Schützenhof Winery in southern Burgenland, long managed by the Faulhammer family in its seventh generation, has changed hands after several years of searching for a buyer.
After a prolonged auction process, the winery, its assets, and the iconic "Schützenhof" brand were finally sold to the Diocese of Eisenstadt, marking a new era for the business that has been a staple of the Eisenberg region for generations.
A Historical Search for a New Owner
The story of the sale began in 2022, when Markus Faulhammer, the owner at the time, publicly announced his search for a successor to carry on the winery’s legacy. For many years, Faulhammer had managed the estate and its seven hectares of organic vineyards, cultivating a variety of grapes including Blauburgunder, Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Welschriesling, and Zweigelt. Despite the winery's rich history and high-quality wines, finding the right buyer proved challenging.
The original asking price was set at a substantial EUR 3.45 million, a reflection of the estate’s prime location in one of Austria’s most renowned wine regions. However, after an initial auction failed to attract a buyer, the winery was relisted in autumn 2023 with a revised price of EUR 856,000. The second auction was successful, and the contract was finally awarded to the Diocese of Eisenstadt.
A Strategic Move by the Diocese of Eisenstadt
The decision to purchase the Schützenhof Winery was made by the Economic General Directorate of the Diocese of Eisenstadt, which has long been connected to winemaking in the region. The Diocese, seeking to diversify its sources of income and further its deep-rooted relationship with the local wine industry, found the purchase a strategic move. By acquiring Schützenhof, the Diocese also aims to make a "positive contribution to the Eisenberg region," an area known for its quality wine production and strong cultural ties to viticulture.
In an official statement, the Diocese emphasized its desire to respect the winery's legacy and heritage while considering potential future directions for the business. The winery’s new owners also specifically noted that foreign investors from Asia had shown interest but ultimately did not secure the contract. This underlines the local focus of the Diocese’s acquisition, keeping the winery’s future in the hands of those closely tied to the region and its traditions.
What Lies Ahead for Schützenhof Winery?
The future of Schützenhof Winery remains in a state of careful consideration. The Diocese of Eisenstadt has expressed a desire to explore various possibilities for the winery's operations, ensuring that the future path chosen will be in the best interest of both the business and the local community. Some of the options being weighed include:
- Leasing the winery to young, aspiring winemakers, allowing new talent to contribute to the region’s rich viticultural legacy.
- Collaborating with experienced cellar masters to continue producing high-quality wines while maintaining the established reputation of Schützenhof.
- The possibility of producing its own wine once again, aligning with the Diocese's goal of fostering a sustainable and profitable future for the estate.
“We are currently carefully examining how the future of the Schützenhof can be shaped. Whether by leasing it to young winemakers, working with experienced cellar masters, or producing our own wine - all options are open,” the Diocese explained in a statement. “We want to be guided by an open attitude in order to make the best decision for the winery and the region.”
The Schützenhof Legacy and Regional Impact
Schützenhof has been an integral part of the Eisenberg wine region for generations. Known for its organic vineyards and high-quality wines, the winery has built a reputation for producing excellent red wines, particularly from local varieties like Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt, as well as international varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its location in southern Burgenland, an area celebrated for its rich winemaking tradition, has given Schützenhof a unique position within the Austrian wine industry.
The Diocese of Eisenstadt’s acquisition is seen as a reflection of the continued importance of sustainable viticulture in the region. With organic farming practices in place, the winery’s future growth could provide a model for innovation within the local wine industry, helping to preserve the Eisenberg region’s reputation as a hub for quality wine production.
Source: Der-Winzer