Ep 122

What if everything you thought about German wine was only half the story?

Today I am joined by Lisa Tupetz who is sharing her journey to becoming a winemaker and importer who turned a chance trip to New Zealand into a lifelong passion for wine. From vineyard work to building her own import company, she shares how curiosity, setbacks, and perseverance shaped her career.

We dive into what it really takes to bring wine from Germany to your glass in the U.S.- from regulations and shipping hurdles to tariffs and labeling laws. You’ll also learn why not all German wines are sweet Rieslings and how the country produces everything from world-class Pinot Noir to sparkling wines made in the traditional Champagne method.

Our conversation also dives into sustainability, the truth behind “organic” and “natural” wine labels, and why asking the right questions about what’s in your glass matters.

Lisa Tupetz is a winemaker, distributor, and the founder of Tupetz Wine Connection. Raised in Germany and educated in Enology and Viticulture at the Geisenheim University, Lisa moved to San Luis Obispo, CA in 2018 to make wine. After suffering a work injury in 2020 which made her take a break from winemaking, Lisa craved the taste of home. At the same time, the future of wine distribution within Germany, which relies on outdoor festivals and big social gatherings, was quite uncertain due to Covid. Through mutual necessity, years of friendship, and dedication, TWC was born.

You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes journey of German wine, from family vineyards to your table, and why it’s more complex (and fascinating) than you may think.

And if you are ready to try some wines from Tupetz Wine Collection you can do so here and save 15% with the code CORKFIZZ15.

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

Connect with Lisa

Website - www.tupetzwine.com 

Instagram - @tupetzwine

Episode Highlights:

• How a trip to New Zealand led to an unexpected career in wine
• What it’s like to start a German wine import company in California
• The complex process of importing wine to the U.S.
• Why German wine is far more than just sweet Riesling
• Sustainability, organic certifications, and natural wine explained
• The importance of relationships with winemakers and their families

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