Proidl

Franz and Patrick Proidl, representatives of the ninth and tenth generations of the Proidl family, proudly preserve the legacy of their immigrant ancestors from northern Germany. After the Thirty Years’ War, their Catholic forefathers, fleeing the doctrines of Lutheran Bremen, found refuge in Sengtannberg — one of the winemaking centers of Lower Austria. As early as 1738, the family left the first documented evidence of wine production. Over two centuries, the Proidl family has created a unique farming system that harmoniously combines traditional viticulture methods with organic and biodynamic practices. Special attention is paid to protecting vineyards from moisture loss — after harvest, the vines are covered with straw, which is particularly important on steep slopes with intense solar exposure. The estate actively supports biodiversity by planting wild herbs and alfalfa that attract bees and enhance vine nutrition. The soil is fertilized exclusively with compost and horse manure. Across 25 hectares of vineyards, various grape varieties are cultivated: half is dedicated to Grüner Veltliner, while Riesling thrives on the western, steepest slopes. Chardonnay, Traminer, Muskateller, and several red varieties are also grown. The winemaking process is characterized by prolonged spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, intensive batonnage, and extended aging on fine lees. The winery operates on a gravity principle, with minimal intervention in the wine maturation process. Both modern stainless steel tanks and traditional old foudres are used for aging. Weingut Proidl has received the highest rating — 5 stars out of 5 possible in the Falstaff guide, confirming the exceptional quality of the entire production. The family’s motto, «Steile Lagen — Steiler Wein» («Steep vineyards — steep wines»), reflects not only the geographical features but also the character of the produced wines.