ÖTW Single-Vineyard Wine Summit

ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit: Austria’s Premier Tasting Event

It is considered one of the most demanding and prestigious tastings in Austria: the ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit.

From September 8–12, the historic grounds of Grafenegg Castle, just 60 km west of Vienna, will once again host this unique gathering.

Each year, the event attracts international trade press, importers, sommeliers, and retailers, all eager to explore around 500 wines exclusively from Austria’s most renowned single vineyards.

A Showcase of Austria’s Premier Crus

At the heart of the tasting are wines from ÖTW Erste Lagen (Premier Cru sites) — a classification system developed by the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW). More than 120 Erste Lage vineyards across the Danube wine regions form the summit’s core, with an impressive lineup of over 80 leading producers.

The participating regions include:

In addition, guest regions add depth and diversity:

  • Eisenberg
  • Leithaberg
  • STK wineries of Styria
  • Vinea Wachau

This creates a panoramic view of Austria’s terroirs, showcasing wines that embody regional character and single-vineyard precision.

The Origins of ÖTW

The Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW) was founded in 1991 as a consortium between Kamptal and Kremstal. Seventeen pioneering estates launched a pilot project with a clear mission: to classify Austrian vineyards according to their quality potential, much like France’s crus.

Over three decades later, the ÖTW has grown to 90 member estates, spanning nearly all key regions along the Danube. The ÖTW classification system has become an essential orientation tool for wine professionals and enthusiasts, clarifying the significance of appellations and vineyard sites.

Why the Summit Matters

The ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit is more than a tasting—it is a benchmark for Austrian fine wine. For professionals, it provides a rare opportunity to compare wines across vintages, sites, and producers in a structured, focused format. For Austria, it represents an international showcase of its terroir-driven identity, helping to position the country’s wines firmly among the world’s most respected.

The event underscores Austria’s strength: wines that combine authentic expression, precision, and aging potential, rooted in some of Europe’s most distinctive vineyard landscapes.

Conclusion

Since its inception in 2013, the ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit has grown into Austria’s most anticipated wine event for the trade, reaffirming the country’s commitment to transparency, quality, and vineyard identity. With its blend of history, innovation, and international reach, the summit stands as a symbol of Austria’s rising profile on the global fine wine stage.

Source: ÖTW

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