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School of Wine

Learn from the best and benefit from the experiences of others – that’s what the School of Wine offers with its widely diverse programme. Here, top-shelf master classes are presented, discussions about the future of viticulture evolve, and winegrowers share insights into their frequently eventful journeys to success. Those seeking a humorous approach to wine will also find something to suit their taste. Come and enjoy this during all three days of the fair in the Schatzkammersaal, the Burgraum and the Künstlerzimmer.

Register now for one of the tastings and look forward to fascinating wine knowledge!

Please note: To attend one of the masterclasses, a VieVinum ticket for the respective day is required in addition to the registration!

Subject to change – the program is updated regularly.

THE WINES THAT CHANGED US by STK – Steirische Terroir & Klassikweingüter

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 9.45 am–11.00 am
Free entry
Language: German and English
Registration required (professionals only):
info@stk-wein.at 

Steirische Terroir & Klassik Weingüter

Moderation: Willi Klinger

Get to know to 12 wineries with strong personalities, individual stories and highly distinctive wines. United by a common constant: Styria at its best. The STK winemakers present wines that changed everything, giving a deep and emotional insight into what defines Styrian terroir.
Experience a journey through the most outstanding and renowned single vineyards of the STK estates: Frauwallner, Gross, Lackner-Tinnacher, Maitz, Neumeister, Polz, Erwin Sabathi, Hannes Sabathi, Sattlerhof, Tement, Winkler-Hermaden & Wohlmuth.


THE LIGHT AND DARK SIDES OF RIESLING

BURGRAUM 10.45 am–12.00 pm
Free entry
Language: German
Registration required:
vievinum@wein.plus 

Moderation: Kim Schreiber & Marcus Hofschuster

Riesling, like few other grape varieties, can convey its origin. Wines from neighboring regions often display completely different characteristics. Soil variations and microclimatic differences sometimes give Riesling a light side with fruity notes of citrus, apple, and peach, and sometimes a dark side with aromas of spicy dark berries and smoky nuances. 
Kim Schreiber and Marcus Hofschuster taste around 7,000 wines annually for Europe's largest online wine platform, wein.plus, and have invaluable experience, especially with Riesling. The two take you on a fascinating journey through the diverse world of the king of grape varieties.


2 HEARTBREAKERS OF THE WACHAU REGION

SCHATZKAMMERSAAL 12.00 pm–2.00 pm
Entrance fee: 60 Euro
Language: German and English
Registration required:
backoffice@vinea-wachau.at, www.vinea-wachau.a…

Moderation: Thomas Maurer & Florian Scheuba

Thomas Maurer and Florian Scheuba: two like Riesling and Veltliner. Together, they bring more than 75 years of stage experience—and at least as many years in which Wachau wines have given their texts the final polish. For many years, both have shared a close friendship with the Wachau and its winemakers.


THE CARNUNTUM CHALLENGE

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 12.15 pm–1.30 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
info@carnuntum.com 

Rubin Carnuntum Weingüter

Moderation: Caro Maurer MW

In a blind tasting discover the soils, terroirs and winemaking styles of Carnuntum’s leading producers in a tasting competition with Caro Maurer MW.


CLASSICS OF THE RENOWNED WINERIES OF BURGENLAND

BURGRAUM 1.45 pm–3.00 pm
Free entry
Language: German and English
Registration required:
office@rwb.at 

Renommierte Weingüter Burgenland

The Renowned Wineries of Burgenland present their most famous wines – classics, authentic wines with history and inimitable character. Taste great growths from illustrious names, icons of Burgenland viticulture, known far beyond the borders of Austria.
Undeniably distinctive in style, the Classics of the Renowned Wineries of Burgenland are inextricably linked to their winegrowers and Burgenland. These are wines that speak of their origins and reflect the unique character of the climate, soil, and families behind them.
Join the winegrowers of the Renowned Wineries of Burgenland. Explore the history of their great growths and learn how they have evolved over time.


GERD A. HOFFMANN ACADEMY – How does the next generation of winemakers tick?

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 2.30 pm–3.45 pm
Free entry
Language: German
Registration required:
office@vievinum.com 

Moderation: Nicole Retter

As part of the VieVinum cross-mentoring programme, 13 promising young winemakers will be mentored by well-known personalities from society and the business world. These young winemakers can be encountered at their respective booths during the three days of the trade fair. As a special highlight, they will present a masterclass in the School of Wine, offering a summary of their experiences as a mentee and presenting a wine that they personally consider to be a signpost toward their future in viticulture. Nicole Retter (N. Retter GmbH) will be hosting and guiding the session.


