Nearly the entire 2023 Wachau vintage has earned the "Sustainable Austria" certification, reflecting the commitment of all Vinea Wachau members.
These vineyard managers oversee nearly all of the 1,300 hectares of vineyards in the Wachau and have completed certification within the last three years.
In the 2023 vintage, all wines produced by members of the Vinea Wachau regional association proudly bear the "Sustainable Austria" certification, marking a significant milestone for the entire Wachau wine-growing region. Reserved exclusively for association members, the renowned Wachau wine categories — Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd — now exemplify sustainability as a core value shared among all member companies. The commitment to sustainable farming practices extends beyond traditional viti-cultural techniques, with an emphasis on hand-picking, heritage preservation, and ensuring the authenticity of origin.
One distinguishing feature of Wachau viticulture is the biological control of grape moths, a practice that eliminates the need for insecticides—a rarity in the Austrian wine landscape. The steep terraces of the Wachau, requiring significant manual labor, not only promote biodiversity but also contribute to resource conservation.
Embracing sustainability involves understanding the holistic impact of viticultural operations on both individual companies and the broader region. Emmerich H. Knoll, chairman of Vinea Wachau, describes the certification process as a journey marked by diverse challenges, reflecting the unique operating structures of grape producers, part-time winemakers, and the Wachau domain.
The achievement of "Sustainable Austria" certification is celebrated as a significant milestone in the history of Vinea Wachau. The Wachau winemakers come together to honor this accomplishment at the annual Wachau Wine Spring event in early May, underscoring their collective commitment to sustainable viticulture and the preservation of their cherished winemaking traditions.