For the first time, our respekt-Johanni festival on the occasion of the summer solstice was held in the beautiful Pfalz (Palatinate). Hosts were the German colleagues Sophie & Steffen Christmann, Franz Wehrheim, Hans & Hansjörg Rebholz, Rainer Schnaitmann, Annette & Martin Fußer, Johannes Busch, Georg & Tatjana Fußer, Antonia, Sandra & Ludwig Knoll, Simone & Sven Leiner and Philipp Wittmann at the atmospheric Hofgut Ruppertsberg. Many thanks to them, the fantastic team at the Hofgut around Jean-Philippe Aiguier and all the contributors for a very special day and evening. Thanks are also due to our glass partner Zalto für die wie immer großartige Unterstützung mit ihren wunderbaren Gläsern.

Tasting with respect. We started at noon with a small in-house fair, where all respekt members presented five of their wines. The Masterclasses in the afternoon focused on two topics::

• What does respekt-BIODYN mean and what does the group stand for?
• Dry periods in climate change. The challenge and experiences of respekt-BIODYN.

On the basis of a small selection of wines, the topics were explained with the attending winegrowers. The focus was on discussion and exchange among each other. A format that was very well received and that we will certainly continue.

While the last Masterclass was coming to an end, the barbecue was fired up. The illustrations speak for themselves, it was a real party - with beautiful weather. Owing to the dry conditions in the idyllic Palatinate surroundings and nature, however, we had to forego the St. John's fire. Safety came first!

Winery visits the following day. Once you're in the Palatinate, it's time to "carpe diem" and visiting colleagues. We would like to thank Sophie & Steffen Christmann for guiding us not only through their estate, but also through the Sektgut Christmann & Kauffmann (sparkling wine estate). Franz Wehrheim and Hans & Hansjörg Rebholz for the walk into the hot Kastanienbusch and for the Palatinate lunch at Rebholz's. And finally, Sven Leiner for the tour of the impressive Kalmit and the concluding dinner at the magnificent Eselsburg.

And a BIG THANK YOU to everyone for their wonderful wines, hospitality and good humour! We will be back!

Photo credits: © respekt-BIODYN/Jürgen Schmücking. You are welcome to use the photos for private purposes, for commercial use with credit mention. If you need a high-resolution photo, please send an e-mail to johanni@respekt-biodyn.bio