Cobenzl - (Archived)

When Thomas Podsednik took over in 1988 as head of the Cobenzl wine estate, it was not an enviable job. Owned by the City of Vienna, the estate saw its primary role as preventing its 80 hectare of vines from urban development. The winery itself was in disrepair and antiquated, and the brand had become insignificant.

Not deterred, Podsednik turned the huge enterprise, step by step, into a modern and successful business using the latest understanding of soil and variety compatibility. He planted Riesling in the best vineyards, increased the number of reds on the Bisamberg, and planted Pinot Noir on the very high, cool slopes of the Bellevue vineyard in Sievering. Most importantly, though, he turned the Cobenzl cellars into the most modern in Vienna, making it the envy of the local winemaking community.

In 2001, Thomas Podsednik was chosen as head of the Agricultural Commission and so brought in a new, young wine maker, Georg Koenigsbauer to succeed him in the cellar. “Fifteen years ago we just tried to make drinkable wine,” he said, “Now we make very good wine”. This is evidenced by the many awards that Cobenzl brings home year after year.

Devoted to educating younger generations, this vineyard is also home to a significant biodynamic farm. Every day bus loads of Vienna’s public school children show up on their hillsides for lessons in ecology and sustainability.