Liebfraumilch’s literal translation is ‘Our Lady’s milk’. The name comes from the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) in the German city of Worms, where vineyards surrounding the church produced an early version of the wine.

These days however, Rheinhessen’s image has shifted dramatically, and the region is now home to leading boutique wine producers that focus on reduced yields, exceptional quality and refreshingly dry Rieslings.

The WineBarn – a multi-award winning, exclusively German wine merchant – includes two outstanding Rheinhessen Riesling producers within its portfolio: Bischel and K. F. Groebe. Both winemakers are a member of the VDP, Germany’s association of elite wine producers and a guarantee of quality.

Bischel Winery

Brothers Christian (left) and Mathias (right) – aka the Bischel Boys – have been running the Appenheim-based 25-hectare estate since 2006, having completed vineyard placements in South Africa and New Zealand. Both believe in the ancient art of making wine by hand. Rejecting modern oenological techniques, they focus on the origin of the grape over work in the cellar, which results in environmentally-friendly viticulture and select harvests. Despite their youth, the Bischel Boys have developed unquestionable production techniques, creating unique characterful wines of outstanding quality

The Bischel Boys.

The WineBarn recommends:

Bischel’s 2022 Appenheimer Hundertgulden Riesling Grand Cru dry

Tasting notes: Aromas of fresh peach and apricot, as well as hints of spice and tea – and after further aeration in the glass – this dry Riesling has a bouquet of sweet dense fruit. The cool, smoky minerality reflects the limestone and marl rich soil of the VDP. Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) Appenheimer Hundertgolden vineyard these Riesling grapes were grown in.

F. Groebe Winery

Husband and wife team, Fritz and Manuela, run the K. F. Groebe wine estate in Westhofen. Founded in 1763, the centuries-old vineyards have been lovingly tended to for generations and are renowned for their exceptional Riesling.

F. Groebe, who describe their wines as “German wines with character,” take the upmost pride in their craft and use only sustainable viticulture and traditional production methods.

The WineBarn recommends:

K.F. Groebe’s 2022 Westhofener Riesling Premier Cru dry

Tasting notes: A distinguished, high-quality Riesling Premier Cru. Rich and elegant, this dry white wine has hints of exotic fruit. Its distinct minerality, reflects the loess loam and limestone rich soil of the Aulerde and Kirchspiel VDP. Erste Lage (Premier Cru) vineyards this wine derives from.

Friedrich Wilhelm Becker.

The post The changing face of Rheinhessen wines appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Behind this stands a philosophy captured in three words: Terroir. Conviction. Emotion.

The story behind that conviction is personal, too. The Edelbauer family’s vineyards have been in family ownership for generations. Christoph’s father was a scientist at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, working in conventional plant nutrition. In 2003, Christoph began farming the family vineyards himself and chose a different path: organic viticulture. “I wanted to show that organic viticulture can work – precisely, economically and consistently.” The winery has been certified organic since 2012.

Today, Edelbauer farms around twelve hectares in and around Langenlois. Loess, gneiss, schist and primary rock shape the individual sites, each harvested and vinified separately. “Origin is not a concept. Origin is a stance.”

In 2026, the winery was named Winery of the Year at the London Wine Competition, alongside recognition from Decanter and Falstaff. At the heart of Edelbauer’s work is Pinot Noir, his personal passion: “It reveals every decision – and forgives no mistakes.” Precision, patience and closeness make it a counterpart that challenges and shapes.

 
www.weingut-edelbauer.at

Wenn ein Wein sein eigenes Gefühl bekommt

Was bleibt von einem Wein, wenn man ihn nicht nur beschreibt, sondern festhält, was er in einem Menschen auslöst? Beim Weingut Christoph Edelbauer kann die Antwort auf der Flasche stehen. Nach der ersten Verkostung entsteht eine persönliche Notiz – ein Gedanke, ein Gefühl, das der Wein in Christoph auslöst. Wenn dieser Satz bleibt, wird er Teil des Etiketts. „Nicht erklärend, sondern persönlich“, beschreibt Edelbauer seinen Zugang. „Das Etikett spricht nicht für den Wein. Es hört zu.“

Dahinter steht eine Philosophie, die sich in drei Worten zusammenfassen lässt: Boden. Überzeugung. Gefühl.

Auch die Geschichte dahinter ist persönlich. Die Weingärten der Familie Edelbauer befinden sich seit Generationen in Familienbesitz. Christophs Vater war Wissenschaftler an der Universität für Bodenkultur und beschäftigte sich mit konventioneller Pflanzenernährung. 2003 begann Christoph, die Familienweingärten selbst zu bewirtschaften und entschied sich für den biologischen Weinbau. „Ich wollte zeigen, dass biologischer Weinbau präzise, wirtschaftlich und konsequent funktionieren kann.“ Seit 2012 ist das Weingut zertifiziert biologisch.