COOL CLIMATE – VULCANIC WINE

SCHATZKAMMERSAAL 3.00 pm–4.15 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
eruption@grosswerk.com 

Eruption Winzer

Moderation: Maximilian Glatz & Reeze Choi

Enormous potential lies dormant in Vulkanland Styria. Convinced that their village and single-vineyard wines convey both the strength of their soils and the full extent of their viticultural expertise, the members of this dynamic group have established an independent, privately governed classification system for their single vineyards.
At its core lies a rigorous focus on terroir and the precise differentiation of geological and climatic conditions. The defined criteria for the single vineyards are verified by LACON as an independent control body.
They are now keen to demonstrate the consistency with which they implement this approach. The tasting will be led by Maximilian Glatz, Steiermark and Reeze Choi (Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific), Hongkong.


ÖTW PRESS CONFERENCE – New Developments from Austria’s Leading Wine Estates

BURGRAUM 4.00 pm–5.15 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
live.invitario.com/en/pressekonferenz-at-vievinum-2026/registration

As part of VieVinum 2026, ÖTW invites trade visitors to its press conference on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 4:00 pm in the Burgraum, Hofburg Vienna. The session will present current developments, strategic initiatives, developments at the Single Vineyard Summit and international perspectives. The presentation will be held in English. Seats are limited – registration required.


ASSYRTIKO UNPLUGGED!

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 4.45 pm–6.00 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
info@greekwinefederation.gr 

The noble Assyrtiko is Greece’s most distinctive white grape, originating from the volcanic island of Santorini, and now successfully cultivated throughout Greece and increasingly around the world. Its most remarkable quality is its ability to retain naturally high acidity even in hot and challenging climatic conditions, making it an ideal variety in the era of climate change. Assyrtiko can produce a wide range of wine styles—from crisp, mineral-driven dry whites to barrel-aged, sparkling, and sweet wines—always defined by exceptional structure, freshness, precision, and impressive ageing potential. In many ways, Assyrtiko is Santorini’s gift to the world of wine.


60 YEARS – LEGENDS OF VIENNA WINE

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 9.15 am–10.30 am
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
welcome@wienwein.at 

Wine is deeply rooted in Vienna’s history with a centuries-old tradition. To highlight this heritage and demonstrate the aging potential of Viennese wines, the WienWein-members have opened their cellars and brought out some of their greatest treasures. During this masterclass the WienWein-winery owners will personally present vintages dating back to the 1960s representing their estates Edlmoser, Christ, Cobenzl, Fuhrgassl-Huber, Mayer am Pfarrplatz and Wieninger.


ONE GENERATION WEINVIERTEL DAC – Great diversity out of one grape variety!

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 11.15 am–12.30 pm
Free entry
Language: German and English
Registration required:
anmeldung@weinvierteldac.at 

Weinviertel DAC

Moderation: Willi Balanjuk

This masterclass by the Regional Wine Committee Weinviertel showcases the evolution and diversity of Weinviertel DAC – the always-authentic Grüner Veltliner from the Weinviertel – through a range of exciting perspectives.
“A la Carte” wine editor-in-chief Willi Balanjuk traces the arc from the sensational 2025 vintage, bursting with fresh fruit and peppery spice, to the key factors that shape Grüner Veltliner’s style — and even the question of whether Grüner Veltliner might have a feminine side.
In the tasting, Balanjuk also highlights the impressive diversity of interpretations of the variety through “Hidden Treasures” from estates that have been working at the highest level for years, yet are not continuously in the media spotlight. The finale, naturally, is Weinviertel DAC Reserve: a category with enormous potential and depth.


7 DECADES OF THE THERMENREGION – A wine lover’s journey through time

BURGRAUM 12.15 pm–1.30 pm
Free entry
Language: German and English
Registration required:
vievinum@thermenregiondac.at 

Thermenregion DAC

The Thermenregion is home of true treasures: matured wines from seven decades tell stories of sunshine, limestone soils, and artisanal patience. Burgundian varieties with depth, the powerful yet elegant and characterful Rotgipfler and Zierfandler as well as Pinot Noir and St. Laurent reveal how time shapes flavor. Each vintage preserves the climate of its era and the signature of the winemakers—from vibrant classics to rare rarities.
These aged treasures unite tradition and a culture of enjoyment at the highest level, inviting you on an emotional journey through history and terroir. Here, it is not only wine that matures, but identity.


