Pfalz: Rumble over decision to axe wine queen in Germany

BERLIN – Germany’s traditional Pfalz (Palatinate) wine-growing region is in the midst of a fierce debate following a decision to abolish its decades-long tradition of appointing a wine queen.

Instead, Germany’s second-largest wine-growing region will appoint a Pfalz wine ambassador, replacing crowns with lapel pins. The honour is due to be bestowed in October, in the town of Neustadt along the western German wine route.

The row pits traditionalists who want to uphold the old custom, including local politicians and former wine royalty, against those calling for a long overdue reform, which would also allow men to compete for the title.

Wedded to tradition

Boris Kranz, who announced the decision on behalf of the Pfalz wine society, said he was surprised at some of the vitriol of the debate, which included personal and often insulting attacks.

“On the one hand, you want to be perceived as a modern wine region, but on the other hand you are chaining yourself to tradition,” Kranz said.

Neustadt mayor Marc Weigel believes the decision is wrong.

“This reform leads to a devaluation of the brand,” he said. “I am not a supporter of monarchy, but the glamorous and fairy-tale element is part of the role. This cannot be easily transferred to a man just because we say we live in an egalitarian society and everything has to be open to all genders.”

An online petition against the change had garnered around 5,000 signatures six days after its launch. On the other hand, many younger winemakers are thought to be in favour of the reform.

Others not following suit

The German Wine Institute does not intend to adopt the wording from Pfalz, with the election of the nationwide German wine queen currently being organized.

 

Following a change in the guidelines, however, men can also compete if they have previously won a local vote.

Germany as a whole has 13 wine-growing areas. The largest is Rheinhessen. So far, no other region has followed Pfalz’s move to abolish the regional wine queen. However, four regions have opened up to male candidates.