Moderation: Chris Yorke

Chris Yorke, CEO of Austrian Wine (Austrian Wine Marketing Board), will present the latest developments on Austrian wine. This will be followed by the awarding of the international Bacchus Award. With this award, Austrian Wine honors people in the international wine business for their outstanding contributions to Austrian wine.

Get to know to twelve wineries with strong personalities, individual stories and highly distinctive wines – united by a common constant: Styria at its best. Experience a journey through the most outstanding and best-known single vineyards of the STK-wineries Frauwallner, Gross, Lackner-Tinnacher, Maitz, Neumeister, Polz, Erwin Sabathi, Hannes Sabathi, Sattlerhof, Tement, Winkler-Hermaden & Wohlmuth.

Moderation: Paula Redes Sidore MS

Austria’s most eastern DAC region is an entirely independent microcosm, unmistakably characterized by the large steppe lake and the salt & soda pools. It is here that we find a unique wold of organism. The immediate proximity of the vineyards to areas of water, the broad swatches of open landscape ant the prevailing Pannonian microclimate all benefit the vinification of harmonious, fruity red wines whose value for money is highly regarded around the world. These favourable conditions allow Austria’s most popular red grape variety Zweigelt to develop an expression pointing the way for the entire country. Neusiedlersee DAC is also rightly considered a designation of origin for one of the truly great sweet wine destinations in the world. Join this very special masterclass tasting hosted by the renowned wine expert and Master Sommelier Paula Redes Sidore MS.

Moderation: Gerhard Retter

In terms of climate conditions, the wine community has seen more than one record in recent years. How is climate change impacting wine styles? Will Austria's leading variety withstand the changes? Vinea Wachau and Gerhard Retter present recent Grüner Veltliner vintages from warm growing seasons at the VieVinum 2024 wine fair.

Moderation: Clemens Riedl

Carnuntum is at its best under a magnifying glass.
Freshness, elegance, silkiness, finesse, savoury fruit, balance, ... all these wonderful qualities were ascribed to Carnuntum wines from the 2015 and 2019 vintages from the very beginning. They are undoubtedly two great vintages.
What ageing potential lies in these exceptional vintages from Austria's only red wine region on the Danube? Clemens Riedl from trinkreif, Austria's expert for mature wines, explores this question together with winegrowers. Around 18 single vineyard wines from these acclaimed vintages will be opened and discussed.

The Renowned Wineries of Burgenland present their wines from the best vineyard sites in Burgenland.
The focus is on terroir. Various soils and microclimates lend the wines of the Renowned Wineries of Burgenland inimitable character and authenticity. The wines of the RWB speak of incomparable origins. Ranging from the mineral gravel and sandy loam of the plain, the shell limestone and mica schist of the Leitha Mountains and Ruster Hügelland, or the calcareous loam and clay soils of Mittelburgenland, and ferruginous soils of Südburgenland, very diverse conditions leave their unique imprints on the wines of Burgenland.
Join the winegrowers of the Renowned Wineries of Burgenland on a journey of discovery. Explore and taste great growths from the best vineyards of Burgenland.

Moderation: Willi Klinger

Do you love Pinot Noir, preferably from Burgundy, but despair at the prices? No need to panic, because there are alternatives to the big names. These arise mainly when there is a generational change in wineries with good sites, whose wines were previously supplied to the trade and where the youngsters are now bottling their own wines. In these cases, it is still possible to get hold of well-known Villages appellations or Premiers Crus at reasonable prices.
However, climate change is also increasingly favouring the formerly cooler sites: especially the Hautes Côtes above the Côte de Beaune or Nuits-St-Georges. Or the lesser-known places such as Santenay or St. Romain, but also those that are summarised under the name Côte de Nuits Villages. This also applies to Chablis and the Beaujolais Crus.
Willi Klinger shows you 10 of his most exciting finds.

