Remembering Rudi Wiest: The Legendary German Wine Importer Who Left a Lasting Legacy at 88

Rudi Wiest, a significant figure in promoting German wines in the U.S., passed away on March 9 in Henderson, Nevada, at the age of 88. His import business, Rudi Wiest Selections, founded in 1978, became a cornerstone of the German wine industry in America, featuring renowned estates such as J.J. Prüm, Karthäuserhof, and Egon Müller.

Born in 1936 in Bavaria, Wiest relocated to the U.S. in 1952. His interest in wine blossomed in the 1970s while living in San Francisco, leading him to establish his import business dedicated solely to German wines, a venture met with skepticism at the time. “Selling German wine was an uphill battle for decades, but it was a labor of love for Rudi,” remarked Harmon Skurnik, president of Skurnik Wines & Spirits.

As a leading advocate for German wines, particularly Riesling, Wiest introduced many American wine lovers to the quality and diversity of these offerings. Bruce Sanderson, a senior editor at Wine Spectator, highlighted Wiest’s passion for both wine and jazz, frequently seen indulging in performances in New York.

After closing his import company in 2019, Wiest’s legacy continued through his protégé, Jenna Fields, who established The German Wine Collection, aiming to preserve Wiest’s impressive portfolio of German estates. Fields stated, “No one has had more of an impact on the German wine industry than Rudi.”

Wiest is survived by his son Brent and grandchildren, Josef and Audrey. His contributions to the wine industry remain influential, as many enthusiasts and professionals recognize the foundation he laid for the appreciation of German wines in the United States.

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!