The first person to be both a Master of Wine and Sommelier World Champion. Originally from Baden, he runs a consultancy service, tasteTainment GmbH, in Essen, Germany. He is author of many books and a regular contributor to magazines worldwide.

Current employer: tasteTainment GmbH

Primary area(s) of work: Communication

Industry sector(s): Author, Consultant, Educator, Events, Journalism, PR, Project management, Wine judge, Wine tourism

Wine styles: Champagne, Cremant, Fine and rare wines, Fortified wines, Port, Prosecco, Sekt, Sparkling wine, Still red, Still rosé, Still white, Sweet wines, VDN

Wine region expertise: Alsace, Austria, Baden, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, France, Germany, Hungary Tokaj, Italy, Languedoc, Mosel, Penedes, Pfalz, Piedmont, Priorat, Rheingau, Rhone, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Roussillon, South Africa, South-West France, Tuscany

Market expertise: Germany

Specialisms: Blending, Events, Food and wine pairing, History of wine, HORECA, Restaurant wines, Wine tourism, Wine judging