Taste of Germany

Tradition Meets Modernity in the German Kitchen

Portugal’s culinary identity is shaped by a deep respect for local ingredients, regional traditions, and the bounty of both land and sea. Throughout Wine First, our hosts meet some of the country’s most acclaimed chefs, whose creativity and craftsmanship showcase the very best of modern Portuguese cuisine.

Tasting Ceremony with Chef Josef Laufer

Chef Josef Laufer

Josef Laufer is a respected German chef known for his craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication to regional cuisine. With a strong focus on precision and flavour, he has helped shape a contemporary interpretation of German gastronomy that remains deeply rooted in tradition while embracing modern culinary ideas.

His restaurant Zum Krug is located in the picturesque town of Eltville in the Rheingau wine region, Restaurant Zum Krug offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience in a historic setting. The restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to regional and seasonal cuisine, showcasing the best ingredients from the surrounding landscape.

Its menu blends traditional German flavours with modern culinary techniques, resulting in dishes that are both authentic and thoughtfully composed. With a strong emphasis on quality and seasonality, Zum Krug reflects the character of the Rheingau through every plate served.

Tasting Ceremony with Chef Harald Rüssel

Michelin Chef Harald Rüssel

Harald Rüssel is a Michelin-starred chef widely regarded for his refined, ingredient-driven approach to modern German cuisine. At the heart of his culinary world is Landhaus Rüssel, his acclaimed countryside restaurant set in a scenic rural location that reflects his deep connection to nature and regional produce.

Known for his precision, creativity, and respect for seasonal ingredients, Rüssel has earned international recognition for dishes that balance elegance with authenticity. His restaurant has been awarded Michelin stars in acknowledgement of its exceptional quality, culinary craftsmanship, and consistently outstanding dining experience. Through his work, Harald Rüssel continues to represent the very best of contemporary German gastronomy, rooted in place and elevated by technique.

Taste of Germany

Tradition Meets Modernity in the German Kitchen

Tasting Ceremony with Chef Josef Laufer

Chef Josef Laufer

Tasting Ceremony with Chef Harald Rüssel

Michelin Chef Harald Rüssel

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Explore the tasting ceremonies and world-class chefs featured on Wine First.

Season 1

Season 2

Discover the wines featured across all seasons of Wine First.

Season 1

Season 2

Journey to the incredible destinations visited by Wine First across all seasons.

Season 2

Season 1

In Season 1, the journey begins in Central and Northern Europe as the hosts travel around Germany, Austria, and Norway.

From chasing the finest whites along the Rhine and Danube rivers to exploring the dramatic fjords of Norway, they push local culinary masters to the limit by demanding that every dish is crafted to match the wine perfectly.

In Season 2, the hosts travel to Portugal, the USA, and South America. Along the way, they taste exquisite wines along the Douro River, discover historic flavors in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and explore the famous Malbec region of Mendoza.

Everywhere they go, they challenge world-class chefs to create the perfect culinary pairing by putting wine first.

In the upcoming Season 3, the journey begins in England at the historic Nyetimber estate, renowned for crafting exceptional sparkling wines that rival the finest in the world.

Next, we set sail for Malta to discover the island's rare, native grape varieties. We have many more plans in store for this season, which will be revealed as it unfolds.

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