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Nikolaihof

Nikolaus Saahs jr original bw

In the heart of the Wachau lies a winery of extraordinary historical depth - the Nikolaihof. Built on Celtic foundations and continuously run as a winery since Roman times, it embodies living viticultural history. The Saahs family, custodians of this cultural asset since 1894, have been running the winery according to biodynamic principles for over 50 years - as pioneers of this form of cultivation in Austria. Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners of impressive elegance and longevity are produced here on 22 hectares. The wine cellar, which dates back to Roman times, houses large wooden barrels in which the wines often mature for years.

Manufacturer portrait




More about Nikolaihof

When you enter the Nikolaihof, you immediately sense the special atmosphere of this historic place. Here, two millennia of winegrowing culture merge with a deep connection to nature. The old walls tell stories of Celtic rituals, Roman legionaries and medieval monks - all united by their appreciation of this special place of viticulture.

A living history of viticulture

Nikolaihof Wachau old sign family Saaß

The history of Nikolaihof begins long before our era. What the Celts revered as a sacred place was recognised by the Romans in 63 BC as an ideal location for a fort. The remains of the Roman fortifications of Favianis are still visible throughout the courtyard today. Particularly noteworthy is the vineyard 'Im Weingebirge' - the first documented vineyard in Europe, with written documentation dating back to 470 AD. The spiritual significance of the site continued in the Middle Ages, when the Augustinian canons built the Agapitus Chapel here, which still dominates the courtyard today.

Biodynamic pioneering work

Emerald lizard in the Nikolaihof vineyard

The Saahs family has been shaping the fortunes of the winery since 1894. The decisive turning point came in 1971, when they became one of the first wineries in the world to switch to biodynamic cultivation. Today, Nikolaus Saahs continues this vision. The 22 hectares of vines are treated like a living organism. Instead of chemical preparations, teas made from nettle, valerian and horsetail are used. The vineyards themselves resemble a botanical garden - medicinal herbs and wild flowers grow between the vines, bees buzz and a diverse world of insects thrives. This biodiversity is reflected in the complexity of the wines.

The art of winemaking

Time seems to stand still in the Roman wine cellar at Nikolaihof. Here, the wines mature in large wooden barrels, some of them for up to 15 years. This patient approach is particularly impressive in the legendary late bottlings. The wines develop a fascinating complexity with surprisingly moderate alcohol levels. One highlight is the historic tree press, which produces wines with a phenomenal inner structure. The 2008 Gelber Muskateller, for example, impressively demonstrates how this traditional pressing method intensifies the typical varietal flavours and at the same time lends a remarkable texture.

A winery makes history

Steiner Dog Vineyard of the Nikolaihof

The international breakthrough came in 2015, when the 1995 Riesling Vinothek became the first dry Riesling in the world to receive the perfect Parker rating of 100 points after almost 20 years of ageing. The Saah family's reaction to this success was characteristic: instead of selling the rare wine to the highest bidders, they decided to offer it exclusively by the glass in their own restaurant - a decision that perfectly reflects the philosophy of the house.
In 2024, the winery opened its impressive archive for the first time, which includes wines dating back to the 1980s. These bottles, perfectly matured in the historic cellar, are living testimony to a winemaking philosophy that focuses on patience, closeness to nature and craftsmanship excellence. They are impressive proof of the exceptional longevity of Nikolaihof wines.