Domäne Wachau
Craftsmanship, terroir, and precision are the key values of Domäne Wachau under the leadership of Roman Horvath MW and Heinz Frischengruber. In close partnership with our vignerons, respect for nature and the soil dominates the hard work in the steep vineyards. With over 150 hectares of organic vineyards, Domäne Wachau is Austria’s leading wine estate with organically cultivated vines. Organized into small parcels and worked mainly by hand, each vigneron cultivates less than two hectares on average — allowing them to focus on the needs of the individual plot. The wines from grand single vineyards (ried) such as Achleiten, Brandstatt, and Kellerberg reflect their unique origins and deliver a distinctive puristic style, with both depth and freshness. This is a next generation Wine Cooperative, as found nowhere else on Earth.
Vineyards
We are the only winery in the entire Wachau region to nurture parcels in every well-known single vineyard of the Wachau. The wines, in their individuality, express perfectly the character of renowned single vineyard sites such as Loibenberg, Achleiten, 1000-Eimer-Berg, Singerriedel and Kellerberg. Vineyard terraces with dry stone walls are an essential part – and, in fact, are a hallmark – of the terroirs of the Wachau.
Vignerons
Our vignerons are the heroes of Domäne Wachau. With devotion to detail, they work the small plots, exercising artisanship based on sustainable principles. They are the ones who nurture the vineyards, who build and mend the dry stone walls, and carefully ensure biodiversity while increasingly focusing on organic farming. Each one is one of a kind – so unique and rich in character. Grape whisperers with creative minds and spirits. Whether young mavericks or experienced farmers. And with our winemaker, Heinz Frischengruber at their side, they always have a mentor to guide and support them.
Cellar
Vineyard and cellar are inseparable. We work very closely with nature, barely intervene during vinification and accompany our wines best through absolute minimal activity. It is important for us to nurture and bring out the origin, vintage and variety of every single wine as precisely as possible. After all, no vintage is the same. Time takes care of the rest; it shapes the wine, giving it balance – a natural equilibrium that allows for the aromas to develop slowly and calmly. Continuous learning and development as well as the interplay of tradition and innovation all come together in our work in the cellar.
Team
Our team is a blend of multifaceted skills and talent. Some of us come from the Wachau, others from Vienna or beyond the Austrian border. Some are globetrotters, others are deeply attached to their homeland. There are those who have acquired their wine education at schools and academies, while others have gained oenological knowledge and gastronomic expertise through practical hands-on experience. Our resumé is indeed varied and far from the norm. But there is one single point that bonds us: We share a great passion for wine.
Region & Climate
The Domäne Wachau is situated in the heart of the Wachau Valley, one of Europe’s oldest cultural landscapes. The Wachau is a gorge of only 33 km in length. Steep slopes terraced with dry stone walls, fortressed mountains, vineyards, orchards, rare flora and fauna as well as a rich cultural tradition make this a unique area in all of Europe. For this reason, the Wachau has also been named a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Wine has been cultivated in the Wachau for centuries. Primary rock soil, an exceptional climate and terraces overlooking the Danube River have great influence on the tremendous quality of the Wachau wines.
