Janek Schumann is a consultant and wine ambassador in German-speaking Europe. He works for wineries and projects both in Germany and foreign countries. He also owns a wine bar with a wine shop, “HERDER ZEHN” in Freiberg, Germany. Fascinated by the intricacies of wine, Janek opened a wine shop in 1992 and gave up a career in finance in 2003 to devote all his energy to his passion for wine. He completed his WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits at the Austrian Wine Academy with merit the same year. Whenever time allows, Janek travels, attends concerts and enjoys his passion for wine and the culinary arts with friends.

Primary area(s) of work: Wine production, Strategy

Industry sector(s): Project management, Winemaking, Marketing, Sales, Buying, Consultant, Wine judge

Wine styles: Fine and rare wines, Natural, Orange wines, Sparkling wine, Champagne, Cremant, Sekt, Fortified wines, Port, VDN, Still white, Still red, Still wines

Wine region expertise: Australia, Austria, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Lebanon, Mosel, Pfalz, Portugal, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, France, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Languedoc, Roussillon, Champagne, Jura/Savoie, Rioja, Galicia, Spain, Priorat, Piedmont, Sicily

Market expertise: Europe, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal

Specialisms: Structure and composition of grapes, Harvesting of grapes, Commercial advice on vinyard establishment, Processing of grapes, Fermentation, Stabilisation and clarification, Economics of wine production, Elevage / maturation, Blending, Quality assurance and control, Marketing wine, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Routes to market, Independent retail, Restaurant wines, Wine judging