Born in Prüm in 1986, Torsten began his training as a hotel management specialist in 2003, followed by various positions in service - including at the Hotel im Wasserturm in Cologne and Graugans at the Hyatt. After a short interlude on the MS Europa, he moved to Switzerland, working at Lake Thun as Chef de Brigade at Hotel Beatus in Merligen.

A phone call from an old colleague led him to his chosen home of Hamburg. At Süllberg, under the direction of Karlheinz Hauser, he initially worked as Head Waiter, gradually taking on more responsibility for the wine list. It was only with the move to the legendary Restaurant Die Bank that he began formal training as a Certified Sommelier (IHK) in 2012.

In 2013, Torsten took his first steps with the Court of Master Sommeliers (Europe), achieving the Certified Sommelier title at his first attempt. 2014 brought the move to Hotel Louis C. Jacob, which would become Torsten’s most formative stage. There, he served as Deputy Head Sommelier under Markus Berlinghof, then Germany’s reigning Best Sommelier.

Also in 2014, Torsten won the Bailliage of Germany’s National Final of the Chaîne’s Jeunes Sommeliers Competition and represented the Bailliage at the International Final in Copengahen. In 2015, after Markus Berlinghof’s departure, Torsten was promoted to the role of Head Sommelier. He was named Best Sommelier in Germany. Torsten represented Germany at the European Sommelier Championship in Vienna in 2017.

In 2021, Torsten became Head Sommelier of wineBANK Hamburg, helping to shape its present concept alongside the Krone family and Johannes Leusch. He made a significant contribution to making wineBANK what it is today. Since April 2023, Torsten has been working as Sales Manager at Wein am Limit, overseeing B2B clients across Germany and proudly representing the Wein am Limit brand.

Wishing to put back something into the Chaîne’s National Jeunes Sommeliers Competition, Torsten was a member of the Panel of Judges at the 2025 National Final last March.

Wein am Limit - A passion for exceptional wines
Amid Hamburg’s vibrant culinary landscape, Wein am Limit has long established itself as a leading destination for discerning wine lovers. Founded in 2011 by Hendrik Thoma, Master Sommelier, and Bianca Ganson, Wein am Limit follows a clear mission: to make wines of character, origin, and integrity accessible.

The wines are often sourced from biodynamic or sustainable vineyards, frequently unfined or spontaneously fermented. Each bottle tells a story of terroir and of the people who uncompromisingly live their vision of wine. From natural wine newcomers to highly sought-after rarities, all can be found in the in-house online shop.

With a small team, great passion, and a fine sense for quality and trends, Wein am Limit has grown into one of Germany’s most exciting platforms for vinous enjoyment. It is a place for everyone who doesn’t just want to drink wine - but to truly experience it.

Wein am Limit
Offakamp 9
22529 Hamburg

Tel: +49 40 3338 6181
Web: shop.weinamlimit.de