GUILBERT GILLET

Daniel and Michael are the two architects and main protagonists of von Der Vogelwaide, which is not only a domaine or a winery, but much more.

Daniel studied viticulture and oenology in Geisenheim, Bordeaux and Vienna and has gained experience in wineries in France (Domaine de l’Horizon, Comtes Lafon, Chateau Palmer, Jean-Louis Chave) and South Africa. Michael grew up on his parents’ winery and attended the wine-making school in Krems. In May 2019, the two decided to try for independence and posted posters throughout the Wachau with “Looking for vineyards, including hard-to-reach land and uncultivated land”. After a week, they had the first two vineyards, although they were difficult to identify as such under the bushes.

“Today we grow in organic regime about three hectares, of which about 2.3 productive hectares. We are not fans of big machines and we like to get our hands dirty. That’s why our steep and narrow vineyards fit very well. The diversity of our vineyards, soils, varieties and wines guides us every day. Our work goes hand in hand with nature. We take something from it and so it makes sense to give something back to nature, which is why biodynamics is our goal.”