VieVinum 2026: How the ÖTW is rethinking wine

Current situation & outlook

Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW) have been at the forefront of innovation since the association was founded in 1991. One of its key objectives was to establish a vineyard classification system and enshrine it in Austrian law. This will play a central role at the press conference, alongside the concept of origin and the quality standards upheld by the ÖTW’s 92 winery members. The following issues will also be discussed:

What is the future direction of the association, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year?
How does the ÖTW work together to develop ideas and strategies to adapt to the changing viticultural environment, and what do these look like in practice?
How is Austrian wine faring internationally and in Austria?
What are the challenges and the opportunities that arise from them?

The future will also bring personnel changes within the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter. Managing Director Michael Tischler-Zimmermann will provide details of these and other developments at a press conference on the opening day of VieVinum 2026.

ÖTW Pressekonfernez VieVinum — © Christof Wagner

Österreichische Traditionsweingüter press conference

When: Saturday 16 May 2026, 16:00

Where: Burgraum – Hofburg Vienna, Heldenplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Language: English

Places are limited so early registration is recommended.

Register here

Role models & visionaries

Nearly all ÖTW members from the eight wine regions of Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wagram, Vienna, Carnuntum, Thermenregion and Weinviertel will be represented at VieVinum. The three-day fair not only offers the opportunity to taste wines from the 145 Erste Lage (Premier Cru) vineyards and the entire portfolio of ÖTW winemakers, but the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter is also part of the extensive VieVinum programme. Here are the highlights:

The Carnuntum Challenge with Caro Maurer MW
Saturday 16 May 2026 – 12:15-13:30 – Künstlerzimmer
Registration: carnuntum@wine-partners.at
60 Years of Vienna Wine Legends
Sunday 17 May 2026 – 9:15-10:30 – Künstlerzimmer
Registration: welcome@wienwein.at
A Generation of Weinviertel DAC – Great diversity from a single grape variety with Willi Balanjuk
Sunday 17 May 2026 – 11:15-12:30 – Künstlerzimmer
Registration: anmeldung@weinvierteldac.at
7 Decades of Thermenregion – A Wine Lover’s Journey Through Time
Sunday 17 May 2026 – 12:15-13:30 – Burgraum
Registration: vievinum@thermenregiondac.at

Michael Tischler-Zimmermann

“We have deliberately created different spaces – the press conference for clear information, winemakers' dinners for personal interaction. And the party on Sunday evening provides a setting where conversation can continue in a relaxed atmosphere. In short: we’re looking forward to it!”

Michael Tischler-Zimmermann, Managing Director of Österreichische Traditionsweingüter

Winemakers' Dinners & ÖTW VieVinum After Party on Sunday

People from all over the world gather every two years at VieVinum in Vienna. They all share a common passion for wine. It is precisely this passion that Österreichische Traditionsweingüter will be showcasing on the Sunday of VieVinum (17 May).

At the Winemakers’ Dinners, held in handpicked restaurants in Vienna and the surrounding area, two members of Österreichische Traditionsweingüter will each offer a personal insight into their careers, region and philosophy. Naturally they will present their single vineyard wines to complement the menu. The duos taking part include Michael Malat (Kremstal) and Karl Fritsch (Wagram), Philipp Grassl (Carnuntum) and Markus Huber (Traisental), and Marion Ebner-Ebenauer (Weinviertel) and Dorli Muhr (Carnuntum).

The dinners all start at 18:30 on Sunday with each spot reserved exclusively for six guests, who are invited to a complementary dinner with wine pairings. Registration is possible until 1 May and guests can apply for a maximum of three dinner slots and prioritise them. They will find out by 11 May at the latest whether they have secured a place and at which restaurant they can enjoy a intimate dinner with which ÖTW duo.

ÖTW Magnum Party VieVinum — © Manu Grafenauer

Österreichische Traditionsweingüter will round off Sunday evening with the big ÖTW VieVinum After Party at the Volksgarten Pavilion, just a short walk from VieVinum at the Hofburg in central Vienna. However, there are no tickets available for this event. So how can you join in? The limited-edition wristbands will be handed out at the fair. So anyone who drops by to see the ÖTW winemakers has the chance to be part of one of the most sought-after side events of VieVinum 2026. One thing is certain: the wine line-up will be fantastic! And the food too...think Styrian organic smash burgers with Austrian mountain cheese and pumpkin seed oil mayo, pinsa variations and truffle fries with lovage dip.

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 92 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