Moderation: Raimonds Tomsons, Pascaline Lepeltier & Reeze Choi

Step into the world of Austrian wine, guided by the leading ASI Top Sommeliers of the World!
Join us for an exceptional Masterclass, driven by the knowledge and passion of three very different but outstanding sommeliers. Raimonds Tomsons, currently worlds best sommelier from Latvia, french-born Pascaline Lepeltier, currently active in New York, as well as Hong Kong based Reeze Choi, will all share their very personal view on Austrian wine.

Moderation: Gerhard Retter & Dirk Würtz

Grüner can only be fresh and spicy? We don’t think so. Müller Thurgau only goes well for entry level wines? We prove you’re wrong! Red wine must be heavy? Nope! Together with Gerhard Retter, who is an all over the place known Maitre and Sommelier and Dirk Würtz from St. Antony winery we will talk about those facts and many other things during our masterclass SAME BUT DIFFERENT. Together we will taste a great variety of wines we all know, yet we will show you our very own interpretation of these wines and varieties. All 14 Junge Wilde Winzer and our guest winemakers will show you a great diversity and talk about prejudices and myths about certain grape varieties and wine styles. Be there and find out for yourself!

Moderation: Michael Simon

Sauvignon Blanc became the flagship and ambassador of Styria a long while ago. Since the introduction of the DAC classification pyramid, it has been the leading variety in all three growing regions, Weststeiermark, Südsteiermark and Vulkanland Steiermark. This Masterclass highlights the spectrum and offers an in-depth insight into the Styrian terroir and its diversity.

Moderation: Elena Rameder & Clemens Tamegger

Mittelburgenland DAC is entirely focussed on Blaufränkisch. The variety is internationally recognised for its stellar quality and highly regarded because of its great ageing potential. While Blaufränkisch is often only considered ‘authentic’ when vinified as a monovarietal, the variety is highly successful as a component of numerous well-known cuvées. This master class will shed light on the characteristics of Blaufränkisch as monovarietal and in cuvées, tailoring the question to each respective target audience.

Moderation: Sascha Speicher

The Traditonsweingüter Wien have been dedicated to assessing the quality of their vineyard crus for over ten years now. They have meticulously selected a total of 12 single vineyards to be awarded Erste Lage status from the 2017 vintage on.
These Erste Lage vineyards are particularly unique, both in terms of their geology in combination with the microclimate, as well as in terms of their historical significance and the distinctive nature of their wine styles.
The six most outstanding Viennese vineyards shall now be tasted across three vintages to demonstrate their consistency and potential. Sascha Speicher, editor-in-chief at Meininger Verlag, will be moderating together with the winegrowers to illustrate the inimitability of each vineyard and explore the possibility of a Grosse Lage classification.

Moderation: Willi Balanjuk

Weinviertel offers an exciting tasting highlight with its Weinviertel _DAC, the first terroir wine in Austria, in many exciting facets. With great sensitivity, Willi Balanjuk, editor-in-chief of the Austrian wine guide A la Carte, tastes a selection ranging from wines from different terroirs and spanning generations, to flights exclusively produced by female winemakers. For the first time, VieVinum will also feature the long aged Weinviertel _DAC Grosse Reserve (Grand Reserves) with their typically Veltliner aroma, exciting spices and harmonious interplay of fruit and acidity. Weinviertel _DAC stands for potential, uniqueness and, above all, top quality. This tasting demonstrates how convincing the Weinviertel is in its diversity.

Moderation: Paula Redes Sidore MS

Austria’s most eastern DAC region is an entirely independent microcosm, unmistakably characterized by the large steppe lake and the salt & soda pools. It is here that we find a unique wold of organism. The immediate proximity of the vineyards to areas of water, the broad swatches of open landscape ant the prevailing Pannonian microclimate all benefit the vinification of harmonious, fruity red wines whose value for money is highly regarded around the world. These favourable conditions allow Austria’s most popular red grape variety Zweigelt to develop an expression pointing the way for the entire country. Neusiedlersee DAC is also rightly considered a designation of origin for one of the truly great sweet wine destinations in the world. Join this very special masterclass tasting hosted by the renowned wine expert and Master Sommelier Paula Redes Sidore MS.

