The event focused on key issues and current developments in the wine industry. Discussions on the day included the critical evaluation of wine rating systems, opportunities for family wineries in a globalized market, the tension between craftsmanship, biodynamics and technological innovation, as well as the future of beverage packaging design.
In addition to the plenary contributions, the symposium was also enriched by topic-specific break-out sessions. These included discussions focused on business start-ups, brand management in a global brand world, cannabis as a potential growth market, and development prospects for the African wine market.
A Place for Education, Practice and Innovation
The stated aim of the Geisenheim Future Symposium is to create “an interactive space for students and companies to combine education, practice and research”. The symposium is organized by students of the International Wine Business degree program at Hochschule Geisenheim University.
Jonathan Döbler, current student and part of the team organizing the event, emphasized: “The Geisenheim Future Symposium provides students with valuable practical insights and offers them an important opportunity to network.”
University President Professor Hans Reiner Schultz made sure to praise the students’ commitment in his opening speech: “The Future Symposium is a wonderful initiative that we are happy to support. The event’s organizers have once more put together an impressively varied and highly topical program.”
A Critical Look at Scoring Systems with Jancis Robinson
A lecture by renowned British wine critic Jancis Robinson questioning the validity of standardized rating systems, titled “What’s the Value of 100 Points?”, was a particular highlight. While the number of highly rated wines is increasing, she believes the challenge lies primarily with the producers: “It's a great time for wine lovers, but a very difficult time for wine makers.”
Networking in a Relaxed Atmosphere
The event concluded with an atmospheric networking evening at the ‘Alte Weinfass’ campus bar, where participants took the opportunity to deepen discussions and build new contacts.
The Future Symposium 2025 once again showed how fruitful the exchange between universities, practitioners, and international initiators can be, and made it clear that the future of the wine industry is being shaped here in Geisenheim.
