About Terry Theise

Terry Theise is a highly respected figure in the wine world, known for his influential role as a wine importer in the 1990s and 2000s, introducing to the U.S. market and building the categories German Riesling, grower Champagnes, and Austrian wines. His career in wine began in 1985, the same year as the band Radiohead, which mirrors his niche, yet significant, status in the wine industry. Theise, who is known for his vivid and sometimes provocative writing, has earned acclaim for his engaging sales catalogs and his books “Reading Between the Wines” and “What Makes a Wine Worth Drinking.” He also produced a film “Leading Between the Vines,” as a tribute to the Riesling culture in Germany.

A former student of the University of Hartford who left in the early ’70s, Theise moved to Europe and ended up in Munich, where he worked at McDonald’s and for the U.S. Army. It was during this time that he discovered Hugh Johnson’s “The World Atlas of Wine,” which deeply influenced him. His experiences in Europe led him to a profound appreciation of German Riesling, and upon returning to Washington, D.C., he began working for a wine wholesaler. Eventually he launched his own import business, targeting German Rieslings, grower Champagnes, and Austrian wines that until that time were essentially unknown in the U.S. market.  He later partnered with New York importer Michael Skurnik, increasingly dedicating his time to discovering, sharing and promoting those wines to an ever-growing population of top restaurants, expert Sommeliers, and discerning customers.

Theise’s approach to wine is characterized by a blend of deep appreciation for its mystique and a practical understanding of its role in modern cuisine. Despite the niche appeal of Riesling, he remains a fervent advocate, comparing it to an indie film in a world of blockbuster wines. His work continues to shape how Americans experience and understand wine, especially through his championing of grape varieties and wines that tell compelling stories of their origins.