Heute bewirtschaftet Edelbauer rund zwölf Hektar rund um Langenlois. Löss, Gneis, Schiefer und Urgestein prägen die Rieden. Jede Lage wird separat gelesen und vinifiziert. „Herkunft ist kein Begriff. Herkunft ist Haltung.“

2026 wurde das Weingut bei der London Wine Competition als Winery of the Year ausgezeichnet, dazu kamen Auszeichnungen bei Decanter und Falstaff.

Im Mittelpunkt steht Pinot Noir, Edelbauers persönliche Leidenschaft: „Er zeigt jede Entscheidung – und verzeiht keine Fehler.“ Präzision, Geduld und Nähe machen ihn zum Gegenüber, das fordert und formt.

Christoph Edelbauer.

The post Weingut Christoph Edelbauer: When a wine carries its own feeling appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Since 1984, the Hämmerli family has dedicated itself to the art of winemaking. What began with just under one hectare of vines has grown into a family-run estate where three generations now cultivate around 15 hectares of vineyards. As Lena Hämmerli, daughter of vintners Andrea and Lorenz Hämmerli, puts it: “Every bottle tells a part of our story.”

She continues: “What truly sets us apart today are our three distinct terroirs. They give each of our wines its own character and form the foundation of our three wine ranges: Hämmerli, Vully. and St. Petersinsel. Today, these vineyards produce more than 30 different wines, from classic grape varieties to new and innovative creations.” Tradition and experience are combined with a commitment to quality and a willingness to embrace new ideas.

The Three Lakes region plays a defining role in shaping these wines. The proximity to Lakes Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten, together with a variety of soils and microclimates, creates ideal conditions for expressive wines with real character. The family works as naturally and sustainably as possible in the vineyard as they believe a great wine begins in the vineyard. Every step is overseen with the utmost care, from the first buds to the finished bottle. Wines can also be delivered directly to customers free of charge, with no minimum order.

Among the estate’s long-standing favourites is the Hämmerli Sauvignon Blanc, admired for its freshness and finesse. Also highly recommended is the Syrah, which ranks among Switzerland’s top six Syrahs, was nominated at the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse and was awarded a gold medal. The estate’s rosé wines and the distinctive wines from St. Petersinsel have equally become increasingly popular.

Visitors can experience the wines where they are made. From spring to summer, the Vin&Vue wine terrace invites guests to relax over a wine tasting, a traditional Flammkuchen or a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards. Private tours and tastings offer a fascinating insight into life behind the scenes. Looking ahead, the estate is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary in summer 2027 with a collection of wines, produced just once in limited quantities – an opportunity for wine lovers to own a small piece of Hämmerli’s history.

 
www.weingut-haemmerli.swiss

Vintner Andrea and Lorenz Hämmerli. Photo: Claudio Zingarello

Drei Terroirs, eine Leidenschaft

Vom Rebberg bis zur Flasche verbindet das Weingut Hämmerli jahrzehntelange Tradition, Innovationsgeist und die besondere Vielfalt der Schweizer Drei-Seen-Region zu Weinen mit unverwechselbarer Handschrift.

Seit 1984 widmet sich die Familie Hämmerli mit viel Leidenschaft dem Weinbau. Was einst mit knapp einem Hektar Reben begann, ist heute ein Familienbetrieb, in dem drei Generationen gemeinsam rund 15 Hektaren bewirtschaften. „Jede Flasche erzählt ein Stück unserer Geschichte”, so Lena Hämmerli, Tochter der Winzer Andrea und Lorenz Hämmerli.

Sie führt fort: „Was uns heute besonders auszeichnet, sind unsere drei unterschiedlichen Terroirs. Sie geben unseren Weinen ihren eigenen Charakter und bilden die Grundlage für unsere drei Weinlinien: Hämmerli, Vully. und St. Petersinsel. Daraus entstehen mittlerweile über 30 verschiedene Weine – von klassischen Rebsorten bis hin zu neuen, innovativen Kreationen.” Tradition und Erfahrung verbindet die Familie Hämmerli dabei mit einem hohen Qualitätsanspruch und der Offenheit, neue Wege zu gehen.

Die Drei-Seen-Region spielt dabei eine besondere Rolle. Die Nähe zum Bieler-, Neuenburger- und Murtensee, unterschiedliche Böden und Mikroklimata schaffen ideale Voraussetzungen für charakterstarke Weine. Im Rebberg arbeitet die Familie so naturnah und ökologisch wie möglich, denn sie ist überzeugt: „Ein großer Wein beginnt im Rebberg.” Von der Knospe bis zur Flasche werden die Weine dabei begleitet und direkt nach Hause geliefert – kostenlos und ohne Mindestbestellwert.

