THE BLUE SHEEP PROJECT
- 23 hours ago
- 7 min read
Broadening Horizons
Very often, people appear far bigger on pictures than they are when you meet in person. This may be said for Kristian Dautermann yet it`s his character traits which leave more of an impression, than his true height. Kristian grew up on the family Wine Estate in a stable environment, where community and acceptance are deep-rooted.
Entrepreneur Axel Gesser also grew up amidst wine barrels – albeit in France. In 1998, Axel founded Avec Plaisir, a wine business which he runs with much commitment. Axels` wine passion and expertise have paid off. Today, he enjoys an excellent reputation, in particular, as a Wine Consultant for the Hospitality Trade.
The Blue Sheep Project, launched in 2021, was initiated by founders Axel Gesser and Kristian Dautermann who share much more than a fervour for good wines. Their venture took shape just a few years ago following a first encounter and soon after, they discovered the perfect Figurehead for their mission. Inspired by Artist Blauschäfer Rainer Bonk`s work and with the sculptors` consent, their decision fell on Rainer`s Blue Sheep – symbolic since its inception, for Tolerance and Social Harmony.
Unlike Kristian, Axel had had little contact with the disabled up until that point. Kristian, however, grew up alongside his older brother Klaus - a young man born with Down’s Syndrome. Both boys were treated and encouraged by their parents equally and as a result; Klaus now enjoys a practically normal life.
EMBRACING INCLUSION
The Association for Inclusion and Integration in.betrieb operates from Mainz, Ingelheim and Nieder-Olm and is an association with a slight difference. The disabled workshop for people with cognitive impairments not only values, but encourages their employees to engage in external work environments - not simply their own. The result: heightened levels of trust and recognition have a profound and positive impact on confidence and autonomy.
True inclusion begins with a company’s preparedness to address the subject. Despite the degree of hesitation, Axel, and Kristian`s Project is providing a platform for discussion and in doing so, opening once closed doors. Their project aims to support and prepare disabled individuals long-term, with the ideal outcome being steadfast employment. The Blue Sheep Project enables its` participants to step outside their comfort zone and explore opportunities other than those in the workshop setting.
Take the Winery, for example. Here, Kristian and Axel have witnessed true team building. Tangible and with a genuine sense of Team-Spirit uniting all who take part – be they with or without a disability.
On World Down Syndrome Day (21 March 2024) the Lebenshilfe Nordrhein-Westfalen e. V. issued a statement: they called for an end to discrimination, encouraged recognition of the abilities of Down syndrome individuals and to permit full access to every aspect of society. They also highlighted the importance of equality within a workplace setting in order to achieve these goals.
With a shortage of labour in many fields, there is no reason the disabled should not be integrated within a regular workforce and on 1 January 2024, new German Legislation came into effect to promote a more inclusive environment. By law, employers with 20+ employees are now obliged to fill at least five per cent of their vacancies with impaired individuals (Section 154 of SGB IX). Failure to do so, results in penalties per unfilled position and as an incentive, financial support for training, workplace modification and general integration is being subsidised.
I first heard about the Blue Sheep project when Kristians` Estate Winery - K. & K. Dautermann - received the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award 2026 in the category, Wine Tourism & Sustainability.
Kristian`s motto has always been the sustained production of consistently honest and authentic wines, born of patience, the necessary time and with passion. He also recognises the importance of his team - their contribution and their own personal fulfilment. Axel, who has also cultivated vineyards in the past, is just as much a lover of authentic craftsmanship as is his partner. For his own clients, Axel`s eyes are constantly peeled and on the lookout for memorable wines and outstanding producers.
The Blue Sheep Project hence successfully unites moral ethics and ultimate wine pleasure, with environmental respect and a powerful sense of social responsibility.
THE MANY FACETS OF A VINEYARD
My visit to the K. & K. Dautermann Estate included an excursion to the historical vineyard site Kirchenstück. This isn`t just any old vineyard but the location chosen for the first hands-on Blaue-Schaf-Inclusion Day. This sends a message loud and clear. Kristian`s pride and joy and the origin of his Dautermann Flagship wines is where the whole team unites.
As sole owner, Kristian acquired the over 90-year-old collection of vines in 2011. Gnarled, woody, and contorted vines, many with a distorted grin, profit from water retaining limestone and marl soils, safeguarding even in the hottest of vintages, a stress-free growing season.
An ancient vineyard space in which to reflect under the quizzical, watchful eyes of the vines, themselves flanked by an abundance of wild rocket. A place of encounter where Kristian and the team refuel, absorb nature's energy accompanied by the seasons` rhythm. In the distance, church bells peal as if in salute of the ripening grapes, later to be crafted into fine wine.
The vines budded early this year. Aside minimal yield reduction, little intervention is required here. The greatest threat - vine moths and leaf rollers known to prey upon the emerging buds - has passed and should conditions persist, there is every reason to expect an outstanding vintage.
ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS
Pruning is complete; an important annual task to which this year, Blaue Schaf participants from both in.betrieb and a major regional company contributed. Such Social Days are the outcome of a recent collaboration but in the meantime, in.betrieb employees visit the Dautermann Estate on a weekly basis with one participant – Sam - now permanently part of the team.
Blaue-Schaf-Days maybe a challenge - yes, they require patience and tact. At the end of the day though, the collective feeling of enlightenment is the greatest reward, as are glowing faces, smiles and an overall feeling of accomplishment.
„The Blaue Schaf Project brings corporate values to life on a day-to-day basis. This has nothing to do with a simple company presentation but with real-life experience and behavioural shift. Our project highlights the potential and tangible impact on leadership and business culture – not just conceptual, but in practice.“
Kristian Dautermann
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
Inclusion and Integration within the World of Wine is a unique concept, opening promising new perspectives within the Wine Industry. As a logical consequence, Axel and Kristian have launched a new range of wines; die Blauschafweine, which I also had the pleasure of tasting at the end of the day.
As a project safeguard, the Estate has planted a new Chardonnay vineyard - much thanks to Sam and vineyard expert Tobias. With this, their visionary approach of creating new opportunities will hopefully pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
This character-laden white wine is a cuvée of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay grapes grown on Ingelheim`s sun-exposed Mainzer Berg. All Burgundy`s love limestone and here, the calcareous marl soils provide for a fine, crumbly soil structure and a wine, deeply influenced by its’ terroir. Following gentle maturation in stainless steel tanks, the period of ‘sur-lie’ accompanied by regular Bâtonnage, lends to the wines` distinct creamy texture and depth.
TASTING: Bright lemon-yellow in the glass. A distinct citrus nose paired with stone fruit and a hint of the exotic. This is a complex, full-bodied wine with an excellent mouthfeel and a dry finish. The palate unfolds with hints of lime, grapefruit, apricot, and nectarine. Slightly spicy, with a velvety, long-lasting finish, this is a rich and convincingly good wine.
Vintage: 2024
ABV: 13 % Vol.
Born of deeply rooted Pinot Noir grown again, on the limestone-rich soils of the Mainzer Berg. These 30 to 45-year-old vines combine restrained power of expression with complexity and structure. Texture and subtle spice owe their depth to 36 months of maturity in both large and small oak barrels - without sacrificing freshness or fruit.
TASTING: Ruby red in the glass. Dark, wild-red-fruits on the nose, a hint of forest floor and spicy pep. Elegant on the palate. Fine, well-integrated tannins embrace engaging acidity. Red berries and wild cherry in harmony with subtle woody notes. A fresh and well-balanced red.
Vintage: 2017
ABV: 13,5 % Vol.
Das Blaue Schaf Pinot Blanc Extra Brut (not yet on the market)
Ingelheimer Schlossberg. Pinot Blanc harvested at their peak and vinified deliberately in two phases. Fifty percent in tonneau barrels (five hundred Litres) and fifty percent fermented in stainless steel. This Sparkling combines structure with finesse and warmth with clarity. Once bottled, a full 60 months on the lees provides for exceptionally impressive aromatic complexity.
TASTING: In the glass – warm radiant yellow. On the nose, ripe apple, pear, and a hint of yellow stone fruits. A precise, fresh, and highly elegant sparkling boasting delicate, nutty notes much thanks to lengthy lees-contact. With its’ creamy texture and fine effervescence the overall impression is one of harmony and length.
Vintage: 2019
ABV: 12,0 % Vol
JOINING FORCES
BlauSchafWein is a Launchpad and on behalf of Kristian, Axel, Klaus and all disabled individuals worldwide, I invite you to explore possible opportunities within your own business.
Be that springboard making a difference because in paving the way toward a better future, you`ll serve as a gateway yourself. They may be born with minor impairments but this group of individuals are by no means sick, incompetent or inadequate. Quite the opposite in fact and from whom we have much to learn.
During my research for this article, I couldn`t help but reflect. Significant issues tend to slip under the radar in public discourse – including the integration of disabled people. As demonstrated here, the project and founder spirit clearly illustrate the significance of a more inclusive approach. Disabled individuals bring a wealth of diversity and skills and in doing so, enrich our broader society. There is much to be gained from their insights and how they themselves cope, with even the smallest of challenges.
You`d like to support the project but aren`t a business owner - no problem!
Blue Sheep are a real eye-catcher in every garden; they are weather resistant and will certainly provide more than a talking point – particularly whilst enjoying your next bottle of BlauSchafWein.
The still wines are great as a gift; being available in attractive gift packaging and complete with a miniature sheep and more information on the project itself.
Pop by here or contact the project founders themselves.
Axel Gesser: info@avecplaisir.de
Kristian Dautermann: info@dautermannwein.de
PS: - did you spot the second little character on the label?
Remember, it`s all a matter of PERSPECTIVE!
In Memory of Johanna Schweizer, a much-loved Mentor and a very good friend.
