“Riesling Relief” fundraiser sets out to change hearts and minds in St. Louis through wine

As legend has it, a German Archbishop in the Medieval 14th century fell gravely ill. Despite many attempts by the local townspeople to administer him lifesaving medicine, only one such potion had the cure: riesling. Since then, top German winemakers have proudly used the “Doktor” title on their labels—even as many American drinkers continue to associate riesling with cloying sweetness.

Pinnacle Imports, in partnership with restaurants and retailers across the metro area, hopes to change the narrative surrounding riesling, though. Riesling is actually “very chameleonic,” says Pinnacle chief operating officer Chris Poldoian, an advanced sommelier. This means there are dry, off-dry, dessert, and sparkling rieslings available, in addition to sweet varieties.

Courtesy of Pinnacle Imports

Courtesy of Pinnacle Imports

What’s more, the company is hosting Riesling Relief, which will contribute to tornado relief efforts in St. Louis. “It’s been tough for everyone,” says Poldoian. “I think we all know someone who’s been affected.” (Bill Kneip and Liz Kneip Engelsmann, the brother-and- sister duo behind Pinnacle, felt the devastation firsthand, with both of their homes being damaged.)

The Riesling Relief fundraiser, running through November 30, will donate a portion of proceeds from designated bottles sold at participating St. Louis restaurants and retailers. Proceeds will benefit Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Disaster Relief Fund.

Restaurants who have pledged their commitment to the cause are as follows:

• 33 Wine Shop & Tasting Bar – Tatomer Riesling ‘Steinhügel’ 2023
• 360 Westport – Nine Hats Riesling
• Barrio – 2023 Tatomer ‘Steinhügel’ Riesling 2023
• Brasserie By Niche – Pierre Sparr Riesling 2022
• Cafe Napoli (Clayton) = Schafer Frohlich Riesling Kabinett ‘Felseneck’ 
• Chandler Hill Vineyards – Poet’s Leap Riesling 2024 by Long Shadows and Nine Hats Riesling
• The Crossing – JJ Prum Riesling Kabinette ‘Bernkasteler Badstube’ 2023
• EdgeWild Restaurant & Winery– Tattoo Girl Riesling 2023
• High Bar–Clayton – Tattoo Girl Riesling 2023
• Jinzen – Pierre Sparr Riesling 2022
• No Ordinary Rabbit – Tatomer Riesling ‘Steinhügel” 2023 and Schafer Frohlich Estate Riesling Dry
• Oceano Bistro– Poet’s Leap Riesling 2024 by Long Shadows
• Peacemaker Lobster & Crab – Nine Hats Riesling
• Robust Bistro & Wine Bar – Tattoo Girl Riesling 2023
• Sophie’s Artist Lounge – Tattoo Girl Riesling 2023
• Sasha’s on Shaw – Tatomer Riesling ‘Steinhügel’ 2023 (glass) and Pierre Sparr Riesling 2022 (bottle) 
• Sasha’s Wine Bar & Market – Tatomer Riesling ‘Steinhügel’ 2023 (glass) and Weingut Rebholz ‘Trocken’ Riesling 2021 (bottle)
• ‘Ssippi – Karthauserhof Riesling Trocken Schieferkristall 2020
• Vicia Restaurant – Tatomer Riesling ‘Steinhügel’ 2023
• Wild Crush Wine Bar(n) – Tattoo Girl Riesling 2023
• The Wine Cafe – Tattoo Girl Riesling 2023

Retailers where this charitable donation applies include:

• Big Bend Liquor – Tattoo Girl Riesling
• Box Hill Grocer
• Grapevine Wines – Mönchhof Riesling Estate
• Randall’s Wines & Spirits (South City) – Tattoo Girl Riesling
• Spirit Wine & Craft (Chippewa)– Long Shadows Riesling ‘Poet’s Leap’
• Straub’s (Kingshighway) – Tattoo Girl Riesling
• Vincent’s 12th Street Market – Tattoo Girl Riesling
• Wild Olive Provisions – Schafer Frohlich Riesling Dry ‘Schiefergestein’ and Tatomer Riesling ‘Steinhügel’
• The Wine Barrel – Bruno by Karthäuserhof Riesling Kabinett Feinherb
• Wine & Cheese Place Kirkwood
• The Wine Merchant

Some selections can also be found in some Schnucks, Friar Tucks, and Whole Foods stores.

“Each winery or wine importer agreed to donate a certain amount of money,” explains Poldoian. “Some people are donating $10 a case, some $20. Maybe a dollar a bottle. What we’re going to do is match whatever our supplier is donating.”

Courtesy of Wines of Germany

Courtesy of Wines of Germany

The bottles originate from across the globe, with distributors donating wines from such countries as Germany, as well as such states as California and Washington growers. “Most of the wines that we’re showcasing for this event are dry,” says Poldoian.

In addition to raising funds and perceptions of riesling, the event provides an opportunity to “tell a different story,” senior sales representative Amy Simpson says in regard to reconstruction efforts across St. Louis. Part of her daily commute to Pinnacle’s warehouse in Overland is along Lindell and Skinker, where she witnesses the path of destruction.

“What I really hope is that we build [St. Louis] back in a more equitable way,” says Simpson, “and that we can really come together and lift up these communities that need help.”

“There’s so much sadness and heaviness right now,” adds Poldoian, “but wine is something that is joyful and meant to be shared, and I think we’re able to do that with riesling and this fundraiser.”