The unexpected death of Joe Karwig in October saddened those in the wine industry in Ireland, among whom he was highly esteemed.
Joe was reared in Bremen, Germany, in 1943. He started his working life in logistics with Lufthansa. His interest in wine was first kindled when he visited the celebrated Schloss Johannisberg winery. In his own words, “he was hooked”. His lifelong curiosity and insatiable appetite for knowledge of wine started. A career change to work with Pieroth – a giant German wine company – was a pivotal point in his career. He came to Ireland in 1975, where he met his beloved wife and business partner Betty. They married in 1979.
That same year Joe established his wine merchant business, Karwig Wines Carrigaline, importing boutique wines from well-known and specialist wine-makers in Germany and southern Europe.
He was ahead of his time, contributing enormously to the development of the wine industry in Ireland. In 1989 he moved to new premises, from which he was extremely successful. He loved to share his passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for wines and loved to teach about their characteristics with his own uniquely quirky descriptions.
Joe and his kindred spirit, the late Dr John O’Connell, a noted wine writer, travelled regularly together, visiting wineries and wine fairs, forever increasing their immense knowledge of wine. In the early 1980s they established the Cork and Bottle Wine Club. Their aim was to share their expertise in an informal way, and encourage the appreciation of wines. The club will forever be indebted to Joe for his unstinted support and the wonderful visits he orchestrated to such wineries as as Pol Roger, Thevenet, Trimbach and Antinori.
Visiting Joe at Karwig Wines was always an informative experience and most rewarding. His wonderful sense of humour made the visit so entertaining. He loved to teach and encourage young enthusiasts who were eager to enter the wine trade.
Joe’s legacy will be continued by his family and staff at Karwig Wine, Carrigaline. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty, daughters Yvonne and Gillian, and son Jurgen.