Weinkultur Preiß in the Traisental
The Traisental is one of Austria’s most exciting yet underrated wine regions. A cool climate, limestone-rich soils and a remarkable precision in the wines make the area a hotspot for elegant cool-climate wines. Viktoria Preiß impressively demonstrates, through her family-run business Weinkultur Preiß, that the Traisental has long since ceased to be merely an insider’s tip.
Together with her partner Klaus Wiebogen, she is the fifth generation to run this historic winery, combining heritage, sustainability and innovation into a clear vision for the future of viticulture.
Tradition with a vision
For over 100 years, the Preiß family has been running a mixed farm in Theyern. What once combined viticulture and fruit growing under one roof has been strategically developed in recent years. Viktoria Preiß is now in charge of the wine division, whilst her brother Maximilian oversees the fruit growing. Both sectors benefit from one another and demonstrate just how valuable a holistic approach can be in agriculture.
Viktoria Preiß brings international experience and a keen eye for quality to the table. Together with Klaus Wiebogen, she has modernised the winery, implemented organic certification and consistently developed the range. Since 2025, the wines have featured a new label design that is not only visually striking but also tells the geological story of the region. It depicts a Kammerling, a fossil up to 15 million years old found in the soils of the Traisen Valley.
Ried Brunndoppel: A rare monopole vineyard
The heart of the estate is the Ried Brunndoppel. This exceptional vineyard has been cultivated exclusively by the Preiß family since 1953 and is one of Austria’s most exciting monopole vineyards. Sparse limestone soils, a cool microclimate and meticulous work in the vineyard produce wines characterised by finesse, tension and impressive longevity. Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay and Riesling in particular display a style that is increasingly in demand internationally. In times of rising temperatures, cool-climate wines with moderate alcohol, firm structure and precise fruit are gaining significantly in importance. The Traisental thus proves to be a region with great potential for the future.
Proof of quality
A recent success confirms that Weinkultur Preiß is not only visionary in its approach but also operates at the very highest standards of quality. With its 2024 Grüner Veltliner from the Rosengarten vineyard, the winery won the prestigious Falstaff Traisental DAC Cup. This award impressively underlines that the younger generation in the Traisental valley is not only thinking about the future, but is already setting standards today.
Organic as a philosophy, not a marketing tool
Whilst Viktoria Preiß is responsible for the cellar and marketing, Klaus Wiebogen devotes himself entirely to the vineyard. His focus lies on biodiversity, healthy soils and an understanding of natural cycles. For the couple, organic certification is not a short-term marketing ploy, but an expression of a clear philosophy. The aim is to create habitats for beneficial organisms, promote soil fertility and maintain stable ecosystems in the long term. Especially at a time when consumers are increasingly questioning origin and production methods, it becomes clear just how closely quality and sustainable management are linked.
Rethinking wine: low-alcohol and alcohol-free with substance
It is particularly noteworthy how openly Weinkultur Preiß is responding to changing consumer habits. Rather than offering de-alcoholised wines, the winery is deliberately focusing on products that naturally contain little or no alcohol. With Rosella, Viktoria Preiß has developed an alcohol-free alternative made from unfermented grape juice and caffeine-free blossom tea. The result is a distinctive product with depth, structure and aromatic complexity. The Pet Nat “Apfelkönigin”, a handcrafted cider made from Baya Marisa apples with 6.5 per cent alcohol, also demonstrates how creatively wine and fruit expertise can be combined. The fact that two of the winery’s 13 hectares of vineyards are already reserved for alcohol-free grape products highlights just how seriously the issue is taken.
Why businesses like Weinkultur Preiß are setting the trend
Weinkultur Preiß is a prime example of a new generation of Austrian wineries. Here, tradition and innovation are not seen as opposites, but as mutually reinforcing. The combination of organic farming, single-vineyard sites, an international style, and innovative low- and zero-alcohol concepts shows the direction in which the wine industry is heading. Authenticity, provenance, sustainability and the ability to recognise social changes at an early stage are becoming decisive factors for success.
Our conclusion: The Traisental has a strong ambassador
In Viktoria Preiß, the Traisental has gained a dedicated winemaker who combines provenance with modern entrepreneurship. Her wines impress with their precision and elegance, her philosophy with its consistency and forward-looking approach. Weinkultur Preiß impressively demonstrates the potential of a region that is still underestimated. Anyone wishing to understand what innovative Austrian viticulture looks like today should definitely keep an eye on this winery.
About Alexandra Gorsche
Alexandra Gorsche is an Austrian food journalist, moderator, speaker, consultant and culinary voice with a strong focus on fine dining, hospitality and contemporary restaurant culture. She is editor-in-chief of Genusspunkt, responsible for the culinary direction of stayinart and contributes to renowned publishers and media brands such as Callwey Verlag. Her work explores the intersection of gastronomy, culture, design, travel and entrepreneurship from Michelin-starred restaurants to emerging food trends, chefs and hospitality concepts.
© Katja Preiß
