Moments of happiness in Rhineland-Palatinate

Sometimes we think so much about what is right and what is wrong and forget that life is also fun. The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture has set itself the task of focussing more on the joie de vivre and openness so typical of Rhinelanders - also against the background that conscious enjoyment of life can increase resilience in stressful situations and times of crisis. With the Rhineland-Palatinate Gold campaign, the federal state invites everyone to enjoy life. This is also the case at Grüne Woche in Hall 6.2.

Be a little bit of a child

"We want to give people an experience. It's about being allowed to be a bit childlike again," says Tanja from Hand im Glück. Moments of happiness are her job. Watching Tanja arranging wine corks in wine glasses, golden pendants and various brushes, pens, bottles of paint, small sponges and different stencils on the long wooden table makes you want to take a seat and embellish a cork. The workshop Tanja is currently preparing is called "Wine cork upcycling".

The geographical location and climatic conditions make Rhineland-Palatinate Germany's number one wine region. On over 64,000 hectares of vineyards, more than 6,500 wineries produce around six million hectolitres of wine every year. Viticulture characterises the landscape and culture in a special way. The fact that corks are also a lot of fun is less well known.

Unlimited cork art

In the workshop at Grüne Woche, Tanja shows how corks can be used to make key rings - or wine markers to label glasses at events. "But there are no limits to creativity," she says. As ideas for the home, Tanja mentions photo stands, place cards, small sculptures, necklace pendants, garlands and much more.

Edel Krug from Schönbrunn in the Steigerwald forest comes by the stand with two friends. The three women take a seat and immerse themselves in the world of cork art. "It's a great idea for New Year's Eve or a birthday party to keep the guests busy," says Edel Krug. Engeline Ottersberg from Wiesmoor is also enthusiastic: "I've already done a lot with corks, but not this yet."

Creating awareness

"We wanted to raise awareness of consumption and appeal to other cultural senses in addition to the wine tastings," says Leonie Simon, Senior Consultant at Scholz & Friends, who is helping to oversee the Rhineland-Palatinate Gold campaign. Working with your hands creates a pleasant mixture of concentration and relaxation: carefully twist the key ring into the soft cork, dip the brush into the paint and stroke the surface with its soft tip. The hustle and bustle of the trade fair recedes into the background. Tanja and Edel Krug talk about their lifestyles and, in addition to upcycling and the joy of painting, connections are made between people.

The "Wine Cork Upcycling" will take place again on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hall 6.2 at stand number 152. All dates can be found in the Green Week app.