Festival of the Vine Brings Gunther Schlink Back to Geneva

This year marks the 29th annual Festival of the Vine, but it also marks the 80th birthday for Gunther Schlink who has been an integral part of The Little Traveler's wine tent.  Schlink has been sampling his namesakes wines Schlink Haus, during Festival of the Vine, for over 10 years.   

Schlink has been in the wine business since 1950.  After completing a wine study in Bordeaux and visiting a wine growing school in Geisenheim, Rheingau Germany, his passion for wine was born.

At 80, Schlink is still very active with Schlink Haus wines, consulting and working with retail dealers in Germany and the United States, however he has handed down the day to day operations to his son and daughter-in-law.  Within the United States, Schlink Haus wine can be found in 21 states, including Illinois.  In addition to the USA and Germany, the wine is also distributed in Norway, Sweden, China, Vietnam and Japan.

Geneva Chamber of Commerce festivals always bring local and out of town visitors.  During a past Festival of the Vine, Gunther Schlink was surprised to discover and meet some distant relatives from Minnesota, at The Little Traveler Wine Tent.

Many years ago, Gunther Schlink visited Geneva and The Little Traveler.  He now plans his yearly trip to the states around Festival of the Vine.  He will again be at The Little Traveler Wine Tent, pouring the Schlink Haus wines for all to enjoy.  Stop by, wish him a Happy Birthday, you may even end up with a signed bottle of Schlink Haus wine!

Geneva Chamber of Commerce presents Festival of the Vine, Sept. 10 – 12. 

Do you know Gunther? Share with Patch some fond memories in the comments field below.