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.