Following Vie Vinum and Karakterre 2022, Stephen Wong MW has been working with Austrian Wine to develop an in-depth masterclass which covers everything you need to know about where and how Austrian wine is made today, alongside the latest developments in styles and labelling. For a country with centuries of uniquely Teutonic vinous history, it is one of the most innovative wine countries today. Combining this tradition of autochthonous and international varieties with widespread adoption of organics (and also being the birthplace of Biodynamics), Austria has developed an entirely unique wine culture which straddles the fine and natural wine spheres effortlessly. Despite its very long viticultural history, modern Austrian wine is also relatively young (about 40 years old) as it went through a revolution in the 80s about the same time as New Zealand did. It has about the same planted area as New Zealand but is its inverse in so many ways - it exports only a quarter of its production and is characterised by small producers (95% family owned, with an average of 4ha each) with 15.3% of the vineyard land certified organic or biodynamic.

To do justice to the vast diversity, breadth and depth of Austrian wine today, we have secured 30 wines directly from Austrian producers and not available here, to present you with the most comprehensive masterclass on Austrian wine ever conducted in New Zealand. The 6 hours will be offered as a full-day intensive with 3 segments (this is an alternative format to the 3-session version offered previously)

The first segment covers the mainstays and most recognised styles of Austria - Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, and Weinviertel; Sauvignon Blanc from Styria; followed by Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch from Carnuntum, Nieusiedlersee, Mittelburgenland and Eisenberg. Featuring Pichler-Krutzler, Nigl, Weszeli, Ingrid Groiss, Tement, Umathum, Artner and more.

The second segment introduces the myriad of exciting lesser-known varieties; Rotgipfler, Zierfandler, Roter Veltliner, Sankt-Laurent, Weissburgunder, Neuburger; alongside regional styles like Styria’s Schilcher, Austrian Sekt, Wiener Gemischter Satz, and the rosé only DAC of Rosalia. Featuring Hajszan-Neumann, Ebner-Ebenauer, Leth, Stift Klosterneuberg, Auer and more.

The third segment dives into the most iconoclastic of Austria’s wine scene with the new wave and natural wines which have earned it a place of primacy amongst the natural wine world. A bewildering array of skinsy whites, light reds, pet nats, orange wines and more. Featuring Werlitsch, Judith Beck, Strohmeier, Rennersistas, Ploder-Rosenberg, Arndorfer + Jurtschitsch, Markus Huber and more!

There has never been a more exciting time for Austrian wine than right now. With Austrian Wine’s support, we have been able to secure a lineup which has never been seen in New Zealand before - both classic icons and rising stars - along with the world class material which forms the backbone of Austrian Wine’s educational programme. Your booking gets you access to the full day programme, and all of the material in your choice of physical or electronic format. We are also proud to offer full scholarships to this course, with the generosity of Austrian Wine, to a few hospitality professionals who might otherwise be unable to attend. If you are in such a position, please write to us at info@winesentience.com and let us your interest and your circumstances.