Zu den langjährigen Favoriten zählt der Sauvignon blanc aus der Hämmerli-Linie, der mit Frische und Finesse überzeugt. Ebenso zu empfehlen ist der Syrah, welcher zu den Top sechs Syrahs der Schweiz gehört, beim Grand Prix du Vin Suisse unter den Nominierten ist und mit Gold ausgezeichnet wurde. Aber auch die Roséweine sowie die Weine von der St. Petersinsel erfreuen sich wachsender Beliebtheit.

Wer das Weingut besucht, kann die Weine dort erleben, wo sie entstehen. Von Frühling bis Sommer lädt die Vin&Vue-Weinterrasse zu Degustationen, Flammkuchen und einem Glas Wein mit Blick über die Reben ein. Individuelle Führungen und Degustationen bieten spannende Einblicke hinter die Kulissen. Ein besonderes Jubiläum wirft bereits seine Schatten voraus: Im Sommer 2027 feiert das Weingut seinen 40. Jahrgang. Dafür entstehen ausgewählte Jubiläumsweine, die nur einmal und in begrenzter Menge vinifiziert werden – ein exklusives Stück Hämmerli-Geschichte für Weinliebhaberinnen und Weinliebhaber.

The post Weingut Hämmerli: Three terroirs, one passion appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

There is a particular kind of light in Swiss vineyards in autumn. Summer’s high gloss gives way to something earthier: harvest baskets, cellar doors, leaves turning copper, and walking paths that seem to lead as naturally to a glass of wine as to a viewpoint.

Switzerland is rarely the first country mentioned in conversations about wine tourism, which is exactly why its vineyard trails feel so rewarding. Much of the wine is produced in modest quantities and enjoyed close to home, meaning a walk through the vines can feel less like a polished route around famous labels and more like an invitation into a living landscape. The hiking is part of the pleasure, but so is the sense of discovery: a small cellar, a family story, a grape variety you may not have encountered before.

The Au cœur des vendanges event. Photo: © Swiss Wine Promotion

At the heart of the harvest

That feeling becomes even stronger during harvest. In September, more than 30 estates across Switzerland’s six wine-growing regions opened their vineyards and cellars for the sixth edition of Au cœur des vendanges, which translates to at the heart of the grape harvest. Visitors were able to take up pruning shears, harvest grapes themselves, follow the journey from vineyard to cellar and sit down afterwards for tastings and regional food. In 2025, the initiative drew more than 600 participants across 42 wine estates — proof that the appetite for immersive, hands-on wine experiences is growing.

For Esther Meyer, director of Domaine Château du Crest in Geneva, such encounters are about far more than a pleasant tasting. “Welcoming visitors into our vineyards is about much more than just sharing a moment over wine. It means opening the doors to our profession and showing them all the hard work that goes into every bottle,” she explains. “Au cœur des vendanges offers the chance to experience the harvest in a friendly, authentic atmosphere, while gaining an appreciation for the expertise and passion it demands.”

The Au cœur des vendanges event. Photo: © Swiss Wine Promotion

Top wine hikes in Switzerland

For wine enthusiasts, combining this special autumnal event with wine hikes offers a great way to experience Swiss wine heritage to the fullest. One of the more cinematic wine hikes begins in Lavaux and slips through steep terraces stacked above Lake Geneva between St-Saphorin and Lutry. Across the water, the Alps sit like a painted backdrop. Narrow lanes, stone walls, old winegrowers’ houses and little villages line the path.

In autumn, Lavaux becomes especially persuasive. The vines glow amber and bronze, the lake throws back the light, and the classic local grape, Chasselas, feels perfectly suited to the setting: crisp, understated and made for drinking with a view. The full route is around 11 kilometres, though its real pleasure lies in not treating it like a checklist. Stop often. Look back. Let the train take you home when your legs or your curiosity have had enough.

The Au cœur des vendanges event. Photo: © Swiss Wine Promotion

If you are in the canton of Valais, the vineyard trail from Martigny to Leuk stretches for roughly 65 kilometres through the Rhône Valley, one of Switzerland’s most distinctive wine landscapes. It is a route that rewards time: serious walkers can take on several stages, while others can dip into a shorter section and still come away with the sense of having entered another world. The wines here have names that sound rooted in the mountains: Fendant, Petite Arvine, Cornalin. The villages bring another layer of character, with cellars, terraces and restaurants that make the connection between path and plate feel effortless.

For something more vertical in Valais, head above Visp to Visperterminen, where vineyards climb to remarkable heights and the walking takes on a distinctly Alpine mood. The terraces here seem to defy the landscape, rising towards the village in a succession of stone, vine and sky. The route asks a little more of the legs than a lakeside stroll, but that effort is part of its appeal. The wine to know is Heida, a mountain white prized for its freshness and mineral character. After the climb, it tastes exactly as it should: shaped by altitude, sunlight and stone.