LEITHABERG – LIMESTONE AND SCHIST

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 1.15 pm–2.30 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
fienta.com/de/leithabergvievinum

Moderation: Anne Krebiehl MW

Experience the elegance and finesse of Leithaberg with Anne Krebiehl, Master of Wine.
The focus is on the region’s defining soils – limestone and schist – which shape Leithaberg’s distinctive style. Anne Krebiehl highlights how wines from Leithaberg achieve remarkable precision and depth. The tasting includes white wines as well as Blaufränkisch, ranging from current releases to mature vintages. These wines demonstrate international potential and offer a comprehensive insight into the diversity and quality of Leithaberg.


TERROIR TALKS: Exploring Austrian Origin Through the Eyes of ASI Top Sommeliers

SCHATZKAMMERSAAL 2.00 pm–3.15 pm and 4.00 pm–5.15 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
event@austrianwine.com 

Austrian Wine Marketing Board

Moderation: Raimonds Tomsons, Joris Gutierrez Garcia & Reeze Choi

Three top sommeliers – Raimonds Tomsons (ASI Best Sommelier of the World), Joris Gutierrez Garcia (ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas), and Reeze Choi (ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific) – offer a 75-minute introduction to the diverse expressions of Austrian terroirs.
Using three grape varieties, they demonstrate how these wines develop differently across various wine regions, soils, and climatic conditions, revealing unique characteristics in each context.
An informative insight into the profile of Austrian wines and the influence of their terroirs.


MATCH DAY – 8X LOWER AUSTRIA : 8X ITALY

BURGRAUM 2.30 pm–3.45 pm
Free entry
Language: German
Registration required:
weinniederoesterreich.at/laendermatch

Moderation: Herbert Prohaska, Rainer Pariasek & Annemarie Foidl

Lower Austria versus Italy – two worlds of wine, one competition, and no predetermined winner. In this interactive masterclass, 8 top wines from Lower Austria go head-to-head against 8 stylistically matching wines from Italy. The tasting is blind – neither the audience nor the celebrity panel knows the origin of the wines. The session will be moderated by wine and sports expert Rainer Pariasek. Soccer legend Herbert Prohaska and wine expert Annemarie Foidl will share their impressions and personal favorites. Expect charming and sharp insights that are professionally sound, yet always accessible and entertaining. 
The audience is actively involved: participants vote live via QR code after each flight. The final result will be announced at the end: Who wins the international match – Lower Austria or Italy? And where do the audience and experts agree, and where do their opinions differ?
The Lower Austrian wines are selected by "Wein Niederösterreich" and come exclusively from top estates represented at VieVinum. Their Italian counterparts are curated by "Vinaria." 


GEORGIA HOMELAND OF WINE

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 3.15 pm–4.30 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
office@vievinum.com 

This presentation offers a brief introduction to Georgia as the homeland of wine, highlighting its unique place in global wine culture and tracing the journey of Georgian winemaking from ancient history to the present day. It will explore the country’s winemaking traditions, the significance of qvevri culture, indigenous grape varieties, and key wine regions. The session will also introduce the main styles of Georgian wine, with a special focus on amber wines, followed by a relevant tasting of representative wines from Georgia.
The talk will also include some stats on production volumes and world exports of Georgian wines.


TERROIR TALKS: Exploring Austrian Origin Through the Eyes of ASI Top Sommeliers

SCHATZKAMMERSAAL 4.00 pm–5.15 pm and 2.00 pm–3.15 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
event@austrianwine.com 

Austrian Wine Marketing Board

Moderation: Raimonds Tomsons, Joris Gutierrez Garcia & Reeze Choi

Three top sommeliers – Raimonds Tomsons (ASI Best Sommelier of the World), Joris Gutierrez Garcia (ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas), and Reeze Choi (ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific) – offer a 75-minute introduction to the diverse expressions of Austrian terroirs.
Using three grape varieties, they demonstrate how these wines develop differently across various wine regions, soils, and climatic conditions, revealing unique characteristics in each context.
An informative insight into the profile of Austrian wines and the influence of their terroirs.


CHEESE AND CHEERS: MOUSSEUX AND MOUTHFEEL – Why Haymilk cheese and sparkling wine are a perfect match

SCHATZKAMMERSAAL 9.15 am–10.30 am
Free entry
Language: German
Registration required:
www.heumilch.com/anmeldung-masterclass-vievinum2026

In this masterclass, we focus specifically on the fascinating combination of sparkling wines with Haymilk cheese and explore why perlage, acidity and structure harmonise so well with milk, texture and maturity. The tasting will be accompanied by the Harkamp Winery, which will provide expert guidance with its sparkling wines and expertise.
As ARGE Heumilch and certified cheese sommeliers, we provide insight into the production, maturation and sensory properties of Haymilk cheese. Together, we analyse selected pairings and show how sparkling wines, with their freshness, mousseux and dosage, perfectly complement different cheese styles – from young and creamy to mature and complex.
This masterclass provides in-depth knowledge, sensory insights and practical tips for selecting harmonious combinations. Discover how sparkling wine and Haymilk cheese not only complement each other, but also elevate each other to a new level of flavour.


