My Life in English

Julia Seyffardt, die junge Betreiberin eines Weinguts im Rheingau, erzählt uns, warum sie gerne nach Südafrika reisen würde.

Vintner Julia Seyffardt

What makes English important to you?

English is our international language — it is as simple as that. It is present everywhere and turns up all the time in our daily lives. It helps us to communicate with people around the world.

When was your first English lesson, and what can you remember about it?

I think it must have been in my final year at primary school, in the fourth class. If I’m honest, I can’t remember it at all. You only start learning a language properly when you are in a foreign country and are forced to speak the language.

Who is your favourite English-language author, actor or musician?

At the moment, I am really enjoying books by the American-irish author Tana French (Broken Harbour, 2012; The Secret Place, 2014; The Trespasser, 2016). She writes exciting crime stories in a very detailed and decorative style.

Which song could you sing at least a few lines of in English?

There are quite a lot. Too many to list here.

What is your favourite food from the English-speaking world?

If I am honest, in culinary matters, I prefer the cuisine of other countries, such as Italy or France, but I wouldn’t say no to a good steak.

If you suddenly found yourself with a free afternoon in London or New York, what would you do?

I would certainly visit one of the wonderful markets.

If you could be any place in the Englishspeaking world right now, where would it be?

Definitely South Africa: a beautiful country with a breathtaking variety of landscapes, great weather and fabulous food — even if English is only one of the 11 official languages!

Which is your favourite city in the English-speaking world?

London, because it is so lively and culturally diverse. There are so many distinct areas with very different populations, each with its own great food market and its own atmosphere.

Have you ever worked in an Englishspeaking environment? If so, for how long, and what was it like?

After I had finished school, I went to South Africa for six months and worked on a winery there. I met a lot of really interesting people and found out a great deal about South African wine production. It was actually this experience that cemented my decision to work for my parents’ winery, Weingut Diefenhardt, in the Rheingau region.

When did you last use English (before answering this questionnaire)?

Yesterday. We had a group of guests from the Czech Republic visiting us at our wine shop. They had come to try our Rheingauer Riesling and Spätburgunder. And, of course, we communicated with them in English.

Do you practise English and, if so, how?

I practise English in everyday situations. As I have described, we often have foreign visitors to our winery. I organize wine-tastings for them and these are, of course, in English. Other than that, I like watching films and reading books in English. It means that I can keep my English up to date.

Is there anything in your home from the English-speaking world?

Wine!