For a gentler hike, head to Bielersee Rebenweg, one of Switzerland’s most quietly photogenic wine walks, easy to reach by public transport. Set above Lake Biel, it impresses with shimmering lake vistas, gentle hill slopes, and the sequence of wine villages such as Twann and Ligerz

The Three-Lakes region is known for Chasselas and Pinot Noir, and the landscape has a different register from the drama of Valais or Lavaux. It is intimate, unhurried and full of small rewards like a church tower above the vines, a bench facing the water, a cellar sign at just the right moment.

Exploring the village of Ciona in Ticino by bike. Photo: Christian Meixner / Switzerland Tourism

Hiking and biking

Then there is Mendrisiotto, Ticino’s southernmost and most vineyard-rich region, where the Swiss wine hike takes on a warmer, Italian-speaking cadence. Around Mendrisio and Balerna, low hills, stone villages and vine-striped slopes create a landscape that feels made for slow movement. Here, hikers can choose between three themed wine trails. For example, the Man and Grapevine loop trail takes visitors to places that tell the story of Mendrisiotto’s wine production and viticulture.

At Borgovecchio vini in Balerna, a Bike’n’Wine tour adds a playful variation on the classic vineyard walk: a half-day ride through the region, with stops at local wineries, plates of specialities and conversations with producers who work close to the land.

Photo © www.swisswine.com

The experience is less about chasing famous labels than understanding scale. Mendrisiotto accounts for around 40 per cent of Ticino’s wine production, with 360 hectares of vineyards, yet the encounters remain personal. Rocco Travella, former Olympic cyclist and Bike’n’Wine guide, captures the relaxed philosophy neatly: “Wine doesn’t necessarily need to be the star in the room. Sometimes it can simply accompany other plates and dishes.”

Travella speaks with particular pride about the region’s soils and position. “Thanks to our location and our soils, we have very unique terroirs,” he says, pointing to recognition at the Grand Prix des Vins Suisses and the Merlot World Championship. The dominant grape here is Merlot, but the lasting impression is broader: warm light, chestnut forests, grotto-style meals and family cellars where the person pouring the wine may also have helped make it.

Stops at Piccola Vigna, Ortelli Vini and La Costa show how intimate those bigger claims can become. Piccola Vigna began with Piermarco Soldini, who first made wine from a family vineyard once tended by his father, before Pierwalter Trapletti joined him in 1998. It remains deliberately modest and family-run, balancing professional know-how with the spirit of a hobby carried seriously. Its purpose is expressed simply: “The feeling that unites us is the desire to preserve the great winemaking tradition of our region.”

That, ultimately, is what makes autumn wine hiking in Switzerland so memorable. The scenery may be spectacular, but the deeper pleasure lies in proximity: to the harvest, to local varieties, to villages shaped by vines and to winemakers who are still close enough to their work to explain it with soil under their fingernails.

The Au cœur des vendanges event. Photo: © Swiss Wine Promotion

The post Colour explosion: Autumn in Switzerland’s vineyards appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

It was Friedrich Becker Senior who transformed the family business by bottling their own wines instead of selling grapes to the local co-operative. Since taking over in 2005, Friedrich Becker Junior has established the estate as one of Germany’s finest Pinot Noir producers, winning the Gault & Millau German Wine Guide’s Best German Pinot Noir award almost every year.

Today, the family farms around 30 hectares of vineyards with a philosophy centred on minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar, allowing each wine to express its unique terroir. Patience is equally important, with the estate’s top red wines released only four years after harvest to ensure optimum balance, complexity and ageing potential.

Like many winegrowers, the Becker family must also contend with the unpredictability of nature. This summer, a severe hailstorm caused significant damage to parts of the estate, devastating vineyards in more exposed sites such as Kammerberg and Wormberg. This caused a loss of 70 per cent of this year’s grape harvest. Fortunately, some of Becker’s most renowned vineyards, including St. Paul, Heydenreich and Sonnenberg, escaped with only partial damage. While the coming vintage has been affected, the family views such events as an inevitable part of winemaking, remaining focused on producing wines that reflect both the challenges and character of each growing season.

Left: Becker 2021 Becker Family Spätburgunder QbA dry red wine. Middle: Becker 2019 Schweigen Spätburgunder QbA dry red wine. Right: Becker 2018 St. Paul Spätburgunder Grand Cru dry red wine

WINES TO DISCOVER

The WineBarn – an exclusively German wine merchant, was the first to introduce the UK to Spätburgunder, and as such, can recommend three of Becker’s finest Pinot Noirs:

2021 Becker Family Spätburgunder QbA Dry
£19.65 per bottle

A vibrant ruby red with aromas of wild berries, tobacco, spice and forest floor. Juicy, elegant and wonderfully drinkable. Wine writer Tamlyn Currin described it as “juicy and with plenty of gumption. Slim tannins, expressive fruit, black-pepper finish. The kind of wine I could happily drink every day without tiring of it.”

