Wine News Success Stories

A compelling sense of place

by Lydia Schima

17/09/2026

The unveiling of the latest vintage of Austria’s finest single-vineyard wines at Grafenegg Castle once again brought together wine professionals from more than 30 countries. Alongside guest associations and regions, the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW) offered an impressive preview of the new releases. An emotional highlight was the introduction of Michael Malat, who will succeed Michael Moosbrugger as ÖTW chairman at the turn of the year.

A tasting like no other

A spectacular setting, seamless organisation, and a tasting format that allows each guest to focus and work at their own pace: there are multiple reasons why the Single Vineyard Summit, launched by the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter in 2013, has become one of the world’s most prestigious wine tastings. “As a sommelier, I couldn’t ask for a better tasting environment. I can compare vineyards, producers and vintages side by side and make precise buying decisions for the wine list,” says Sebastian Höpfner, Head Sommelier at Berlin’s three-Michelin-starred Rutz. Magdalena Gleiss, sommelier at Restaurant Obauer in Salzburg, which holds five Gault&Millau toques and two Michelin stars, agrees: “What is offered to international guests here is truly exceptional.” Central to the experience is the knowledgeable service provided by the winegrowers themselves during the silent tastings.

The figures underline the distinctive appeal of this exclusive preview of Austria’s finest single-vineyard wines which was held from 7 to 10 September this year. Over 300 participants from more than 30 nations travelled to Grafenegg, with Brazil, Azerbaijan and Georgia among the countries represented for the first time. Guests could taste 556 wines from 170 estates, all of which hold organic, biodynamic or sustainability certification - a first in the Summit’s history. Most of the wines came from the 145 Erste Lagen, or premier cru vineyards, classified by the ÖTW’s 91 member estates. These were joined by single-vineyard wines from Vinea Wachau, the Steirische Terroir und Klassik Weingüter (STK) and selected Burgenland estates with a particular focus on vineyard sites.

New Chairman of OETW — The three Michaels: Malat, Moosbrugger & Tischler-Zimmermann © ÖTW - Manu Grafenauer

A farewell and a a new chapter

At the summer celebration on Monday evening, 7 September, a heartfelt tribute from Willi Bründlmayer marked the farewell to Michael Moosbrugger after two decades as chairman of the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter. His pioneering work laid the foundations for the association’s success, providing a strong platform for incoming chairman Michael Malat.

Malat is clear about his priorities: “This is about carrying the ÖTW’s vision and values forward with new energy, rather than reinventing the association. Origin is what unites us - and one of the most powerful stories Austria has to tell.”

Beyond the single vineyard

These stories also shaped the Summit’s programme beyond the tasting room. On Tuesday evening, pairs of ÖTW members hosted intimate winemaker dinners at ten restaurants and estates, giving international guests a personal insight into the places and people behind the wines. Wednesday evening continued in the same convivial spirit: a bring-your-own-bottle party sparked conversation and celebration late into the night, with guests sharing wines from countries including Brazil, Canada, Sweden and Czechia.

Tasting at Single Vineyard Summit 2026 — © ÖTW - Manu Grafenauer

Save the date

The next Single Vineyard Summit will take place from 6 to 9 September 2027. It promises to be, as Georg Damberger, sommelier at JRE Landhaus Bacher, which holds five Gault&Millau toques and two Michelin stars, put it, “an unmissable event for anyone with a serious interest in wine”.

Voices from the industry

Malgorzata Partyka, Weinjournalistin bei Ferment

“The Single Vineyard Summit gives me a comprehensive overview of the finest single-vineyard wines from one of my favourite wine countries. The event in three words? Professional yet relaxed.“

Małgorzata Partyka, Wine-journalist at Ferment (Poland)

Magdalena Gleiss, Sommelière im Restaurant Obauer

“It is hard to imagine a better showcase for Austria’s single-vineyard wines and the winegrowers behind them.”

Magdalena Gleiss, Sommelière at Restaurant Obauer (Salzburg)

– Sebastian Höpfner, Head Sommelier im Restaurant RUTZ in Berlin

“The Single Vineyard Summit feels like a class reunion. You meet so many winegrowers, friends and colleagues from around the world, all in one place.”

Sebastian Höpfner, Head sommelier at Restaurant RUTZ in Berlin

Georg Damberger, Sommelier im Landhaus Bacher (Niederösterreich)

„ Beyond the wines, it’s the exchange of ideas that matters most. Having the opportunity to discuss different perspectives on vintages and styles with such engaging, easy-going colleagues is immensely valuable.”

– Georg Damberger, Sommelier at Landhaus Bacher (Lower Austria)

Single Vineyard Summit 2026 – Sponsors

Grafenegg Kultur, Gsunder Drucker, Kanzi Kaffee, Kröpfl Obst, Leitner Leinen, Müller Glas, NÖ Werbung mit Wirtshauskultur NÖ, ProWein, Trumer Bier, Volksbank, Vöslauer, Zalto

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About Österreichische Traditionsweingüter

The winegrowers association was founded in 1991 as a consortium between the Danube regions of Kamptal and Kremstal. 17 estates took part in a pilot project whose stated goal was the classification of Austrian vineyards. Over time, this grew to the current level of 91 members. The ÖTW sees the ÖTW.classification as a tool to provide wine aficionados with a clearer system for orientation and appreciation of appellations and sites.

Bundesverband Österreichische Traditionsweingüter
c/o Kloster Und
Undstraße 6, A-3500 Krems
Austria

Österreichische Traditionsweingüter

Marlies Auer

Head of Content

Competent, analytical, and exceptionally sharp – yet also witty, connecting, and sociable: with Marlies, Wine+Partners has gained a professional with vision and outstanding expertise in wine and fine indulgence. A certified wine and beer sommelier, she studied International Wine Business and gained international experience at a digital agency in Napa Valley. Marlies feels just as at home in the digital world as she does in the world of wine and beer – a combination she brings together seamlessly in her work. In her free time, she is always in search of the most beautiful places on earth – whether on foot, by bike, or by boat.

m.auer@wine-partners.at