Carnuntum Academy: Successful concept sets a precedent

Do It Yourself 

Winegrowers founding an academy? Why not! The wineries in the Austrian region of Carnuntum are known for their creative solutions and are happy to break new ground – together. The Carnuntum region in the east of the country has developed so rapidly in recent years that it is a challenge even for experts from the hospitality, retail and media sectors to keep up to date.  

Since 2022 – a year full of anniversaries and major innovations – Carnuntum has been running a new format of B2B masterclasses for partners and wine professionals around the world. Online communication has emerged from the pandemic when travel options were restricted.  

The recipe for success  

The Carnuntum Academy is a joint initiative of Carnuntum winemakers designed to offer wine industry experts an uncomplicated and efficient digital training platform. High-calibre speakers work with winemakers to guide them through individual online masterclasses, which are held in German or English. Big names in the wine industry will present at this B2B academy, such as Dutch wine journalist Lars Daniels, Instagram star and sommelier Toni Askitis, world champion sommelier Marc Almert and Master of Wine Caro Maurer. Taking very different approaches to wine, they invite the Academy participants to look at Carnuntum's wines from a new perspective. Robert Payr, President of Rubin Carnuntum wineries, from two years of experience with the Carnuntum Academy, says:

Mixing their specialist knowledge with an entertaining, interactive and humourous manner, the speakers and winemakers together provide exciting Carnuntum insights on a wide range of topics – tailored to the needs of the participants: How do I pair wines from Carnuntum with different dishes? Which vintages are particularly suitable for ageing? Red wines in summer…which are suitable to be served chilled? Marc Almert, who recently gave a presentation on ‘The many faces of Zweigelt’, says:

Since 2022, 15 masterclasses have been held with a total of 304 participants from 24 countries.  

In 2024, the Carnuntum Academy enters its third year with two fascinating masterclasses under the direction of Jamie Goode and Paula Sidore.    

4 June: Carnuntum Academy with Jamie Goode  

Red wine greats   

Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt are the two most important red wine varieties in Austria. Together with seven winemakers from the region, Jamie Goode analyses the most important questions about these ‘red stars’. What distinguishes their cultivation? What needs to be considered when food pairing and which vintages have a particular ageing potential? Seven wines, seven red wine greats from Carnuntum, will be tasted in the masterclass.

Register here

25 June: Carnuntum Academy with Paula Sidore

Carnuntum out of the box 

Carnuntum is known as a red wine region with great classics. However, the fact that Carnuntum also produces exciting natural wines, mash-fermented white wines, interesting rosés and even unusual liqueur wines is still new to many. In this masterclass, Paula Sidore focuses on seven exciting discoveries and, together with the winemakers, presents seven wines that are outside of the norm. 

Register here

Carnuntum Academy ANALOGUE 

In the region and for wine consumers  

In addition to masterclasses for experts, a separate series of events has been launched in Carnuntum. Anyone who is curious and wants to get to know the multifaceted winegrowing region can gain exciting insights at these events – and build on their knowledge. 

The next dates for private guests are:  

29 May: Wine & Chill at Glock Winery 

Life is serious enough. That's why things are particularly relaxed at Glock winery. In the cheerful ambience of a garden party, winegrower Günther Glock shares interesting facts about his wines. Sophisticated single vineyard wines are available for comparative tasting at the garden bar. Light spritzers and creative wine cocktails are also on offer, accompanied by delicious snacks.  

Date: Wednesday, 29 May 2024  
Time: from 6 pm  
Place: Günther Glock Winery, Hauptstrasse 26, 2413 Edelstal  
Participation cost: none  
Table reservations: call +43 699 1324 1326   

7 June: Forest and vineyard hike with Martin Netzl 

Martin Netzl from Göttlesbrunn is not only a successful winemaker, but also a passionate forester. He knows every vine and tree in his ecological multiverse. On 7 June, you have the unique opportunity to hike with the nature-loving winemaker through the idyllic vineyards and the magical deciduous forest and learn exciting facts about the local fauna, the diversity of trees and the different grape varieties. A wonderful afternoon for the whole family, followed by a wine tasting at the winery.   

Date: Friday, 7 June 2024  
Time: 5 pm to approx. 7.30 pm  
Location: Meeting point at the Martin Netzl winery, Rosenbergstrasse 1, at the village square, 2464 Göttlesbrunn  
Participation costs: € 20. for adults  
Registration at [email protected] or call +43 2162 8201   

History of the B2B Carnuntum Academy:    

2022 

• April: The many faces of Zweigelt (e) - Marc Almert 

• April: Carnuntum Districtus Austriae Controllatus (d) - Marc Almert 

• May: Coole Rotweine für heiße Sommertag (d) - Toni Askitis 

• June: Carnuntum out of the box (d) - Louisa Schmidt 

• September: Show me where you grow (e) - Caro Maurer MW 

• September: Zeig mir wo Du wächst (d) - Caro Maurer MW 

• October: Carnuntum’s business card: Rubin Carnuntum (e) - Paula Sidore 

• October: Carnuntums Visitenkarte (d) - Paula Sidore 

• November: 2020 – an exciting vintage (e) - Jana Kreilein 

• November: 2020 – ein großartiger Jahrgang (d) - Gerhard Retter 

2023 

• May: Das Reifepotenzial von Carnuntum (d) - Clemens Riedl 

• June: Discover Carnuntum (e) - Lars Daniels 

• June: Three vineyards in focus (e) - Romana Echensperger MW 

• October: How to pair Carnuntums reds (e) - Mads Jordansen 

• November: Nachhaltigkeit & Bio (d) - Sascha Speicher