2019 Schweigener Spätburgunder QbA Dry
£34.00 per bottle

Produced from 30 to 55-year-old vines growing in limestone soils on the German-French border, this elegant wine offers aromas of blackberries, tobacco, spice and vanilla, alongside a dense palate with impressive structure and length.

2018 St. Paul Spätburgunder Grand Cru Dry
£106.45 per bottle

Awarded 91 points by Decanter, this flagship wine comes from a south-facing limestone vineyard in Wissembourg. Aromas of juniper, wild berries, tobacco and pepper lead to a concentrated, beautifully structured palate with youthful tannins, remarkable length and excellent ageing potential.

Friedrich Wilhelm Becker.

The post Friedrich Becker Winery: Germany’s Pinot Noir pioneer appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Friday: arrival and the Moselle

Arrive early afternoon, after about 90 minutes by train from either Frankfurt or Düsseldorf airports, and begin your Koblenz escape at FÄHRHAUS, a riverside retreat that takes its name from the old ferry crossing that once linked the two banks of the Moselle.

From the hotel, riverside footpaths lead through vineyards and wine-growing landscapes, passing old stone walls and gnarled vines that have been here for centuries. Take your time – this is one of Germany’s most celebrated wine regions and the terraced vineyards around Koblenz produce crisp, mineral-driven Rieslings that taste nowhere better than at their source.

Break the walk with a wine tasting at one of the local Weingüter such as Spurzem or Toni Müller in the suburb of Güls. Look out for estate-bottled Rieslings from the steep-slope Steillage sites: the slate soil gives them a flinty, almost electric character.

Back at FÄHRHAUS, surrender to the hotel’s signature stone massage, then dine at restaurant Landgang for local Rhineland cooking or Gotthardt’s by Yannick Noack (two Michelin stars) for fine dining at its very best.

Altstadt Vier-Türme. Photo: © Koblenz Touristik GmbH / Johannes Bruchhof

Saturday morning: old town and its secrets

Koblenz is best explored on foot. The Altstadt preserves much of its medieval street pattern and many historic buildings, despite the extensive wartime destruction that reshaped much of the city. It is small enough to wander without a map and wrong turns result in new discoveries.

Head first to the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where a 14-metre-high statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I presides over the confluence of Rhine and Moselle. It is one of those spots where geography creates great drama: two great rivers colliding in a froth of current, the fortress rising above, the hills stretching away in both directions.

The yellow walls of Festung Ehrenbreitstein loom across the Rhine, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe. Take the cable car as the views on the ascent alone are worth the fare. The fortress has stood since the 11th century; Napoleon had it dismantled, the Prussians rebuilt it bigger than before. On top, snacks and beverages can be purchased for a small sit-down lunch while enjoying the magnificent views.

Fine dining dessert at Gotthardt’s by Yannick Noack. Photo: Wibke Carter

Saturday afternoon: sweet stops and fireworks

Back in the old town, duck into Entengässchen and Kunstgässchen, two pretty medieval lanes, lined with craft studios and the kind of café that appears to have been there for centuries. Nearby, the bronze Schängel fountain spits water at clueless passers-by every half-hour beside the Town Hall. Take a break and head to eGeLoSIa, an ice cream parlour ranked among Germany’s Top 20.

The Vier Türme, despite the name, are not four separate towers but historic corner houses, each crowned by an ornate projecting bay window (oriel tower). Look out too for the History Column, which charts 2,000 years of Koblenz in illustrated bands and the medieval Robber Baron relief whose eyes follow the walker who looks up.

Meat course at the Landgang restaurant. Photo: Wibke Carter

No city tour is complete without Fräulein Diehl, a confectionery producing famously addictive toffees. The flavours range from natural to tonka bean and vanilla, and leaving with just one bag requires a discipline most visitors find beyond them.

Evening brings dinner at Gerhard’s Genussgesellschaft im Blumenhof: a garden courtyard near the riverbank, Moselle-leaning wine list and cooking rooted in the Rhine region. For a last drink outside, the Ufer-Bar invites on the riverbank until 10pm.

Garden of Stolzenfels castle. Photo: Wibke Carter

If your visit coincides with Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames, 7 to 9 August 2026), stay on the river as long as possible. On Saturday, illuminated boats process along the Rhine while fireworks burst from Ehrenbreitstein above, their reflections fracturing the dark water below – operatic in scale, and entirely in keeping with a city that has always understood the drama of its setting.

