The wines brought me to VieVinum.
The people made me stay.
Among the grand halls of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, surrounded by hundreds of producers and thousands of bottles, it is easy to become distracted by scores, technical sheets, and tasting notes. Yet the most memorable moments rarely happen in the glass alone.
They happen in conversation.
This year at VieVinum, I spent time with a group of Wine of Austria producers whose work feels deeply rooted in place and people. Different regions. Different generations. Different personalities. Yet despite their differences, they all seemed to share the same philosophy: respect the land, respect the family, and make wines that reflect both.
As Austrian wine continues its rise on the international stage, these are the producers quietly shaping its future—not through trends or marketing slogans, but through authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of where they come from.
Gregor Schupp: Precision with Purpose
One of the most engaging conversations of the week came from the Schupp family, brother and sister Gregor and Johanna.
Johanna Schupp combines Burgundian experience with Austrian pragmatism, bringing curiosity and technical precision into the cellar while remaining deeply connected to her family’s roots. Together with her brother Gregor, the family has built a reputation for wines that are held back until they are truly ready to show their full character.
Their vineyards sit on limestone and chalk-rich soils that contribute texture, structure, and remarkable longevity. Gregor spoke passionately about creating wines that reflect those soils rather than market trends, focusing on patience, precision, and individuality.
“We want wines that are unique.”
It sounds simple, but in today’s wine world, it feels increasingly rare.
The family’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay embody that philosophy beautifully—wines that don’t chase attention but quietly earn it through balance, texture, and a strong sense of place.
Weingut Liechtenstein: The Pull of Salinity
The conversation with Stefan Tscheppe of Weingut Liechtenstein revealed a producer deeply connected to the identity of Weinviertel.
Rather than focusing on grape varieties or cellar techniques, Stefan spoke about energy, drinkability, and what he believes defines the region’s wines.
“Animating and salinity.”
Those two words perfectly captured the wines in the glass—fresh, vibrant, and structured by a mineral tension that keeps drawing you back for another sip.
Stefan was also quick to challenge the misconception that Weinviertel is a one-dimensional region. Beneath its reputation lies a mosaic of vineyard sites, soils, and microclimates that allow for remarkable diversity of expression.
Working alongside Josef Stumvoll and Christina Fritz, the estate produces wines that prioritize balance over power and elegance over excess. The result is a lineup that feels modern, food-friendly, and remarkably easy to enjoy.
Franz Tschermonegg & Lena Gruber: Hospitality in Every Glass
Representing Weingut Tschermonegg in Southern Styria, winemaker Franz Tschermonegg & Lena Gruber brought warmth, energy, and an infectious enthusiasm for both wine and hospitality.
Sauvignon Blancs showcase everything that makes the region exciting today: aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity, and remarkable precision. Yet what stood out most was their belief that wine belongs at the table, paired with food, family, and conversation.
Describing her single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Ried Oberglanz, she laughed:
“Every time you have a glass, you think… I want the next one.”
After tasting it, it was hard to disagree.
The wines are bright, expressive, and effortlessly drinkable, but Lena was equally passionate when speaking about Styrian food culture. Whether discussing local specialties, pumpkin seed oil, or the importance of hospitality, she reminded me that great wine is rarely just about what’s in the glass.
It’s about bringing people together.
She also spoke candidly about the realities facing growers today. Heavy rains, changing seasons, and unpredictable weather have become part of modern viticulture. Like many producers I met throughout Austria, adaptation is no longer a future challenge—it’s part of everyday life.
Elfie Aigner: Tradition with Confidence
If Lena represented energy, Elfie Aigner embodied quiet confidence.
Her family’s estate remains firmly rooted in the traditions of Austrian Grüner Veltliner, producing wines that balance minerality, elegance, and structure with effortless drinkability.
When discussing her favorite single-vineyard bottling, her description was brief but telling:
“For me, it’s the perfect Grüner Veltliner.”
The wine reflected exactly that confidence—classic, precise, and unapologetically Austrian.
What impressed me most was Elfie’s ability to balance respect for tradition with a clear vision for the future. She spoke about the importance of supporting young women entering the wine industry, encouraging mentorship, collaboration, and stronger professional networks.
It was a reminder that great wine regions are built not only through vineyards and vintages, but through communities willing to invest in the next generation.
In an increasingly crowded global wine market, Austria’s greatest strength may not be Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc.
It may simply be the people.
The families preserving traditions while embracing innovation.
The growers adapting to climate challenges without losing sight of identity.
The producers who still believe that every bottle should tell a story.
And it’s being built one vineyard, one family, and one honest glass at a time.