The 37th State Wine Awards witnessed an unprecedented level of participation, setting a new submission record with 6,303 wines entered by over 900 winemakers.
This surge in entries highlights the growing prestige of the competition and the dedication of the winemakers. From this impressive array, 24 wines emerged as state winners, showcasing the exceptional quality and diversity of the region's viticulture.
Historic Tie for "Winery of the Year"
In a first for Lower Austria, two wineries were named "Winery of the Year" due to an unprecedented tie. The Laurer winery and the Heinzl-Gettinger winery, both hailing from Deinzendorf in Pulkautal in the northern Weinviertel, each achieved the honor by securing two state winners apiece. This recognition underscores their commitment to excellence and their significant contributions to the wine industry.
Celebrating the Winners
The first Lower Austria winners' tasting event, held in the St. Pölten Festival Hall, drew a large crowd of wine lovers, experts, and celebrities, all eager to sample the award-winning wines. The warm summer temperatures added to the festive atmosphere as attendees celebrated the achievements of the winemakers.
National Winners
Here are the standout wines that earned the coveted title of state winners:
- Weinviertel DAC Grüner Veltliner 2023 Selection - Hofer Johannes Winery, Auersthal
- Weinviertel DAC Grüner Veltliner 2023 Reserve from Granit - Weingut Schneider, Röschitz
- Traisental DAC Grüner Veltliner 2021 Ried Hochschopf - Weingut Tom Dockner, Theyern
- Lower Austria Riesling 2023 Ried Stidlberg - Winery & Buschenschank Greilinger, Schöngrabern
- NÖ Welschriesling 2023 - Weingut Seidl Thomas, Alberndorf
- Wagram DAC Chardonnay 2023 - Hof Blauensteiner Hubert, Ottenthal
- Lower Austria Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Weingut Wagner Roman, Pulkau
- Lower Austria Yellow Muscat 2023 - Hagn Winery, Mailberg
- NÖ Roter Veltliner 2021 Reserve - Hagenbüchl Winery, Hohenwarth
- NÖ Cuvée White 2023 Happiness - Organic Winery Gössinger, Pillichsdorf
- NÖ Gewürztraminer 2021 Schloss Fels Selection semi-dry - Winery Schloss Fels, Fels am Wagram
- Lower Austria Riesling 2023 Trockenbeerenauslese Ried Leiten - Weingut Müller, Krustetten
- Kamptal DAC Riesling 2021 Ried Gaisberg 1ÖTW - Weingut Weixelbaum, Straß
- NÖ Rosé Zweigelt 2023 Cool Pink - Weingut Laurer, Deinzendorf
- NÖ Zweigelt 2022 Reserve - HBLA and BA for Viticulture and Fruit Growing, Klosterneuburg
- NÖ Zweigelt 2020 Reserve Ried Haidberg - Weingut Urban, Wullersdorf
- NÖ St. Laurent 2021 Ried Innere Bergen - Weingut Heinzl-Gettinger, Deinzendorf
- NÖ Blauer Portugieser 2023 Aurora Next Generation inspired by Lorenz Baumgartner Großlage Pulkautal - Domäne Baumgartner, Untermarkersdorf
- Wagram Cuvée Red 2019 Rendezvous - Weingut Norbert Greil, Unterstockstall
- NÖ Blauburger 2020 Ried Neustift - Weinbau Haller, Enzersfeld
- Austria Riesling Sekt brut 2020 - Probstweingut Wachau eU Eder Claudia, Mautern
- Rosé Secco 2023 - Weingut Laurer, Deinzendorf
- Cabernet Blanc 2023 - Heinzl-Gettinger Winery, Deinzendorf
- Grüner Veltliner 2023 PETNAT #unfortunatelyawesome - Weingut & Heuriger Schmid, Gobelsburg
A Bright Future for Austrian Wine
The record-setting participation and the high quality of the winning wines reflect the vibrant and innovative spirit of Austrian winemaking. The success of the Laurer and Heinzl-Gettinger wineries, both securing the "Winery of the Year" title, highlights the exceptional talent within the Weinviertel region. As the wine industry continues to evolve, the 37th State Wine Awards have set a new benchmark for excellence, inspiring winemakers to push the boundaries of quality and creativity.
Source: Der-Winzer