Moderation: Anne Krebiehl, MW

Explore two of Austria’s rarest grape varieties. One is a global superstar with a worldwide fan base, the other as rare as a protected species, both are at home in Austria’s Thermenregion.
“Thermenregion is all about nuances and to experience this, one must remain quiet, open and attentive. Virtues of fruit like clarity, transparency, depth and authenticity first then become apparent. If I want to enjoy a wine that is both quiet and honest, I will reach for a Pinot Noir from the Thermenregion.”
Explore some rare treasures in a commented tasting introduced by Anne Krebiehl, MW.

Moderation: Miyuki Morimoto & Sascha Speicher

Sekt Austria is still a relatively young official designation of origin for Austrian Sekt of protected provenance and certified quality. The Sekt scene itself is extremely lively and brings together established producers while introducing a growing number of newcomers to the genre. Miyuki Morimoto, Executive Sommelier at the Conrad Hotel Tokyo (JPN), and Sascha Speicher, Meininger Verlag (GER), will present representative examples of the three categories Sekt Austria, Sekt Austria Reserve and Sekt Austria Grosse Reserve (Grande Reserve), seen from the perspective of experts from two different continents.
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.

Moderation: Georg Schweitzer

The comparison in figures may be unequal admittedly: eight Rosalia winemaker face about 560 producers, an area of 241 hectares in the wine region of Rosalia, 27.700 hectares in the region of Provence.
Are more than a dozen of grape varieties in Provence used for rosé wines, so is the focus in Rosalia on Blaufränkisch. That with dedication and high quality claim.
The clear confession to Rosé connects both wine regions. What defines the rosé wines of both regions, are the fresh and fruity flavors.
Like Provence, Rosalia is also betting on a bright future and scores with an excellent price-performance ratio.

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.

Moderation: Sofia Perpera

The masterclass will be an overview of today’s Greek wine sector and its potential for the future.
The presentation will provide a historical review from antiquity until today, including strengths, advantages and trends, as well as, a description of the most important winemaking regions of Greece. There will be a focus on the Greek vineyard which boasts over 300 indigenous grapes, cultivated in a diverse variety of microclimates and soils. Finally, we will taste wines from some of the top wineries throughout Greece.

Moderation: Willi Balanjuk

Sommelier Willi Balanjuk presents all the winning wines of the "Welt Meister Winzer” from the various years of the competition and other selected Sauvignon Blancs. You can look forward, for example, to the Sauvignon Blanc from the Kodolitsch winery, which was recently awarded 100 points at the A LA CARTE Grand Cru tasting, as well as other signature Sauvignon Blancs from the Muster.Gamlitz, Skoff Original, Dreisiebner Stammhaus, Riegelnegg-Olwitschhof, Peter Skoff - Domäne Kranachberg and Adam-Lieleg wineries.

Moderation: Claudia Stern & Prof. Dr. Walter Kutscher

The ultimate Riesling battle: Austria vs. Germany at VIEVINUM! Witness the top Rieslings of the 2021 vintage go head-to-head in an epic showdown. Staged by the European wine magazine VINUM, the renowned wine powers collide. Discover the unique character of the vintage and savor captivating taste duels. Claudia Stern (VINUM) and Prof. Dr. Walter Kutscher (Vienna Sommelier Association) promise unexpected surprises with the duel. Secure your tickets now and experience an unforgettable Riesling battle!

Moderation: Romana Echensperger MW

Rudolf Steiner founded biodynamics with his agriculture course 100 years ago. How can we shape the next 100 years?
As we are all aware, viniculture is currently facing major challenges in the face of climate change. Can biodynamic viticulture alone be the solution - or will it come up against its limits at some point? Can the PIWI varieties, new cultivars, and adapted vineyard and water management stand up to the new adversities? Or will biodynamics also have to think outside the box and engage with completely new methods?
Biodynamics expert Romana Echensperger, together with the attending respekt winemakers, invites you to a tasting where she will discuss the "future of viniculture" with them and other guests on the basis of sixteen selected wines. Your comments are expressly requested!

