Wine growing in and around Krems can be traced back for more than 2,000 years. Krems and the Wachau developed into Austria’s best wine growing region, because of the the mild climate, the quality of the soil and because of the local wine growers' hard work.
The first quality grapes were harvested in the 3rd century AD under the Roman emperor Probus (276-282). According to the "Vita Sankt Severini", Saint Severin, who lived in Krems and Mautern, retired "ad vineas", into the vineyards.
In the 11th century, the origin "Kremser Sandgrube", well-known for the Grüner Veltliner, was mentioned for the first time.
The Frankish and Bavarian monks came to the Krems region after the period of the great migration and they spread the wine cultivation. Nowadays still more than 40 monasteries from Central and Western Europe own vineyards in the Krems area.
At a time when farmers all over Europe were oppressed by their feudal lords, wine growers in Krems already had a equal social status like a citizen of Krems. 1442 the guild "HAUERINNUNG KREMS und STEIN" was founded in Krems and has been highly respected since then. The climax of viniculture, social and religious meetings of people from all social classes lead to an intense, highly cultured and sophisticated form of community life.
In 1305, Krems was granted a charter and officially became a town with the argument, that its based in its vineyards.
The guild of the wine growers of Krems and Stein and their head, the "Hauervater", still live and work in accordance with their old traditions and cherish the heritage of wine growing. The initiation ceremony requires every young vintner to make a vow: "I promise to be a good wine grower." He knows that only dedication and hard work in the vineyards and the cellars will guarantee the growing of superior wines.
In 1938, members of the guild founded WINZER KREMS. Today, the chairman Florian Stöger controls, together with 9 members of the board, the succesful continuance of Austria’s largest wine producer. The heritage of wine growing in Krems is deeply rooted in the old traditions, thus guaranteeing connoisseur of superior quality - vintage after vintage.
2018 the novel "Wein des Vergessens" by Bernhard Herrman and Robert Streibel (Residenz Verlag) triggered the confrontation of unresolved aspects of the NS-era at WINZER KREMS. The jewish family Robitschek owned several vineyards which were arianised by winegrowers from Krems when the family left Austria to be safe.
Follow us on a time travel through our history!
Resolution to found a cooperative wine-growers association
Until 1938 parts of the winery in the Sandgrube were owned by the Jewish wine merchant Paul Robitschek and his mother Johanna. After the annexation of Austria to the national-socialist Germany, Robitschek fled Austria. His winery was "arianised " and acquired by the Winzergenossenschaft Krems in 1939. In 1948 a restitution procedure took place.
This dark period of National Socialism in the history of WINZER KREMS was reviewed by the Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance (DÖW) from 2018 to 2020.
(see also "historical responsibility")
Harvest and weighing the grapes in the single vineyard "Frechau"
The officials of WINZER KREMS in 1956.
WINZER KREMS´ first wine trademark: The "Kremser Schmidt" is presented.
The winery of WINZER KREMS in 1961.
"Kremser Schmidt" advertisment on a tramway in Vienna.
Winzer Krems booth at the trade fair "Alles für den Gast".
Franz Hellmer, managing director until 1956, retired and handed over his duties to Franz Ehrenleitner.
The first accordion festival at WINZER KREMS - the beginning of the GLATT & VERKEHRT world music festival.
Opening of the modernized filling & bottling station.
From 2003 to 2005 a new wine cellar, press house and grape collecting technology were built.
Eduard Felsner, chairman until 1987, retired and handed over his duties to Franz Bauer.
Opening of the new wine cellar & wine experience tour "SANDGRUBE 13 wein.sinn".
The winery of WINZER KREMS after the rebuilding 2005.
The 50th anniversary of the brand "KREMSER SCHMIDT".
Opening of the new Vinothekkeller Bründlgraben.
Franz Ehrenleitner, managing director until 1989, hands over his duties to Ludwig Holzer.
From 2019 to 2023 two new wine cellars, a new bottling plant and a new bottle storage were built.
Franz Bauer, chairman until 2005, retires and hands over his duties to Florian Stöger.
Opening of the largest rebuilding in the winery's history.
The winery of WINZER KREMS after the rebuilding 2023.
