Wine growing in and around Krems can be traced back more than 2,000 years. Due to the mild climate, the quality of the soil and the local wine growers' hard work, Krems and the Wachau developed into Austria’s best wine growing regions.
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", renowned for their Grüner Veltliner, was mentioned for the first time.
The period after the great migration saw an upswing in vine cultivation, brought about by Frankish and Bavarian monks. Today, more than 40 Central and Western European monasteries still own vineyards in and around Krems.
At a time when farmers all over Europe were oppressed by their feudal lords, wine growers in Krems were conceded a social status equal to that of the bourgeoisie. The guild "HAUERINNUNG KREMS und STEIN", founded in Krems in 1442, was held in high regard. The climax of viniculture, social and religious meetings of people from all social classes lead to an intense, highly cultured and sophisticated form of communal living.
In 1305, Krems was granted a charter and officially became a town with the argument, that its honour lay 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. The present "Hauervater", Eduard Felsner, was chairman of the board of WINZER KREMS until 2005. Today, the chairman Florian Stöger controls, together with 9 members of the board, the destiny of Austria’s largest wine producers. The heritage of wine growing in Krems is deeply rooted in the old traditions, thus guaranteeing connoisseur of superior quality - vintage after vintage.
At the beginning of September 2018, triggered by the release of the novel "Wein des Vergessens" by Bernhard Herrman and Robert Streibel (Residenz Verlag), WINZER KREMS eG was confronted with previously unresolved aspects of its history in the NS-era. These concern individual properties that were owned by the Jewish family Robitschek before the National Socialist annexed Austria and were subsequently arianized.
read more: historical responsibility
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 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 stand at the fair "Alles für den Gast".
Franz Hellmer, managing director since 1956, retires and hands over his duties to Franz Ehrenleitner.
The first accordion festival at WINZER KREMS - the precursor 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 are built.
Eduard Felsner, chairman since 1987, retires and hands 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 since 1989, hands over his duties to Ludwig Holzer.
From 2019 to 2023, 2 new wine cellars, a new bottling plant and a new bottle storage are built.
Franz Bauer, chairman since 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.
