German Winegrowers Join EFOW, Expanding EU Representation for Geographical Indication Wines

At the recent congress of the Deutscher Weinbauverband e.V. (DWV), held in Mainz from December 1 to 3, the German Winegrowers' Association officially announced its membership in the European Federation of Origin Wines (EFOW). This move marks a significant development for both organizations, as it brings together one of Europe’s largest wine-producing countries with a federation dedicated to promoting and protecting wines with Geographical Indications (GIs) across the continent.

The DWV, which represents German winegrowers at the national level, has a long history of advocating for quality and tradition in winemaking. By joining EFOW, the association aims to strengthen its influence on European wine policy and ensure that the interests of German GI producers are represented at both the EU and Member State levels. The decision was made public during the annual DWV Congress, an event that gathers key figures from Germany’s wine sector to discuss industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.

EFOW is a Brussels-based organization that brings together national associations from major wine-producing countries. Its main focus is on defending and promoting wines with Geographical Indications, which are products whose qualities and reputation are linked to their place of origin. These designations are recognized under European law and are seen as a way to protect traditional production methods while offering consumers guarantees about authenticity and quality.

Riccardo Ricci Curbastro, President of EFOW, welcomed the DWV’s entry into the federation. He stated that this new partnership significantly increases EFOW’s representativeness within EU policy discussions. According to Curbastro, having Germany’s national association on board will help amplify the voice of GI wine producers and advance shared objectives related to quality standards and market protection at the European level.

Klaus Schneider, President of the DWV, described joining EFOW as a strategic decision for German winegrowers. He emphasized that this partnership will allow German GI producer groups to assert their interests more effectively within European institutions. Schneider also highlighted that closer cooperation with EFOW will help German producers benefit from EU quality policies and compete successfully in both domestic and international markets.

Germany is known for its diverse range of wines, including Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), produced in regions such as the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz. Many of these wines carry protected Geographical Indications, which play a crucial role in marketing and export strategies. The country’s active producer communities have long contributed to shaping European wine regulations, particularly those related to origin labeling and quality assurance.

The announcement in Mainz reflects ongoing efforts by European winegrowers to present a united front when dealing with regulatory changes at the EU level. Issues such as labeling requirements, sustainability standards, and trade agreements often require coordinated advocacy from producer groups across different countries. By joining EFOW, the DWV signals its commitment to working collaboratively with other national associations to safeguard the interests of GI wines.

The partnership is expected to have immediate effects on how German wines are represented in Brussels and beyond. It also underscores the importance of Geographical Indications as a tool for rural development, cultural preservation, and economic growth within Europe’s wine sector. As debates continue over agricultural policy reforms and international trade negotiations, organizations like EFOW play an increasingly important role in ensuring that traditional products receive adequate protection.

The DWV’s membership in EFOW comes at a time when European wine producers face both opportunities and challenges. Climate change, shifting consumer preferences, and global competition are reshaping the industry landscape. In this context, alliances between national associations can help producers adapt while maintaining high standards for quality and authenticity.

The Mainz congress served as a platform for discussing these broader trends while celebrating Germany’s integration into EFOW. Participants expressed optimism that this collaboration will lead to stronger representation for GI wines at all levels of policymaking. The move is widely seen as a step forward for both German winegrowers and their counterparts across Europe who share a commitment to protecting wines of origin.