Family-run winery located in Senftenberg in the Krems Valley (Kremstal), Austria; in addition to wine production it also operates a hotel, a restaurant and a spa. Production is focused primarily on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, expressing the terraced vineyards of the area. (https://www.weingutnigl.at/en/homepage.html)
Kremstal (valle della Krems) / vicino alla Wachau · Austria
The Nigl family has worked vineyards in the area for generations and, since the 1990s, has focused entirely on wine production. Over the years the family has reclaimed and re-cultivated abandoned terraced vineyards in Senftenberg, acquired large parts of the former Starhemberg complex in the mid-1990s, and between 2003 and 2004 restored the building beneath the Senftenberg fortress, converting it into a property with a hotel and restaurant.
Production philosophy
The stated objective is to convey the vineyard’s elements into the bottle with balance — fruit, finesse, elegance, density and minerality — prioritizing hand-tended vineyard care and winemaking that respects the terroir.
Terroir and vineyards
The winery’s vineyards extend from Senftenberg to Krems in the narrow Krems valley. Terraced exposures and soils rich in micaceous schist and loess, together with the valley’s microclimate, are considered decisive for the particular minerality and finesse of the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling produced at the estate. Vineyard sites: Hochäcker, Pellingen, Goldberg, Zwetl, Kirchenberg.
Awards and recognition
The winery reports recent accolades, including gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards for several wines, as well as mentions and wins in tastings and guides. The winery also notes the Ala Carte 2026 recognition for the Grüner Veltliner Pellingen 1ÖTW Privat 2025, as indicated by the winery.
Characteristics
Grape varieties
Grüner Veltliner
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
Muskateller
Blauer Zweigelt
Merlot
Pinot Nero
Chardonnay
What makes it distinctive
Strong focus on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Terraced vineyards on micaceous schist and loess, with the microclimate of the Krems Valley.
Integrated property: winery, hotel and restaurant at the foot of Senftenberg Castle.