School of Wine

Interested in learning more about one of Austria’s original wine regions off the beaten path? Join us for a detailed exploration of the Thermenregion, based on limestone bedrock southwest of Vienna, and renowned for some of the noblest and most historically important wines of Austria: Zierfandler, Rotgipfler & St.Laurent, Pinot Noir. Journey through the evolution of these unique varietals from their origins to the current wines of extraordinary character. Broaden your Austrian wine expertise and learn more about age-worthy wines from first class vineyards in a fascinating and insightful workshop with the leading wine makers of the region.

Nuances and diversity of Nero d'Avola through territories and vin-tages.
The sensorial nuances of Nero d'Avola are the focus of this mas-terclass, organised by the Consortium DOC Sicily, the guest wine-makers' group at VieVinum. A reflection of the seductive aromas and flavours of Sicily, the interplay of Nero d’Avola’s varietal typicity, terroir and vintage characteristics will be analysed on the basis of the presented samples. An exciting profiling of Sicily's most im-portant autochthonous red wine grape variety, which enjoys the highest international reputation.

Hardly ever before has a young generation of winemakers had so many opportunities to develop and make significant decisions. And this involves going far beyond the pursuit of the best wine quality. They are dealing with issues and topics that range from climate change and the circular economy to autochthonous grape varieties versus new grape variety breeds - and, of course, the omnipresent call for character of origin. At this tasting, 24 young winemakers from the newly launched VieVinum Cross Mentoring programme will each give insights into their personal vision of the future of viticulture based on a selected wine.

All mentees 2022

Together with Othmar Kiem (Falstaff Editor-in-Chief Italy) as moderator, the guest wine region of South Tyrol raises the flag for its autochthonous wine treasures. This small winegrowing region has plenty of them to show. The versatility of the terroir, the contrasting climatic conditions coupled with the wealth of experience and innovative spirit of the wineries, independent winegrowers and cellars produce an incomparable range of characterful wines in South Tyrol.

A range of grape varieties have featured in the previous national competitions between an Austrian ‘eleven’ and a team from Germany. Sometimes Austria (captained by Dr. Walter Kutscher) has edged ahead in the final result, whilst on other occasions it has been Germany (presented by VINUM editor Rudolf Knoll) that has been left celebrating. Now we have a new special issue featuring a head-to-head between two prestigious associations that have taken up the cause of vineyard classifications. In the German corner is the VDP (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates), founded in 1910. Austria’s selection of wines is presented by the ÖTW (Austrian Association of Traditional Wine Estates). The grape variety of choice is Riesling from the 2019 vintage, in wines with the designation Großes Gewächs (VDP) and Erste/Große Lage (ÖTW). An evenly divided six-person panel will evaluate the wines in front of an audience.

Two Associations. Sixteen Varied Interpretations of Winemaking.
Moderation in English: Monty Waldin, leading expert on biodynamic and sustainable viticulture, author and journalist.
Eight pairs of winemakers, from the two fellow biodynamic groups invite you to a unique tasting. Sixteen vintners and sixteen varied wine-growing interpretations, consistent and consensual relationships with their vines, wines and colleagues. Their wines are used to get to the bottom of questions like these: How biodynamic vineyards build strength as individualities, creating their own fertility naturally on site? What can this original form of circular farming mean for a healthier future in general? Can biodynamics point the way for agriculture as a whole? Taste the wines of the Demeter Austria and respekt-BIODYN biodynamic winegrowers to discover wines of unique inner vibrancy, moreishness and integrity.

A new chapter has begun for Austria’s protected origin sparkling wines in 2022. This includes the renaming to Sekt Austria and the adaption of the three-tier pyramid. Find out first-hand from Austrian producers what there is to know about the newly created designation of origin and explore together with Heidi Mäkinen, MW and Sascha Speicher, Meininger Verlag, the three main characteristics that are typical for Sekt Austria within the framework of the Sekt Pyramid:

• So very Austrian - Sekt Austria
• So very Rosé - Sekt Austria
• So very Burgundian - Sekt Austria

Also visit the Austrian Sparkling Wine Committee with its own sparkling wine bar in the Winter Garden, right next to the Zeremoniensaal (ceremony hall). Discover and enjoy Sekt Austria in the three categories: Sekt Austria; Sekt Austria Reserve, and Sekt Austria Grosse Reserve.

What is the new VDP.SEKT.STATUT all about? What goals is the VDP pursuing with the offensive? And what can you expect from a sparkling wine with the VDP.SEKT or VDP.SEKT.PRESTIGE® designation? Not because sparkling wine is a trendy topic, no, German sparkling wine producers - the Krugs and Bollingers set the tone in Europe and played a decisive role in the development of sparkling wines. The VDP.Prädikatsweingüter are continuing this tradition and manifesting the production of the highest quality and handcrafted sparkling wines in their ranks with their VDP.SEKT.STATUT. The VDP.SEKT.STATUT also transfers the high quality standards that VDP winegrowers apply to their wines to the production of sparkling wine. Only sparkling wines that meet the strict quality criteria and pass the appropriate tests - similar to the strict regulations of Champagne - may be awarded the VDP sparkling wine seal. Get to know the VDP.SEKT.STATUT and take part in the exclusive masterclass with Caro Maurer MW.

About a year ago, Sauvignon Blanc became the most cultivated grape variety in Steiermark. In all three wine growing areas of the region, Weststeiermark, Südtsteiermark and Vulkanland Steiermark, it has been the leading variety since the introduction of the DAC classification pyramid. The special origin, unique soils and strict geographical demarcation are the secret of this Steiermark delicacy. In combination with the careful manual cultivation done by the Steiermark winegrowers, wines with 100% character are created. Discover the diversity of Steiermark Sauvignon Blanc and explore the differences in origin in the various levels of the Steiermark classification pyramid.

A good wine selection is part of a successful gastronomic concept. Serving by the glass is increasingly becoming the decisive factor that attracts guests and by which the overall wine performance is measured. But how can the balancing act between an interesting wine selection and profitability be managed? What must be taken into account for handling? And for which gastronomy concepts and wines can Coravin be used ideally? Masters and pioneers of the industry such as Annemarie Foidl, President of the Sommelier Union Austria, and Wein & Co’s managing director, Willi Klinger, and other greats from the sommelier scene reveal their recipes for success at this special tasting and discussion.