School of Wine

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.

Press conference, no wine tasting
Only for trade visitors and press with registration

Over the past 30 years, the winegrowers´ association has shaped the development of the Austrian wine landscape like no other. As pioneers, they have anticipated important structural developments, exemplified them and tested them in practice. Where does Austria stand today thanks to this association, and how will the Traditionsweingüter continue to develop?

The winemakers of Mittelburgenland have played a major role in the Austrian red wine boom. And now, the next generation holds the reins - the young, talented people with international experience and who express their own ideas about the character of the origin and vineyard sites of Mittelbur-genland DAC wines. At this tasting, they will show where their journey with the Blaufränkisch variety takes them, stylistically, using designated top single vineyard wines from the 2017 vintage.
Presented by: Helga Schroeder, MS and Suwi Zlatic, Austrian National Sommelier-Champion and Finalist of European-African Sommelier Championship 2021.

Just as exciting as tasting the biggest and best-known prestige cuvées from the famous Champagne houses from time to time, is discovering the hidden gems of Champagne: Winemaker Champagnes from dedicated families who produce authentic, hedonistic cuvées on a small scale and have built up a sworn fan base, looked after by enthusiastic importers, around the globe.

Willi Klinger has already won some of these fine addresses for direct import by WEIN & CO in 1995. Among them the medium-sized family house Duval-Leroy on the Côte des Blancs with 200 hectares of vineyards, whose legendary finesse across the entire range of cuvées is today appreciated by more than 150 Michelin-starred restaurants in France. One of the highest rated champagnes of the last two years is tasted as well: 2002 Femme de Champagne Brut nature, aged 18 years on the yeast and delighting even the greatest connoisseurs as soon as it sparkles in the glass with the finest perlage.

Willi Klinger, wine expert and known for his sharp tongue, presents together with Sascha Speicher, sommelier of Meininger Verlag Champagne, off the mainstream in the School of Wine at VieVinum!