More and more wineries are expanding their offerings to include non-alcoholic wines, and even some sparkling wines can be found among them. Thanks to new, gentler production methods and thus more precise flavor profiles, their acceptance is growing even among wine enthusiasts. What is currently lacking is an overview of the products available on the market, their stylistic variations, and the philosophies of the producers. This masterclass provides an initial comprehensive snapshot of the current status quo with products from Austria and other countries, while also considering the further development of this segment.

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 CMS

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 CMS.

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!