Princess in honour: Emma Frey is Landau's wine princess

Studying during the day and going to the wine festival in the evening sounds like a typical summer day in Landau. But for Emma Frey, a psychology master's student in Landau, this is part of her duties and responsibilities. Emma has been Landau's wine princess since October 2024 and represents the regional wine culture in her honorary position. In this interview, she explains how she came to hold this special honorary position and what she particularly enjoys about it.

How did you hear about the position of wine princess?

Via Instagram. I followed my predecessor, saw what she was doing as wine princess and which events she was attending. I found that really exciting. When it was announced on Insta that Landau was looking for a new wine princess, I applied. Because I thought I'd regret it if I didn't give it a go.

What were your motives?

I moved to Landau for my studies and only really got to know the region when I moved here. I didn't realise there were so many great festivals here. People also say about Landau and the surrounding area: ‘There's always something going on here’, which is exactly what I got to know and love. I think when you come from somewhere else, you appreciate it even more. The wine festivals, the people, the socialising, it's simply always fun and enjoyable - and of course I also like to drink wine.

What is your favourite wine to drink?

My favourite wine is Gewürztraminer, I really like it. At the same time, I love trying different and new wines, because drinking just one wine would be too monotonous - the variety is what makes it special for me.

How did you feel when you were crowned wine princess?

When I was crowned at the Federweißenfest last October and saw the big stage, I was already thinking about what was in store for me during my year in office and hoped that everything would work out. I just do my best and always try to approach things with a positive feeling and master unknown situations. So far, it's working pretty well.

What are your tasks and what requirements do you need to fulfil?

A crucial prerequisite is definitely that you enjoy wine and want to share and communicate this enjoyment. As wine princess, I am also an ambassador and represent the Landau region and its diverse wine production, for example at wine festivals, wine fairs or other events, depending on the time of year. In January, for example, there are many New Year receptions and in the summer months there are many wine festivals and outdoor cultural events. I try to post insights into the various events on Instagram from time to time.

That sounds like a busy diary.

Yes, there's definitely always something going on, even over the winter. So far it's been about one event a week, but there can also be three New Year's receptions in one weekend or nothing for a week. There's always a lot going on in summer and it's good that I'm still a student. That way I can organise my time myself. Fortunately, I have good time management skills, so I don't have any problems balancing my studies and voluntary work. I see it more as a balance because it's something completely different. However, I have also learnt a lot from my previous studies that helps me in this position. For example, I often have to speak in front of a lot of people and give presentations. This has taught me how to present myself well and I'm not so nervous when I give speeches.

How did your friends and fellow students react?

I only told most of them when I was actually elected and it became public. I only told my boyfriend straight away. He was convinced that I would be wine princess if I applied and that I could prepare myself for it (laughs). Some of my friends were surprised, but they said they could well imagine me doing it. Everyone was looking forward to my year as wine princess and offered me their support, which really motivates me.

What do you enjoy most?

What I enjoy most of all is meeting lots of new people and getting to talk to them. The people here in the Palatinate are very sociable and I really appreciate that about this region. They are always happy and often have a smile on their faces. If I can contribute something, then I have achieved everything. Of course, I also like tasting new wines and learning new things. I don't come from a family of winemakers, but I have acquired a certain basic understanding. When I visit winegrowers, I find out a lot about them, their work and the wine, which always broadens my knowledge. My position as wine princess has made me even more aware of how many different wines and wine productions there are in Landau and the surrounding area and how important they are for the region. My honorary position has made me realise once again how important it is to support regional businesses and, in my case, the winegrowers and their work. However, this can just as easily be transferred to all other areas. It is precisely this feeling that I would like to convey in my office, including to students, because regional culture characterises and stands for this wonderful environment.