Rhein in Flammen. Photo: Pixabay

Sunday: a castle farewell

Check out of the hotel, store your luggage at Koblenz Hauptbahnhof and head south along the Rhine for a final flourish.
The Gothic Revival towers of Schloss Stolzenfels rise from the wooded hillside like a fairy tale illustration, which, in a sense, they are. Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm commissioned its reconstruction in the 1830s, enlisting architect Schinkel and landscape artist Lenné to create something that looked ancient but felt entirely Romantic. The result is painted ceilings, tapestries and armour arranged as if the knights had only just stepped out, terraced gardens falling to the river below.

Then it is time for the journey home. Koblenz does not overstay its welcome, which is precisely why you will want to come back.

The Schängel fountain. Photo: Wibke Carter

The post A weekend at the Confluence: Koblenz appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Nestled in Southern Styria, MUSTER.gamlitz stands for a philosophy that feels almost unusual in today’s wine world. While innovation and constant reinvention dominate elsewhere, the focus here remains firmly on what has proven itself over centuries. “I see the greatest progress in not wanting to make progress,” says winemaker Reinhard Muster. It is an attitude that slows things down and creates space for quality. “The best wines have always existed. This perspective profoundly reshapes the way we think.”

Domaine 1196. Photo: Niklas Stadler

The region around Gamlitz offers ideal conditions. “I like to say we’re at the centre of the Illyrian climate zone,” Muster explains. “Temperamental, untamed weather, very distinct seasons, high rainfall and significant temperature differences between day and night during the growing season have an enormous influence on the grapes – just like the people who live here and make the wines.” A wide range of soil types, from limestone and clay to slate and sand, further enhances this diversity, creating almost limitless possibilities for white wine production.

At the heart of the work is always one idea: “Great wines are created exclusively in the mind.” Planning, precision and consistency shape the process from the very beginning, and this is precisely where the winery’s strength lies. Equally important, however, is the strong sense of unity between the Muster family, the team and the Wolf family.

For the past three years, Domaine 1196 has been home to production. The modern architecture and expanded possibilities of this partnership complement the traditional approach in a unique way, opening up new dimensions without altering the core philosophy.

Sauvignon Blanc ‘Illyr’. Photo: MUSTER.gamlitz

A visit makes it immediately clear what sets MUSTER.gamlitz apart. “Alongside breathtaking views across the rolling landscape, there are also beautiful walking trails through our vineyards,” the vintner adds. “I always say: it can be just as beautiful elsewhere, but never more beautiful.”

One wine that captures the essence of all this is the Sauvignon Blanc Illyr. According to Reinhard Muster, it embodies the full force of Southern Styria year after year – along with the accumulated knowledge and unmistakable signature of MUSTER.gamlitz.

 
Web: www.muster-gamlitz.at

Photo: Lupi Spuma

Große Weine beginnen im Kopf

Zwischen sanften Hügeln, markanten Klimabedingungen und beeindruckender Bodenvielfalt entsteht bei MUSTER.gamlitz ein Weinverständnis, das bewusst auf Beständigkeit setzt. Außergewöhnliches Terroir trifft hier auf traditionellen Weinbau – und zeigt, warum weniger Fortschritt manchmal mehr ist.

Eingebettet in die Südsteiermark steht das Weingut MUSTER.gamlitz für eine Philosophie, die in der heutigen Weinwelt fast schon ungewöhnlich wirkt. Während vielerorts Innovation und ständige Neuerfindung im Fokus stehen, bleibt man hier bewusst bei dem, was sich über Jahrhunderte bewährt hat. „Ich erkenne es als größten Fortschritt, keinen Fortschritt machen zu wollen”, sagt Weinbauer Reinhard Muster. Eine Haltung, die entschleunigt und Raum für Qualität schafft: „Die besten Weine gab und gibt es schon immer – diese Sichtweise entschleunigt unser Denken massiv.”

Ried Hoch Sernau im Nebel. Foto: Lupi Spuma

Die Region rund um Gamlitz bietet dafür ideale Voraussetzungen. „Ich behaupte gerne, wir sind hier das Zentrum der Illyrischen Klimazone”, so Reinhard Muster. „Temperamentvolles, ungestümes Wetter, sehr prägnante Jahreszeiten, hohe Niederschläge und hohe Temperaturunterschiede zwischen Tag und Nacht während der Vegetation beeinflussen die Weintrauben ungemein. Gleich wie die Menschen, die hier leben und daraus Weine keltern.” Unterschiedliche Bodenstrukturen – von Kalk über Lehm bis hin zu Schiefer und Sand – verstärken diese Vielfalt zusätzlich und eröffnen nahezu grenzenlose Möglichkeiten im Weißweinanbau.

Domaine 1196 – die neue Weinwerkstatt. Foto: Niklas Stadler

Im Zentrum der Arbeit steht dabei immer die Idee: „Große Weine entstehen ausschließlich im Kopf.” Planung, Präzision und Konsequenz bestimmen den Prozess von Anfang an, und genau darin liegt die Stärke des Weinguts. Aber auch der Zusammenhalt zwischen Familie Muster, dem Team und Familie Wolf trägt maßgeblich dazu bei.

