The Schmid winery in Stratzing, a small village on a high plateau between Krems and Langenlois, has been family-owned for over 150 years, with Josef Schmid at the helm of the fine estate since 1991. He cultivates his vineyards with great commitment and idealism to vinify wines that are lively, powerful, but also very elegant.
The vineyards are mostly located in Stratzing, on mountain terraces near Senftenberg in Kremstal, and around the city of Krems. This means that Josef Schmid has very diverse terroirs at his disposal. Loess soils and mineral primary rock vineyards enable him to harvest a wide range of white wine grapes - above all Riesling and Grüner Veltliner - in ideal locations. For the winemaker, his top sites are his greatest treasure, and he is firmly convinced that only particularly good and well-suited soils can grow vines that will eventually be reflected in his wines. His approach is confirmed by the numerous awards he has received and the success he has attained.
In 2004, a new cellar extension was completed, which allows for extremely controlled vinification. Pumps have long since become obsolete here, and at least in the cellar Schmid has the desired temperature firmly in hand. The wines, which are surprisingly inexpensive considering their quality, are not only praised by critics, but can also be found on many wine lists throughout Austria's top culinary scene.