Moderation: Maximilian Glatz

Huge potential lies dormant in the Cellar of the best winemakers in Vulkanland Steiermark! Following the conviction that their single-vineyard wines contain all the power of the soil and all their skills as winemakers, the members of this dynamic group have set out to create their own, private vineyard classification and have chosen Lacon as an independent control body. Now they are eager to show how consistent they are in their actions and how well Vulkanland Steiermark, cool climate and fine wine can be combined. This tasting will be hosted by the aspiring Master of Wine Maximilian Glatz, who designed it together with the Eruption winemakers.

Welcome to the haymilk-cheese and wine masterclass! There is hardly a culinary combination that is as well-known as cheese and wine and at the same time invites you to discover new possibilities. From sparkling wines and white wines to red wines - find out which flavour profiles harmonize best with different types of cheese. As ARGE Heumilch and certified cheese sommeliers, we are delighted to share our knowledge with you about the production, maturing and storage of cheese and the special role that haymilk plays in cheese production. Together, we will explore harmonious pairings and give you valuable tips on which special features to look out for when selecting cheese in order to maximize the taste experience of cheese and wine. Let us take you on a culinary journey and become a master of cheese and wine pairings!

Moderation: Aurore Jeudy

For more than 180 years, Schlumberger has been synonymous with the pinnacle of Austrian quality. Established in 1842 by Robert Alwin Schlumberger, the company boasts an illustrious and dynamic history - from its humble origins as a small family enterprise to its ascent as the premier domestic producer of sparkling wine. The production of sparkling wine through the Méthode Traditionnelle places a strong emphasis on utilizing exclusively Austrian grapes and enhancing the local value chain. In September 2022, Aurore Jeudy, a globally recognized expert, was appointed as the new head oenologist at the renowned Austrian sparkling wine producer. In her masterclass, she will share her expertise, particularly focusing on the winery's exceptional Chardonnay offerings across the various tiers of the Sekt Austria quality pyramid. An exceptional highlight of her presentation will be the 2017 vintage of the Große Reserve.

Moderation: Adi Schmid

Welcome to the FREAKSHOW! You love to compare wines which are the exact opposite of each other but out of the same winemakers’ hands? The well-known sommelier legend Adi Schmid will host this unique masterclass in which we will show you our most contrary wines and tell you the story of why and how these wines are what they are. And not only what they are but how these wines can add a high value to your wine list! So be there and have a talk with us about our great variety of classic against extraordinary wines!

Members of the ÖTW present themselves as a strong and value driven community, committed to clear origin and highest quality.
The press conference offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the future plans and ambitions of the ÖTW.
This includes the introduction of the new managing director of the ÖTW as well as insights into the further strategy and goals of the association following the integration of the vineyard classification into wine law.
We warmly invite you to participate in this press conference and look forward to personally welcoming you.

Moderation: Willi Klinger

In the 1990s, many believed that Brunello was an outdated relic that was being overtaken by the Supertuscans. 30 years later, Brunello is back at the top of the Italian wine hierarchy. Willi Klinger starts with a detour to Montepulciano, shines a spotlight on the still underrated Rosso di Montalcino and demonstrates the potential of the Italian cult wine Brunello di Montalcino with six examples from different sub-zones of the appellation.
The tasting shows the style-defining flavours and complexity of the Sangiovese grape variety in its stronghold, despite the differences between the respective vineyards and the individual styles of the producers. Eric Guido summed up the 2019 vintage in Antonio Galloni's online wine magazine "Vinous": “This is the vintage we've all been waiting for.”

Moderation: Ferdinand Mayr

The Pulkautal lies in the heart of the Weinviertel. Over 400 winemaking families have been producing their fine wines here for centuries on more than 2000 hectares of vineyards. Although the Weinviertel is mainly associated with classic white wines, the Pulkautal's special climatic conditions also produce dense, dark red wines and full-bodied, creamy Grüner Veltliner Reserves & Grande Reserves. Not for nothing was the Pulkautal mentioned in the imperial patent as a first-class wine region as early as 1646. Together with winegrowers from the Pulkautal, Ferdinand Mayr, lecturer at the Wine Academy, will present the specialities of the Pulkautal in this masterclass.