Helga SCHROEDER M.S.
The first female Master Sommelier in Germany !
Helga has always been a very open minded person. She loves to discover (language, cultures,….and everything about wine). This state of mind brought her a multitude of different experiences in the wine and hospitality business, giving her the opportunity to discover all aspects of the industry. After graduating from a Sommelier diploma, Helga has been a shop manager in a wine store, Head Sommelier and Restaurant Manager in Michelin Stars restaurants, speaker and host in wine tasting events,…
It is in 2019, after many years of study (and many wines tasted) that Helga passed the MS exam and finally was able to add these two little (but so precious) letters after her name and be called a "MASTER SOMMELIER" !
We had the pleasure to ask a few questions to Helga, here are her answers !
October the 14th, 2021
Name: Helga Louise Schroeder
Nationality: German
Vintage: 1974
What region would you pick for a bottle of your vintage ? Difficult, because it was not the best year for wine, but Napa delievered some wonderful examples, so my choice would be 1974 Heitz Cellars Martha´s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
What's for your favorite grape varietal ? and why ?
None in particular, because it depends on my mood, situation etc., but I love varietals that reflect their terroir e.g. Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Nebbiolo…
Any varietal you don’t get along well ?
None; all deserve tob e and are great, when handled the right way.
What do you drink when you don't have a glass of wine in your hand ?
Scotch, Single Malts, Tea
Let's say you are alone, at home, what's your favorite casual food and wine pairing for dinner?
A Lamb-Cassoulet plus Roussillon red
What is your favorite wine region, not to drink, but to visit ? Scottland, Canada, NZ (to visit and to drink)
If you had to save one bottle from your cellar being on fire, which one would it be?
2008 Vieilles Vignes Françaises
Do you/Did you have a role model/a mentor in the wine/sommelier world? If so, who ?
No, trust yourself. But I especially like the work and spirit Bryan Dawes MS is sharing as Educational Chair for the CMS.
Best advice you ever received?
Always stay true to yourself, even if it hurts sometimes
Imagine you have been cursed !! You are only able to drink 1 red wine and 1 white wine until your life ends. What would it be?
> All reds of Littorai, Sonoma
> Riesling Rothlay, Heymann-Löwenstein, Mosel
What is your next step/objective in the wine/sommelier world?
Do more travels to even more winecountries; concentrating more on contributing content as a wine writer.
Champagne, Cava or Franciacorta?
Definitely Champagne!
Helga on her Master Sommelier graduation day