Weingut Hofbauer-Schmidt
Wine is our Passion
About us
Discover the Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery: A Legacy of Excellence and Passion
Welcome to the Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery, a beacon of first-class winemaking nestled in the picturesque “border triangle” of Kamptal, Wagram, and Weinviertel. Here, the legacy of producing character-full and individual wines has been passionately upheld for eight generations.
A Family Affair with Deep Roots
For Petra, Leopold, and Johannes, winemaking is not just a business—it’s a way of life. Their shared passion for their vineyard in Hohenwarth is evident in every bottle they produce. This family-run winery prides itself on making all vineyard and cellar decisions independently, ensuring that every wine meets their exacting standards: FULL OF CHARACTER, STRUCTURED, and CLEAR.
Crafting Excellence
Over the past 30 years, Petra and Leopold have transformed the Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery. They expanded the vineyards, constructed a state-of-the-art press house, and developed a sophisticated wine style that truly reflects their palate. Their commitment to quality and innovation has set a high bar in the winemaking world.
A New Generation, A New Drive
Since 2016, their son Johannes has infused the winery with fresh energy and ideas. After completing his winemaking education at Klosterneuburg wine school and studying business, Johannes returned with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for innovation. His experience in Marlborough, New Zealand, at the winery of world-renowned cameraman Michael Seresin, inspired a deep love for Sauvignon Blanc—a grape variety that the Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery now excels in.
Award-Winning Excellence
The harmonious blend of tradition and innovation at Hofbauer-Schmidt has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, their Sauvignon Blanc triumphed over strong competition to win the national championship of Austrian wine. The following year, their tireless commitment to local wine earned them the prestigious wein.pur.PIONIER title. Johannes himself was named VINEUS Newcomer Winemaker of the Year, cementing his status as one of Austria’s most promising young winemakers.
Experience the Magic
At Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery, each bottle is a testament to the family’s dedication and expertise. From the sun-drenched vineyards to the meticulously managed cellars, their wines tell a story of passion, heritage, and uncompromising quality. Join us in raising a glass to the exceptional craftsmanship and enduring legacy of the Hofbauer-Schmidt family.
Discover the unforgettable flavors of Hofbauer-Schmidt wines—where tradition meets innovation, and every sip is a celebration of excellence.
Philosophy
Embracing Nature: The Philosophy of Sustainable Viticulture at Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery
At Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery, our philosophy is simple yet profound: working in harmony with nature. This commitment to sustainable viticulture is not just a principle but the heart and soul of our winemaking process.
A Gift of Pristine Vineyards
Nestled in the untouched landscapes, our vineyards are a precious gift, free from environmental pollutants. This natural wealth is our greatest asset, and we take immense pride in nurturing it with care, expertise, and sensitivity. Our mission is to protect and observe these lands, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Driven by our love for nature and a deep respect for all who inhabit it, we have embraced sustainability as a core tenet of our viticulture. Since 2019, we have proudly held the certification for “Sustainably Produced Wine from Austria.” This certification reflects our dedication to making a positive ecological, economic, and social impact.
Natural Practices for Superior Quality
Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our vineyard management. We avoid mineral fertilizers and minimize the use of chemical-synthetic pesticides. The lush flora in our vineyards, home to partridges, hares, pheasants, and even deer, is a testament to the stable balance of our ecosystem. By alternating cover crops like red clover and vetch, and employing beneficial organisms such as predatory mites, we ensure our vines receive optimal care.
Innovative Techniques for Optimal Growth
High foliage walls create extensive assimilation areas, while targeted foliage management, including repeated thinning, guarantees the best conditions for our grapes as they reach their final ripening phase. Harvesting healthy grape material is our top priority, and we meticulously follow natural rest periods, refraining from mechanical tillage from the end of October to the beginning of May. This practice prevents soil erosion and promotes humus formation, ensuring the longevity and health of our vineyards.
Experience the Harmony
At Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery, our wines are more than just beverages—they are a symphony of nature and craftsmanship. Every bottle reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our respect for the environment. Join us in celebrating wines that not only delight the palate but also honor the earth.
