Remembering Rudi Wiest: The Trailblazing German Wine Importer Who Shaped the Industry at 88

March 12, 2025 (Carlsbad, CA) — The wine industry mourns the loss of a pivotal figure, German wine importer Rudi Wiest, who passed away on March 9 at age 88. Wiest played a crucial role in introducing German wines to the U.S. market during the post-WWII era. His dedication to advocating for dry Rieslings and diversifying the perception of German wines helped reshape market attitudes during a time when skepticism was prevalent. He is survived by his son Brent and grandchildren, Josef and Audrey.

Born in Germany in 1936, Wiest immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and later served in the U.S. Air Force. His passion for wine emerged after he and his wife, Erna, moved to California in the 1970s. In 1978, he established Rudi Wiest Selections, focusing on German producers. Early in his venture, he formed partnerships with renowned estates like J.J. Prüm, Karthäuserhof, and Egon Müller. Over thirty years, he built a strong national distribution network and expanded the RWS portfolio to include numerous esteemed producers affiliated with the VDP, an elite association of German winemakers.

Industry colleagues recall Wiest’s relentless commitment to promoting German wines. Harmon Skurnik, President of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, shared that selling German wine was challenging in the 1990s, but for Wiest, it was “a labor of love.” Likewise, Evan Spingarn, German Portfolio Manager at Bowler Wines, highlighted Wiest’s influence in establishing the reputations of many respected winemakers today. “Anyone who loves German wines owes a debt to Rudi,” he noted.

Wiest’s legacy endures, as evidenced by the formation of The German Wine Collection (The GWC), which succeeded his import business in 2019. This company continues Wiest’s mission by representing over 20 leading German producers in the U.S. Jenna Fields, President of The GWC and Wiest’s protégé, remarked, “Rudi led his life with hard work and incredible passion for getting industry professionals and consumers alike to understand quality German wine. His pioneering work lives on and his influence and impact are immeasurable.”

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!