Austria

The pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Austria began their work back in the 1970s. The Nikolaihof from the Wachau and the Diwald winery from the Wagram region were the first to venture in this direction, which was ridiculed at the time. Their vision laid the foundation for a revolution in Austrian viticulture that is bearing fruit today.

In the 2010s, biodynamic viticulture experienced its major breakthrough in Austria. Renowned winegrowers such as Fred LoimerBernhard Ott, Karl Fritsch and Gernot Heinrich discovered the potential of this method. They realised that biodynamic wine not only protects the environment, but also produces exceptional quality. These pioneers inspired many other winegrowers to follow their example.

The founding of the "Respekt" association in 2007 marked a turning point for biodynamic viticulture in Austria. This association of top winegrowers who had committed themselves to biodynamics created an enormous pull effect in the industry. The outstanding quality of their wines won over critics and wine lovers alike and helped biodynamic wine to gain an international reputation.

Today, Austria is one of the global leaders in organic viticulture. The area under biodynamic viticulture has almost doubled in the last five years and now totals 1,416 hectares. Organisations such as Demeter and respekt-BIODYN are committed to the dissemination and quality assurance of biodynamic viticulture. Demeter Austria currently has 55 wineries among its members, while respekt-BIODYN has 21 Austrian wineries.

Natural wine, a radical interpretation of biodynamic viticulture, is becoming increasingly important in Austria. These wines are produced without any additives or interventions, resulting in unique and often surprising flavour profiles. Winegrowers like Anita and Hans Nittnaus and Gernot Heinrich have established themselves as pioneers of this movement. They dispense with filtration, fining and added sulphur to produce wines that reflect the terroir in its purest form. Although natural wines are often polarising, they have found a loyal following among wine enthusiasts who appreciate the authenticity and vibrancy of these wines. The natural wine movement in Austria is helping to push the boundaries of traditional viticulture and open up new perspectives on wine quality and enjoyment.