Biodiversity Pioneers of the Wachau
The pioneering efforts of our vignerons make one thing clear: when it comes to biodiversity and ecological viticulture, we’re following a truly distinctive path. Biodiversity isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we practice, in every single plot.
For many years, we have been fully committed to organic farming and up-to-date environmental measures – setting an inspiring example for the entire Wachau region. With 160 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards, we are Austria’s largest organic estate. Our 200 vignerons actively promote biodiversity in the vineyards and preserve this exceptional cultural landscape. On our steep terraced slopes, we harvest exclusively by hand and work with minimal machine use to avoid soil compaction, reduce CO₂ emissions, and maintain ecological balance.
We are especially proud of our greening initiatives: 20 years ago, we developed a special Wachau seed mix of wildflowers and plants, which is now used across our vineyards (and has been further developed and refined ever since). Bird perches, nesting boxes, and insect hotels provide vital habitats for endangered species like the hoopoe and wryneck. Our large-scale biodynamic composting project – using in-house grape pomace, stems, and shrub cuttings – boosts humus formation, soil health, and the vitality of our vines.
We employ innovative methods such as pheromone traps (sexual confusion) instead of insecticides, under-vine cover crop, and thoughtful canopy management to make our vineyards more resilient and nature friendly. To us, this is what real, lived biodiversity means. “We work within a unique natural and cultural heritage. Our responsibility goes far beyond winemaking – we are actively shaping the future of the Wachau. This is what true regenerative viticulture looks like,” explains Roman Horvath.
Many thanks to KALK&KEGEL and Sonja Planeta for highlighting these efforts in their thoughtful article. To read the full article and gain deeper insights into our pioneering work on biodiversity, simply follow the link below.
