Association of Water Sommeliers/JHV 2018 in Brixen

8th annual meeting of the Water Sommelier Union in Brixen (South Tyrol)


From September 21st to 22nd, 2018, the 8th Annual General Meeting of the Water Sommelier Union took place in Bressanone (South Tyrol). The kick-off event was Mineral Water Celebration Day on Friday, during which 47 participants gained valuable insights with a guided tour of the Brenner thermal springs “San Zaccaria”. Afterwards, under the guidance of Dr. Peter Schropp (Doemens Academy), their sensory assessment skills were trained and tested with mineral waters that were pumped from underground springs in the Czech Republic, Spain, Russia, Switzerland and of course from South Tyrol. In a blind tasting, each batch had to be assigned to its corresponding mineralization. An overview of the rich history of South Tyrolean mineral waters and so-called “Bauernbadln”, presented by Dr. med. Astrid Sapelza, topped off a very informative day.

It is worth noting that not only sommeliers from Germany took part in the annual meeting: International water sommeliers from the USA, Italy, France, Latvia, Russia, Switzerland and Singapore were also in attendance. The increasing international impact of the Association shows that water sommeliers are valued outside Germany as competent ambassadors for the promotion of the cultural drink mineral water. The annual meeting provides ideal professional development opportunities for those interested in celebrating mineral waters even as they refresh and deepen their knowledge and sensory assessment skills. In addition, these regular meetings provide focus and stimulate the exchange of ideas and experiences.

There are currently 153 association members, including 15 active sponsors who have shown their deep committment to the philosophy of the Water Sommelier Union.