Domain Wachau

Domaine Wachau is located on the Danube in the shadow of Dürnstein Castle where King Richard the Lionheart was captured on his return from the Third Crusade near Vienna and held from ransom in 1192. It is the only winery in the entire Wachau region to nurture parcels in every well-known single vineyard of the Wachau. Domäne Wachau originates from a winery owned by the church, and first documented in the 11th century. After secularization in the late 18th century, an Austrian aristocratic family took over ownership. The Kellerschlössel (castle) was commissioned by Hieronymus Übelbacher, provost of Dürnstein Abbey, and completed by Jakob Prandtauer, the creator of Melk Abbey, in 1715. Beneath the Kellerschlössel is the huge natural cellar dug in 1693. The baroque jewel lies at the foot of the famous top Wachau vineyard Kellerberg, the "house mountain" of the Domäne Wachau.

About 250 member wineries cultivate 440 hectares of vineyards, which account for one third of the Wachau area. Great importance is attached to training, know-how transfer and intensive personal contact. Those grape suppliers who ensure extra quality in the vineyards receive special surcharges on the grape prices as an incentive, depending on the location.

Wines dating back to 1947 are stored in House's wine library. In 1999, Domäne Wachau was the first Austrian wine producer to win the title of "International Winery of the Year" awarded by Wine & Spirit. Around 2.5 million bottles of wine are produced annually. Grüner Veltliner is double distilled in the in-house distillery and matures for years in small wooden barrels to create an "XA22" brandy.

Schloss Gobelsburg

Schloss Gobelsburg is one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Archeological excavations in one of the vineyards during the extension of the chateau’s vaults uncovered traces of settlements in eolithic, bronze and iron age, the Roman empire, and early medieval periods. Schloss Gobelsburg has several historical vineyard sites around the castle produces all single “Erste Lage” Grand Cru vineyard wines, which highlight the nuances of the Danube region of Kamptal. The Schloss produces many wines including Riesling, Grüner Veltliner , Brut Reserve, Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, and sweet wines. The Castle and vineyards was acquired by Willi Bründlmayer named in 2009 by Wine & Spirits Magazine “as the best Austrian winemaker of the last 25 years,” and Michael Moosbrugger in 1996.

Between 1074 and 1740 as many as 19 different families owned the estate and castle Gobelsburg. The last aristocratic owner initiated the alterations of the Renaissance manor house into a handsome Baroque chateau in the first half of the 18th century keeping the The oldest 11th century cellars. In 1784 the two estates of Stift Zwettl, Kammern and Gobelsburg, were merged.

Grapes

Cool climates support the growth of white grapes. 40 varieties are grown in the region, which include Chardonnay, Neuburger, Gelber Muskateller, Pinot Blanc, Traminer and Sauvignon Blanc as well as red grapes. The 2 most famous are Riesling, which is often planted along the high, rocky steep hillsides near the river and the indigenous fresh and fruity Grüner Veltliner, mostly panted on the loess and sand of the lower river banks. Both were introduced to the area in the mid 19th century. 

Terroir

Closer to the river one finds alluvial loam, loess, and gravel soils predominate. Higher up the soils are rich in iron deposits and contain mixtures of crystalline gneiss, granite and slate. Most vineyards are planted on south and east facing slopes to catch as much of the sunlight and heat as possible. However, with rising temperatures more vine growers have been experimenting with north and west facing vineyards to regulate alcohol levels.

Along with the moderating warm moisture influence of the Danube river, the area has a macro climate of constant cool, moist air from the forests in the northwest air and warmer air coming from the east, allowing for sugars and phenolic compounds to build up during the day and acids and aromas to be preserved during the cooler nights. This creates a continental climate with marked diurnal temperature variations that include a dramatic drop in nighttime temperatures. Rainfall is rather low with fog in spring, autumn and winter.

History

Archeological finds suggests that viticulture was introduced here by the Celtic tribes prior to the Roman occupation around the 1st century BC. The next wave of significant cultivation was the arrival of the Cistercian monks in the10th century, bringing with them Burgundian Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir . Vineyards of the Diocese of Passau are recorded in Kremstal as early as 973. Bavarian dioceses and abbeys started the construction of the Wachau terraces during the 11th century and still control vast tracts of vineyards. Today 3 million square metres of dry stone wall protect 40 per cent of the Wachau’s vineyards.  Without them, growing grapes would be impossible on the steep slopes. Many vineyards that exist today in the Wachau can trace their origins to monastic plantings in the Middle Ages The monastic influences of the Christian church continued to promote and sustain viticulture in the area as well as in the Burgundy and Mosel. In the southern area above the Danube on the right bank lies the world-famous Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, founded in 1072. The magnificent Baroque style Benedictine Abbey of Melk in the Wachau still owns a 100 hectares vineyard in Krems, which it received in 1113.

More than 40 monasteries around the city of Krems were granted vineyards as a foundation until the 16th century. By 1703, over 1 million litres of wine were stored in the cellars. During the second Turkish siege of Vienna in 1883, wine from the Abbey cellar was used to extinguish a fire that was burning the church tower.

Kamptal / Kremstal Wine Adventures

An overnight stay will give you time to enjoy 1 or 2 days of rejuvenating hiking or biking in Lower Austria or the mountains of northern Italy where the 2 countries and cultures come together. For those with more time, we can extend your trip to cover 5 or 6 amazing wine regions.