Alte Reben. Foto: Lupi Spuma

Seit drei Jahren ist die Domaine 1196 das Zuhause der Produktion. Die moderne Architektur und die erweiterten Möglichkeiten dieser Partnerschaft ergänzen die traditionsreiche Arbeitsweise auf besondere Weise und ermöglichen neue Dimensionen, ohne den Kern der Philosophie zu verändern.

Auch vor Ort wird schnell klar, was das Weingut MUSTER.gamlitz so besonders macht. „Hier gibt es neben einer atemberaubenden Aussicht über die hügelige Landschaft auch wunderschöne Wanderwege durch unsere Weinberge. Ich sage immer, es geht nur gleich schön, noch schöner geht aber nicht mehr.”

Ein Wein, der die Essenz all dessen widerspiegelt, ist der Sauvignon Blanc Illyr, denn in ihm steckt laut Reinhard Muster jedes Jahr die geballte Kraft der Südsteiermark – und damit auch das gesammelte Wissen und die Handschrift von MUSTER.gamlitz.

Weinbauer Reinhard Muster. Foto: Anna Störcher

The post MUSTER.gamlitz: Great wine begins in the mind appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

The inspiration for this unique accommodation came about in a very typical winemaker fashion during a get-together with colleagues over one or two bottles of wine. While looking for suitable accommodation, Moni and Andreas Rüedi had the fabulous idea of turning real oak barrels into guest rooms for the party venue on their estate. The response was overwhelming, even though comfort was fairly basic at first: small compartments, sleeping bags and shared showers.

It soon became clear to the couple that the concept had real potential. “With the aim of creating a three-star experience, we built eleven barrels to full hotel-room standard – double bed, WC, shower, TV and a view of the garden. Our wine-loving guests enjoy our region, our wines and our very special way of staying overnight,” explains passionate vintner Andreas Rüedi.

Arriving at Weinfasshotel for the first time means stepping into a beautiful scenery of gentle vineyards, charming villages and unspoilt nature. As a certified nature park hotel, it is the perfect starting point for hiking and cycling tours. Rüedi adds: “The nearby Black Forest, the Rhine Falls and Lake Constance are just 30 minutes away by car, making this an excellent base for exploring. As a family of winemakers, it’s also important to us to bring this most beautiful profession closer to our guests and to foster an understanding of why preserving these traditions matters.” Wine tastings are naturally part of the experience, as are personal conversations in a warm, family atmosphere.

Guests particularly appreciate the tranquillity of the region, the rural charm and the genuine feeling of being welcome. And, of course, the excellent wines that can be tasted everywhere. The fact that Weinfasshotel is regularly fully booked from spring through to autumn speaks for itself. Plans for further expansion are already in the works.

Weinfasshotel Rüedi is a truly special place where wine culture can quite literally be experienced even while you sleep – a must for any wine lover.

 
Web: www.rueedi-ferien.ch

Übernachten im echten Weinfass

Mitten im größten zusammenhängenden Weinbaugebiet der Deutschschweiz liegt ein Ort, an dem sich alles um den Wein dreht – bis hin zur Übernachtung. Das Weinfasshotel Rüedi verbindet ländlichen Charme mit einer außergewöhnlichen Idee: Gäste schlafen in großzügig ausgebauten Weinfässern.

Die Inspiration für diese einzigartige Unterkunft entstand, ganz typisch für Winzer, bei einer Zusammenkunft unter Kollegen mit einer oder zwei Flaschen Wein. Auf der Suche nach einer passenden Übernachtungsmöglichkeit war das für Moni und Andreas Rüedi die zündende Idee, für den hauseigenen Partyraum echte Eichenfässer als Gästezimmer zu nutzen. Die Resonanz war überwältigend, auch wenn der Komfort anfangs noch schlicht war: kleine Abteile, Schlafsack, Gemeinschaftsduschen.

Schnell wurde den beiden klar, dass das Konzept Potenzial hat. „Mit dem Ziel, das Erlebnis 3-Sterne-tauglich zu machen realisierten wir 11 Fässer mit Hotelzimmer-Standard. Doppelbett, WC, Dusche, TV und Blick in den Garten. Unsere weinaffinen Gäste genießen unsere Region, unsere Weine und unsere sehr spezielle Übernachtungsmöglichkeit“, erzählt Herzblut-Winzer Andreas Rüedi.