Raise a glass to Hofbauer-Schmidt Winery, where every sip embodies our dedication to harmony with nature and sustainable excellence. Discover the essence of truly remarkable wines, crafted with love and respect for the land.
The Origin
Discover Hohenwarth: The Jewel of the Weinviertel
A Storied Wine Region
Welcome to Hohenwarth, the gateway to the Weinviertel, located just 50 km west of Vienna. This enchanting wine-growing town boasts a rich history of continuous settlement dating back to 4000 BC. The area flourished during the Hallstatt period (900-500 BC), and by the 10th century, Hohenwarth was already cultivating vines at an impressive altitude of 365 meters. Here, winemaking is not just a tradition—it’s a legacy.
Diverse Terroir
Hohenwarth’s vineyards thrive on the Hohenwarther Platte, an ancient gravel plain shaped by the primordial Danube during the Pliocene epoch. This geological wonder lies adjacent to the southern slopes of the Manhartsberg and is bordered by the Schmidatal valley. The diverse soils—rich in gravel, sand, clay, and loess—provide an intricate foundation for our vines. This terroir, enriched with high lime content and moisture-retentive clay, is a treasure trove of complexity, imbuing our wines with unique character.
Ideal Climate
Hohenwarth benefits from a distinctive climate influenced by the neighboring Waldviertel and sheltered by the Manhartsberg. Summer days are warm, promoting optimal grape development, while cool nights enhance aroma formation. These diurnal temperature shifts are perfect for producing wines with pronounced fruity and spicy notes. At an altitude of 365 meters, Hohenwarth’s vineyards are less prone to frost and enjoy a longer ripening period—an increasing advantage as global temperatures rise.
The Signature of Weinviertel DAC
The Weinviertel DAC designation is a hallmark of quality, representing the quintessential taste of the region’s Grüner Veltliner. Known for its signature “peppery” flavor, the DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) label assures consumers of a wine’s origin and typicity. Awarded by the Regional Wine Committee, this designation guarantees that the wine exemplifies the distinctive character of its terroir.
The Weinviertel was the first Austrian wine region to receive the DAC status for its Grüner Veltliner, a testament to its pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence.
Raise a glass to Hohenwarth, where ancient tradition meets modern winemaking, creating wines that are truly full of character and individuality. Explore the unique flavors of the Weinviertel and experience the legacy of Hohenwarth’s exceptional terroir. Cheers to discovering the best of Austrian wine!
The Cellar
Mastering the Art of Winemaking
A New Era in Vinification
Our cellar, the heart of our winemaking operations, represents the pinnacle of vinification artistry. At Hofbauer-Schmidt, the press house is where the magic begins. We dedicated considerable effort to building our state-of-the-art press house to achieve one clear goal set by our cellar masters, Johannes and Leopold: to provide each batch of grapes with the ideal conditions to transform into exceptional wine. “The terroir and location must shine through in every bottle,” they insist, and achieving this requires space and precision.
Gentle Handling, Superior Quality
In our cutting-edge facility, grapes are treated with the utmost care. The journey begins as the grape material gently flows from above into next-generation presses. This gentle handling ensures that the essence of our vineyard is preserved in every drop. After approximately 15 hours, the clear must descends to the floor below, where it ferments in our cool, old natural cellar, maintained at a constant 11°C. This environment provides optimal storage conditions, crucial for developing the wine’s unique character.
Maturation: A Labor of Love
Our wines then embark on a patient journey of maturation, closely monitored with minimal intervention. Predominantly aged in stainless steel tanks and, when appropriate, in small oak barrels, the wines develop their full potential. This careful process ensures that each bottle is a true reflection of our dedication to quality and tradition.
Ready for the World
Once matured to perfection, our wines are prepared to embark on their journey to discerning palates around the globe. Each bottle from Hofbauer-Schmidt is a testament to our commitment to the high art of winemaking, carrying the distinctive character of our vineyards to wine lovers everywhere.
Experience the sophistication and passion of our winemaking process—discover Hofbauer-Schmidt wines today and taste the difference that meticulous care and tradition can make. Cheers to a new era of extraordinary wine!
