The List 2024

Yet even in those early days, I found myself questioning the tools I relied upon. Could a numerical score or a rigid drinking window truly encapsulate the character of a wine or guide me to the bottles that would leave a lasting impression?

One tool that stood out during this formative period was Wine-Searcher, a platform that helped me consolidate vast amounts of information with remarkable efficiency. A simple search for an appellation would yield a list of the most sought-after wines within that region—a ready-made starting point for exploration. By tasting my way through these “most searched” recommendations, I began to discern my preferences and identify the styles that resonated with me.

But it was Prowein, the sprawling trade fair in Düsseldorf, that truly changed the trajectory of my journey. Overwhelming yet exhilarating, Prowein offered the chance to taste hundreds of wines in one place. In a matter of days, I could experience the full breadth of a single appellation, diving into sparkling wines, still wines, sweet wines, and everything in between. This immersive experience sharpened my palate and, more importantly, clarified my perspective. I discovered that my preferences defied easy categorization—I appreciated diversity, from the freshness of a Chablis to the opulence of a Tokaji.

Amid this whirlwind of discovery, a realization took shape. Tasting without direction can be enriching, but it can also be aimless. To anchor my experiences, I began jotting down the names of wineries that stood out, those that seemed to epitomize their region’s terroir or to offer a particularly compelling narrative. Over time, these scattered notes evolved into something more structured: a curated list of wineries that I felt were essential, authentic, and worth revisiting.

The Birth of The List

The idea of The List emerged not as a catalog of the world’s “best” wineries—such labels feel reductive in a world as nuanced as wine—but as a personal guide to producers that had left an indelible mark on me. These were not necessarily the most expensive or famous estates but the ones that captured a sense of place and tradition. They were the wineries that told stories in the glass, and the ones I found myself returning to again and again.

In the years since its inception, The List has grown into a kind of map for my ongoing exploration. It’s not static; wines and wineries fall on and off as my tastes evolve and as I uncover new producers. It is, above all, a reflection of my personal journey—a living document that changes as I do.

Why Publish The List Now?

It has been more than a decade since I first embarked on this journey, and with it, a new chapter. For the first time, I will publish The List annually, sharing the wineries that have shaped my year in wine. My aim is not to dictate taste or to create a definitive ranking but to offer a window into my own experiences. I hope it serves as a resource for wine lovers looking for inspiration and as a reminder of the sheer breadth and beauty of the wine world.

The first edition of The List will include producers from across the globe, chosen for their ability to reflect their regions and to spark joy at the table. It is my small contribution to the endless conversation about wine, one that invites others to discover, explore, and perhaps create their own lists along the way.

For those who have ever felt daunted by the enormity of the wine world, I hope The List offers a starting point. And for those who, like me, are driven by curiosity and a love of the craft, I hope it resonates as a celebration of all that makes wine so endlessly captivating.

Of course, any list is inherently subjective, raising the question: can such a personal guide truly capture the depth and complexity of the wine world? Perhaps not. But maybe that’s the point—The List is less about defining absolutes and more about sharing a journey, one that evolves with every bottle uncorked.

So, as you explore the world of wine, what discoveries do you think will shape your journey next?