Winery Overview & History
Kracher, located in Burgenland’s Seewinkel region near Lake Neusiedl, is synonymous with Austria’s finest sweet wines. Founded by the legendary Alois Kracher, the estate gained global acclaim for its opulent, botrytized dessert wines that rival the greatest Sauternes and Tokaji.
Today, Gerhard Kracher continues his father’s vision, crafting wines that balance intensity, sweetness, and precision like few others in the world.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The vineyards surrounding Illmitz benefit from Lake Neusiedl’s humid microclimate, which encourages the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Sandy soils and abundant sunshine allow for slow, even ripening.
This unique environment creates the ideal conditions for producing Trockenbeerenauslese — Austria’s most luxurious and age-worthy sweet wines.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
Kracher works primarily with Welschriesling, Chardonnay, Scheurebe, and Muskat-Ottonel. The wines are deeply aromatic, offering layers of apricot, honey, and exotic spice balanced by vibrant acidity.
The style is rich yet never cloying — a seamless fusion of opulence and freshness that defines modern Austrian sweet wine.
Signature Wines
- Kracher Trockenbeerenauslese No.1–No.12 — A collection of small-batch masterpieces released annually.
- Grande Cuvée Nouvelle Vague — A contemporary expression aged in oak, balancing sweetness and sophistication.
- Zwischen den Seen — “Between the Lakes,” a cuvée representing the estate’s classic botrytized style.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Each lot is harvested and vinified separately, with meticulous selection of botrytized berries. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel or small oak barrels depending on desired style.
Long maturation allows natural concentration and complexity to develop, resulting in wines of exceptional longevity and depth.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: Weingut Kracher, Apetlonerstraße 37, 7142 Illmitz, Austria
Phone: +43 2175 3377
Website: www.kracher.at
Email: office@kracher.at
Visiting: Tasting room open Monday–Saturday; private appointments available for collectors and trade visitors.
*Photo courtesy of Corney & Barrow