue surprising her guests.

I would like to encourage hospitality entrepreneurs to seize opportunities to add exciting, unknown wines from lesser-known wine countries and regions to their assortment. Think, for example, of indigenous Portuguese grape varieties or a Grüner Sylvaner Trocken from Germany. Dare to distinguish yourself from your colleagues, taste the wines in combination with dishes, and experience the wine by exposing all your senses to it. In this way, you will find the right wines that perfectly complement dishes and/or menus. Naturally, a short, concise explanation at the table should not be missing afterwards.

Take on the challenge and surprise your guests!

Sanne Schilstra
Sales Manager Wine merchant Dikkers Groningen

Sanne has been a sommelier in top hospitality establishments in the northern Netherlands for many years, is a hospitality expert, and has an immense passion for wine and hospitality. Sanne will write a monthly column for Horeca Groningen.