Wer zum ersten Mal im Weinfasshotel ankommt, taucht ein in eine herrliche Landschaft mit sanften Weinbergen, schmucken Dörfern und viel ursprünglicher Natur. Als Naturpark-Hotel ist das Weinfasshotel ein idealer Ausgangspunkt für Wanderungen und Bike-Touren. Rüedi fügt hinzu: „Der nahe gelegene Schwarzwald, der Rheinfall und der Bodensee sind nur 30 Autominuten von uns entfernt. So sind wir ein toller Ausgangspunkt für Erkundungen. Als Winzer-Familie ist es uns auch ein Anliegen, unseren Gästen diesen wohl schönsten Beruf näher zu bringen und das Verständnis für den Erhalt dieser Strukturen zu fördern.“ Weinproben gehören ebenso dazu wie persönliche Gespräche in familiärer Atmosphäre.

Gäste schätzen vor allem die Ruhe der Region, den ländlichen Charme und das Gefühl, willkommen zu sein. Und natürlich die feinen Weine, die überall degustiert werden können. Dass das Weinfasshotel von Frühling bis Herbst regelmäßig ausgebucht ist, spricht für sich. Ideen für eine Erweiterung gibt es bereits.

Das Weinfasshotel Rüedi ist ein rundum besonderer Ort, an dem die Weinkultur selbst im Schlaf erlebbar wird. Ein Muss für jeden Wein-Liebhaber.

The post Weinfasshotel Rüedi: Staying in a real wine barrel appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Between loess, limestone, and loam, where Kamptal unfolds its gentle hills, Christoph Edelbauer’s winery claims a perfect spot. Visitors will quickly understand: these wines are more than product – they are an expression of the landscape. The rhythm of nature dictates the work; every grape is picked by hand, and every site is tended with care.

Christoph Edelbauer winery relies on organic-biological cultivation and traditional craftsmanship. This results in wines that embody both clarity and authenticity. This is particularly evident in the Pinot Noir. The sensitive and demanding grape variety finds ideal conditions in Kamptal: cool nights, sunny days, and calcareous soils.

The vineyard’s 12 hectares are located across three different sites – Ried Spiegel, Ried Käferthal, and Ried Steinhaus – and thus offer varying conditions for independent and complex Pinot Noirs. Each site imparts its own character and typicity to the grapes, resulting in wines that are distinctive and unmistakable.

The result? A Pinot Noir of remarkable elegance and depth. The 2021 vintage is award-winning: Gault & Millau named it the best Pinot Noir in Lower Austria, an accolade that not only honours the wine but also confirms the winery’s philosophy – to create wines that tell an authentic story of their origin and nature.

 
Web: www.weingut-edelbauer.at

Ein Pinot Noir, der das österreichische Kamptal atmet

Feines Gespür für den Wein und die perfekten Voraussetzungen für Weinbau im österreichischen Kamptal prägen die Weine des Weinguts Christoph Edelbauer. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf Pinot Noir Weinen, die die Böden und das Klima der Weinbauregion in jedem Tropfen einfangen.

Zwischen Löss, Kalk und Lehm, dort wo das Kamptal seine sanften Hügel entfaltet, liegt das Weingut Christoph Edelbauer. Wer hier zu Besuch kommt, versteht schnell: Diese Weine sind mehr als Produkte – sie sind Ausdruck einer Landschaft. Der Rhythmus der Natur bestimmt die Arbeit, jede Traube wird von Hand gelesen, jede Lage mit Bedacht gepflegt.

Christoph Edelbauer vertraut dabei auf biologisch-organischen Anbau und traditionelle Handwerkskunst. So entstehen Weine, die Klarheit und Authentizität in sich tragen. Besonders deutlich wird das beim Pinot Noir. Die sensible und anspruchsvolle Rebsorte findet im Kamptal ideale Bedingungen: kühle Nächte, sonnige Tage, kalkreiche Böden.

Die 12 Hektar des Weinguts Christoph Edelbauer liegen in drei verschiedenen Lagen – Ried Spiegel, Ried Käferthal und Ried Steinhaus – und bieten somit unterschiedliche Voraussetzungen für eigenständige und komplexe Pinot Noirs. Jede Lage gibt den Trauben ihren eigenen Charakter und eigene Typizität, so entstehen Weine, die eigenständig und unverwechselbar sind.

Das Ergebnis? Ein Pinot Noir von bemerkenswerter Eleganz und Tiefe. Der 2021er Jahrgang ist dabei sogar prämiert: Gault & Millau kürte ihn zum besten Pinot Noir Niederösterreichs, eine Auszeichnung, die nicht nur den Wein ehrt, sondern auch die Philosophie des Weinguts bestätigt – Weine zu schaffen, die unverfälscht von ihrer Herkunft und der Natur erzählen.

Pinot Noir 2021, best Pinot Noir in Lower Austria. Photo: Chris Rogl

The post Weingut Christoph Edelbauer: A Pinot Noir that breathes the Austrian Kamptal appeared first on Discover Germany, Switzerland and Austria.