Winery Overview & History
Domäne Wachau stands as one of Austria’s most important and respected estates, representing the heart of the Wachau Valley. Founded in the early 20th century and managed by over 250 local growers, the winery operates as a cooperative that unites small vineyard owners under one shared vision of quality and terroir expression.
Under the leadership of Roman Horvath MW and Heinz Frischengruber, Domäne Wachau has become an international benchmark for precision, transparency, and authenticity. The estate’s wines capture the essence of the Danube’s terraced slopes, showcasing both power and purity.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The estate’s vineyards span approximately 440 hectares along the Danube River, encompassing some of Wachau’s most revered sites — including Achleiten, Kellerberg, Loibenberg, and Singerriedel. These steep, stone-terraced slopes of gneiss and granite reflect sunlight and retain warmth, while cool valley breezes preserve acidity and aromatic freshness.
This unique interplay of rock, river, and climate gives the wines their distinct mineral structure and remarkable longevity.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
The vineyards are planted primarily to Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, which together define Wachau’s identity. Grüner Veltliner offers spice, pepper, and ripe orchard fruit, while Riesling delivers stone fruit purity and crystalline tension.
Each wine is classified by natural ripeness into Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd categories, representing ascending levels of intensity and richness. The style is clean, terroir-driven, and faithful to the Wachau Code of Origin.
Signature Wines
- Riesling Smaragd Achleiten — Iconic single-vineyard wine of precision, depth, and mineral purity.
- Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Kellerberg — Rich, textured, and structured, reflecting Wachau’s finest terroir.
- Terrassen Grüner Veltliner Federspiel — Balanced and expressive, offering a pure introduction to the region.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Domäne Wachau combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed, while fermentation takes place in stainless steel or large oak casks to preserve varietal character. Lees contact adds texture and complexity without masking freshness.
The estate follows sustainable viticulture and is a pioneer in transparent vineyard labeling, emphasizing origin and authenticity in every bottle.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein 107, 3601 Dürnstein, Austria
Phone: +43 2711 37100
Website: www.domaene-wachau.at
Email: office@domaene-wachau.at
Visiting: Open for tastings and tours year-round; panoramic cellar and vineyard visits available by appointment.
*Photo courtesy of Wikipedia