Spring awakening at the Schöfmann winery

The 2020 wine year has begun – we are in the middle of spring! The vines have already developed shoots and leaves, and early summer temperatures increase the enjoyment of working in the vineyard.

In the series 'Weinviertel Insights', siblings Anna and Laurenz Schöfmann report on life and work on their winegrower's farm.

Image: Fresh blossoms on the trees around the Anton Schöfmann winery

But this spring was different than usual. Not just for us, but probably for all wineries worldwide. The coronavirus disrupted many schedules. Events, tastings, and wine fairs at home and abroad were planned, as well as events at the winery in Haugsdorf. But things turned out differently. Even the business event of Céline Flores Willers, for which we are pleased to award the The planned wine partnership unfortunately fell through. The booked flight to Hamburg had to be cancelled.

One benefit of #stayathome for us winemakers was the amount of time we spent in nature. Instead of working from home and spending many hours in front of a screen, we watched our vineyards grow and spent a lot of time outdoors. But digital life wasn't neglected either. With two Live Tastings We have partnered with Wintetory.net sommelier Andrea Vestri on Facebook and Instagram to present our wines. presented and tasted online. As part of these tastings, you can get to know us and our products. Wines Get to know each other and ask questions. There will be another opportunity for that in the coming weeks!

Image: Anna at a live tasting with sommelier Andrea Vestri

The vineyards are optimally prepared for the 2020 vintage and have received special care during this time. Winemaking requires a great deal of manual labor, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. At the beginning of spring, we took the opportunity to renew the infrastructure for our vines. We tensioned and replaced the wires. It's important that this step is completed before bud break to avoid damaging any young shoots. Although it was still cool outside at that time, it was wonderful to feel the first rays of sunshine in the vineyard. We were able to witness nature awakening from its winter slumber firsthand!

At the end of April, new vines were planted. Although vines have a very long lifespan, some need to be replaced. We bought young vines from our trusted nursery, where they had already been grafted. This is necessary to protect the vines from phylloxera, which likes to nibble on the roots. The whole family helped with the planting. Everyone had a different task and knew what to do – typical for a family winery. First, a deep hole is dug in the ground – this can be quite challenging in stony or dry soil.

Image: Newly planted grapevine in the vineyard of the Anton Schöfmann winery

We then filled this with loose soil mixed with nutrient-rich humus and planted a young vine. Now it's important that the vine develops deep roots and a solid base. It will need plenty of water for this, then the little Grüner Veltliner vines can begin to grow. The vines in the vineyard are thriving. After just one week, the first small leaves were already visible.

While working in the vineyard or during breaks, Dad always draws our attention to the sounds of nature. We can often see and hear various bird species like cuckoos, black woodpeckers, and nightingales. We also observe flowering plants in our vineyards, such as field pansies and the bright pink sticky catchfly.

Image: The Schöfmann family at the winery during a meal together

We also spread straw in the vineyard to protect the soil from drying out. Irrigation is not available in our area. The vines are not pampered and must develop strong roots to reach water. Therefore, it is particularly important that rainwater is retained in the soil and that the soil does not dry out. To ensure this, we covered the vineyard soil with a thin layer of straw.

For others, a trip to the countryside is a welcome respite, for us it's part of everyday life. Especially while working together in the vineyard, we had plenty of time to chat, reflect, listen to podcasts, and so on…
The atmosphere is most beautiful when, after a successful day in the vineyard, we drive to the winery and the evening sun dips below the horizon over the cellar lane. The picturesque white cellar buildings exude serenity and characterize the hilly landscape of the Weinviertel region. A few years ago, our Wines such as Grüner Veltliner or Blauer Zweigelt are produced here; today, people linger and celebrate in the cellar lane.

Image: Even red wines in white wine country are a specialty of the Schöfmann winery.

Afterwards, there's usually time for a family dinner. We've spent more time together in recent weeks than we have in a long time – everyone was at home. Freshly cooked meals, homegrown salad from Mom's garden – pure bliss! Of course, we also sampled a wine or two and paired it with the food. Is there anything better?

About the authors Anna and Laurenz Schöfmann

Anna Schöfmann and her brother Laurenz Schöfmann They are the next generation at the Schöfmann winery, located in northern Lower Austria. Here, three generations work together with a shared passion for expressive red and white wines. The winemaker is Anton Schöfmann. The younger generation supports the family business in all areas of wine production and at events. The grandfather also makes a significant contribution, offering advice and practical help – in a family business, everyone complements each other.

Schöfmann in her wine shop in Haugsdorf in the Weinviertel region

Anna discovered her love of wine during her five-year tourism training. She was able to participate in national and international wine competitions. Anna participated in wine competitions and thus got to know the diverse and exciting wine industry. In 2017, she decided to study International Wine Business to learn more about wine production and the wine market. With a growing interest in Anna took on more and more responsibilities at her family's winery and, together with her brother Laurenz, is shaping the future of the Schöfmann winery.

Laurenz has been driving a tractor since early childhood, helping out at the vineyard and on the farm. He knew long ago that his path would lead him to the Federal Higher Technical Institute for... He will be training in viticulture and fruit growing, which he will complete in 2021. In the meantime, he has already gained considerable practical experience in the Kamptal and Thermenregion regions.

"What we enjoy most about winemaking is being out and about in the vineyards, in wine shops and at events. The love for the product is just as important as innovation and openness to new ideas."

Further links

• Instagram: @_weingut_schoefmann/
• Facebook: @weingutschoefmann