TU FELIX AUSTRIA........WHERE DO YOU GO TO MY LOVELY

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 9.30 am–10.45 am
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
monika@tement.at 

Moderation: Nadja Bernhard, mit Andreas Wickhoff MW, Armin Tement & Roland Velich

Austria – a small, fine wine country with great history.
Shaped by empire and upheaval, by a sense of order and individualism, Austrian wine continues to navigate the tensions between historical and contemporary, political and cultural developments.
What really defines wine from Austria in its origin?
It is the conscious encounter between soil and vine. The search for the essence of the place.
Many winemakers are committed to this origin with uncompromising dedication – and translate it into the glass with artisanal clarity: precise, unadulterated, independent.
But where independence grows, friction arises.
With rules and regulations. With expectations. With traditions.
The desire to take terroir and grape variety radically seriously often leads to conflicts with legislators in one's own country – while precisely this attitude sparks international enthusiasm.

Between regulation and freedom, origin and vision, a discourse emerges that extends far beyond the glass.
An approach to origin and attitude.
A story of conflict and fascination.
A debate – told in three wines.

Andreas Wickhoff, MW, Weingut Bründlmayer
Armin Tement, Weingut Tement
Roland Velich, Weingut Moric


TEN YEARS OF SEKT AUSTRIA – A sparkling journey inspired by the Sekt-Austria-Pyramid

BURGRAUM 10.45 am–12.00 pm
Free entry
Language: English
Registration required:
info@sektaustria.at 

Sekt Austria

By Katja Scharnagl, Wine Sales & Education & Sommelier (NY); Sascha Speicher, Meininger Verlag (GER); Aurore Jeudy, Cellar Master Schlumberger & Head of Sekt Austria; Andreas Wickhoff, MW, CEO Winery Bründlmayer

In 2015, the Sekt Austria Pyramid ushered in a new era for premium Austrian sparkling wine. Since then, the country’s sparkling wine scene has evolved dynamically, becoming younger, more diverse, and increasingly vibrant. Today, Austria is regarded as one of the most exciting origins for high-quality sparkling wines. This masterclass revisits the past decade through a selection of representative vintage examples from the Sekt Austria Reserve and Sekt Austria Grosse Reserve categories, offering insight into how the Sekt Austria classification has reshaped Austria’s sparkling wine landscape.

Visitors can also sample Austrian sparkling wine at the Sekt Austria bar in the foyer. Discover and enjoy a comprehensive range of Sekt Austria in the three categories Sekt Austria, Sekt Austria Reserve and Sekt Austria Große Reserve.


STAR WINE LIST OF THE YEAR

SCHATZKAMMERSAAL 12.30 pm–3.30 pm
Language: English
By invitation only.

Among VieVinum’s highlights is the awards ceremony for Star Wine List of the Year Germany-Austria-Switzerland 2026, which will be held on Monday 18 May 2026 at 12.30 pm, at Schatzkammersaal. Please note that this event is for finalists, commercial partners and selected media only, and attendance is strictly by invitation. Any invited guests must confirm their place with Star Wine List directly for admittance.

Star Wine List is the international wine lovers’ guide to great wine bars and restaurants, covering over 45 countries. The Star Wine List of the Year competition celebrates the world’s best wine lists and the dedicated sommelier teams who create them by awarding Gold Stars in regional contests in various countries, leading up to a Global Final each summer. Subscribe to the Star Wine List newsletter to stay informed (https://starwinelist.com/newsletter).


THE BEAUTY OF LIMESTONE TERROIR – Wines and Insights from Virtuosos of Limestone

KÜNSTLERZIMMER 1.15 pm–2.30 pm
Free entry
Language: German
Registration required:
kalkterroir@grosswerk.com 

A masterclass with Ludwig Neumayer and his winemaking friends Michael Edlmoser, Andi Kollwentz, John Nittnaus, Reinhard Muster and Georg Prieler.

Wines from limestone terroirs are currently highly sought-after, driven largely by renowned winemakers who study this soil type meticulously and craft wines that resonate particularly well with a discerning sommelier audience. Six of these winemakers have now come together for a dialogue to define the tangible characteristics of limestone soils, navigating the space between myth and fact, and to explore the role this terroir can play in the future of winemaking.

The wines featured in this masterclass will also be available for tasting throughout VieVinum at the table of LUDWIG NEUMAYER & FRIENDS.


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