Ep. 125: Wine Importer Sebastian Lowa on Championing German & Austrian Wines and Lesser Known Varieties

Vint Podcast

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, host Billy Galanko dives into one of his favorite topics, diving deep into the less-explored grape varieties of German and Austrian wine beyond the familiar Riesling and Grüner Veltliner before interviewing Wine Importer Sebastian Lowa, co-founder of Baire Wines Imports. Sebastian shares his journey into the importation game and his passion for organic and biodynamically farmed wines from Germany and Austria.
The name 'Baire' is a combination of Sebastian's nickname 'Basti' and his wife Claire's name, as well as a nod to the bear on both the Berlin and California flags. Sebastian's interest in wine was sparked during a trip to Italy, where he discovered the diverse flavors and agricultural nature of wine. He then started making his own wine and eventually decided to import wines from Germany and Austria. Baire Wines Imports focuses on importing and distributing German and Austrian wines in the US. They work with producers that use organic and biodynamic farming practices and prioritize soil health.
The wines they offer showcase a wide range of varietals and styles, from classic Mosel Riesling to more unique and experimental wines like orange wines and pet-nats. Baire Wines Imports aims to be diverse in its portfolio, offering wines for every type of account, from Michelin-star restaurants to liquor stores. They believe that wines made with minimal intervention and a focus on the fruit taste more alive and interesting.
Explore Baire Wines' Portofolio
Godforsaken Grapes Book Link

Chapters
03:06 Exploring Unique Varieties Beyond Riesling and Grüner Veltliner

12:31 The Journey of a Wine Importer: Sebastian Lova's Story

14:17 The Birth of Baire Wines: Organic and Biodynamic Focus

15:30 From Beer to Wine: Sebastian's Personal Wine Journey

19:52 Making Wine and Embracing the Vineyard Life

25:44 Exploring Baire Wines' Diverse Portfolio

27:55 Discovering the First Wine Producer

29:17 Exploring Diverse Ways to Connect with Winemakers

30:11 Building a Wine Portfolio with Personal Connections

31:12 Diving Into the Diversity of German and Austrian Wines

41:24 The Philosophy Behind Low Intervention Wines

50:59 Expanding Distribution and Looking Forward

53:16 Navigating the Complexities of Wine Import and Distribution

56:13 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

The Vint Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!
Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, Sebastian Lowa, Matthew Crafton, Tony Parker, Andrew Caillard, Mike Veseth, Madeline Puckette, John Olney, Matthew Kaner, Amelia Singer, Chess Martin, and more!