"Gipfel der Götter" (originally titled "Kami no Shizuku" in Japanese) is a manga series written by Yuko Kibayashi and illustrated by Shu Okimoto. The story revolves around the world of wine, blending elements of drama, competition, and culinary expertise. The protagonist, Shizuku Kanzaki, is a young and talented sommelier who works at a prestigious French restaurant in Tokyo. His life takes a dramatic turn when his father, a renowned wine critic, passes away, leaving behind a cryptic will that challenges Shizuku to uncover the identity of twelve legendary wines referred to as the "Twelve Apostles." These wines are said to be the pinnacle of winemaking, and the quest to find them becomes a journey of self-discovery, rivalry, and passion.

Shizuku's pursuit of the Twelve Apostles leads him to compete against other sommeliers, including his childhood friend and rival, Miyabi Shinohara. The series delves into the intricacies of wine tasting, the history of winemaking, and the cultural significance of wine across different regions. Each arc focuses on Shizuku's encounters with various wines, often tied to personal stories of the people who produce or cherish them. The narrative explores themes of legacy, ambition, and the pursuit of perfection, as Shizuku strives to honor his father's memory while carving out his own path in the world of wine.

The characters are deeply intertwined with the world of wine, each bringing their own expertise, motivations, and emotional baggage. Shizuku's growth as a sommelier is central to the story, as he learns to balance technical skill with emotional intuition. Miyabi, his rival, serves as both a foil and a reflection of his own struggles, while other supporting characters, such as wine producers and fellow sommeliers, add depth to the narrative by highlighting the diverse perspectives within the wine industry.

The series is notable for its meticulous attention to detail in depicting wine culture, from the science of viticulture to the art of wine tasting. It combines educational elements with a compelling storyline, making it accessible to both wine enthusiasts and newcomers. The competitive aspects of the plot, particularly the sommelier duels, add tension and excitement, while the emotional arcs of the characters provide a humanizing counterpoint to the technical focus. "Gipfel der Götter" is a rich exploration of passion, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of wine.