Web site features interactive food and wine pairing tool, enabling users to find the perfect wine to accompany any dish or vice versa.

Wines of Germany, along with the European Union (E.U), today unveiled DestinationRiesling.com, an interactive Web site designed to increase interest and awareness for German, as well as other European Rieslings, among U.S. consumers. The site is a key element of the "Destination Riesling" marketing campaign, underwritten by the German Wine Institute and the E.U.

A consumer-friendly, interactive food and wine pairing tool is the flagship component of the site. The tool guides users through a simple, step-by-step process of either matching wine to food or food to wine.

Riesling, as well as other select wines from Germany, Austria and Alsace, are highlighted within the application. Ronn Wiegand, Master of Wine, Master Sommelier and Publisher of RestaurantWine newsletter, provided the content for the pairing tool.

"Old World Riesling offers an extensive range of flavors and tastes, from bone dry to seductively rich, making it one of the most versatile and food-friendly varietals in the world," said Wiegand. "This interactive pairing tool helps consumers better understand the immense versatility of Riesling, as well as other European varietals, so they can find the perfect wine to suit any dish."

In addition to the pairing application, DestinationRiesling.com features current news and events associated with European Riesling. A photo and video gallery includes educational Riesling videos narrated by esteemed food and wine writer, David Rosengarten, courtesy of Devour.tv, a Web-based food and wine television network. Updates to the site will occur on a regular basis. DestinationRiesling.com will serve as a primary information resource for Riesling enthusiasts and novices alike.

"We are excited to use this site as a way to educate consumers about Riesling, which is currently the fastest growing white varietal by sales in the United States,1" said Monika Reule, managing director of the German Wine Institute in Mainz, Germany. "Thanks to the long traditions of winemaking in Europe, a young generation of talented producers and a cool climate, European, and particularly German Riesling, is the benchmark for Riesling around the globe. We feel it is crucial to communicate this message to wine lovers in the U.S."

About Destination Riesling

Destination Riesling is a holistic communications campaign designed to increase interest and awareness for European Riesling among consumers in the U.S. The three-year program contains both consumer marketing and trade elements such as a dedicated Web site, restaurant promotions, tastings, seminars, press and sommelier trips. The campaign is underwritten by the German Wine Institute and the European Union.

More information can be found at www.destinationriesling.com