About
Paul Balke
I was born in Langerak (ZH), one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands.
For many years I studied and lived in Utecht, this beautiful town.
My Mission
And then the wine virus struck! It was not only wine that fascinated me, it was also the diversity, the many varieties, and the history and culture of the region where the wine grows. Because they are part of the terroir where the wine is grown and can even be a part of the conditions for producing the wine.
Wine is an essential part of European culture. Drinking wine is not only a physical but also a metaphysical sensation. It is MY MISSION to organize more attention for values that are in wine and related to wine. There is much to learn for everybody not only for the experienced wine drinker but also for those who drink wine without being an expert.
During the years, I have made many interesting contacts in the wine world. All this comes together in my work, in my wine selection, my presentations, and my books. I have done a profound research over the years. I started as wine-importer in the Netherlands: with my company, Chateau Ostade, I organized wine courses, tastings, masterclasses, and events. I traveled to many wine regions and countries and learned so much and started to write books.
My knowledge of wine and wine-related subjects gives me the opportunity to speak first-hand about wine, grapes, wine-making techniques as well as the history and culture that make many wine regions so interesting. I am available for wine presentations and masterclasses: find out more here
ITALY – Italy is my favorite country and I am continuously searching new wines and am involved in various promotion projects. Very often you can find me in Piemonte, but also in Friuli Venezia Giulia and sometimes in Campania or Puglia and I continue to research the other regions too.
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE – The wine world is in full development. It is fascinating to follow developments in Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia, and other countries. And Georgia has become a new favorite for me and I hope to be back soon! I also gave some masterclasses in Eastern Europe.
Castello di Duino near Trieste 
- My first book is Basiskennis over Wijn (2003). The next book is Piemonte Wine and Travel Atlas (2009) and recently North Adriatic (2021). There are more books to come! More about my books you find here.
- I was often in the press in Italy and in other countries. More information you find here.
- I have sat on various international wine-juries, and speak several languages (Dutch, English, German, French, Italian fluent, and also a bit of Spanish and Slavic languages). In my free time I am pianist. Some of my music you can find here.