The Wine Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein (Hofkellerei des Fürsten von Liechtenstein) include the Hofkellerei in Wilfersdorf and the Hofkellerei in Vaduz, the latter with its own wine library and the speciality restaurant Torkel.
History
In 1136, Hugo von Liechtenstein was the first bearer of the Liechtenstein name. He had named himself so after the Liechtenstein Castle, situated south of Vienna. In the centuries to follow, the family expanded their holdings considerably by acquisition, primarily in Lower Austria and in the South-Moravian territory. At the end of the 16th century, the three brothers, Karl, Maximilian and Gundakar, initiated a new era in the history of the family. Karl was elevated to the rank of Hereditary Imperial Prince in 1608, and his brothers were raised to the rank of Hereditary Imperial Prince in 1623.
Until 1945, winegrowing by the Princes of Liechtenstein was primarily centred around the area of Feldsberg (Valtice) in the Czech Republic. After 1945, the vineyards in Herrnbaumgarten and Hausbrunn in the Weinviertel formed the basis for the reconstruction of the princely wine estate. The domaine administration in Vaduz started to import and to distribute wines from Hofkellerei Wilfersdorf as early as 1956.
Following a generous conversion in 2011, the Domaine Wilfersdorf has united modernity and openness with centuries-old tradition in perfect harmony.
In Vaduz in the 1960s, the speciality restaurant Torkel moved into the former pressing room and, after an extension, the barrique cellar and the barrique room became perfect event locations.
Wineries
Domaine Wilfersdorf
The name Liechtenstein has been inextricably linked with the town of Wilfersdorf in the northeast of Austria for centuries.
The winery has been family-owned since 1436, and is surrounded by numerous historical monuments such as Wilfersdorf Palace, attesting to the long tradition of Princely viticulture. A distinctive, cool climate and fertile loess soils characterize the terroir of the vineyards, producing characteristic wines with fine acidity. The grapes grown in the single vineyards Karlsberg and Johannesberg, ripen to distinctive freshness. Their wines are inspired by both tradition and passion.
Domaine Vaduz
Back in 1712, Prince Johann Adam I of Liechtenstein acquired the County of Vaduz, including the single vineyard. Herawingert is one of the oldest vineyards in the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Its 4 hectares represents the heart of the country's viticulture today and one of the best vineyards in the Rhine Valley. Thanks to the southwest exposure, mild climate and rich schist and calcareous soil, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay enjoy ideal growing and ripening conditions.
In the Cellar
They make wines according to a clear philosophy.
Their aim is to make lively wines with character that reflect their exceptional vineyards, the long tradition of Princely winemaking, and the family’s unique culture. Freshness, precision, authenticity and inspiration characterise their work, from vineyard to the finished wine. Their wines are meticulously cared for until they fully embody their individual character. To do this, both traditional and modern cultivation and vinification techniques are used.
In Liechtenstein, winemaker Sebastian Gunsch is supported by the team of renowned consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. The 4 hectares at Herawingert are cultivated by hand, creating a nuanced style of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay characterised by the calcareous and schist soils.
In the new press and fermentation cellar and the centuries-old barrel cellars in Lower Austria, small batches of Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Zweigelt and Merlot age to develop their fine structure and distinctive vintage characteristics. The internationally experienced and passionate team creates wines with great structure, expression and personality.
