Gerhard & Brigitte Pittnauer

Pioneers of Natural Wine

In the world of winemaking, Gerhard and Brigitte Pittnauer, the Austrian couple who took part in revolutionising  the industry with their commitment to producing natural wines, have had a significant impact. With a deep respect for the environment and a passion for authentic winemaking, the Pittnauers have garnered widespread recognition for their innovative approach and dedication to quality.

The Journey Begins

Gerhard Pittnauer, born into a family of vintners in Austria’s Burgenland region, inherited a rich winemaking tradition. However, he quickly realised that the conventional practices he inherited didn’t resonate with his vision of winemaking. Fueled by a desire to reconnect with nature and produce wines that truly reflected the unique terroir of the region, Gerhard embarked on a path less traveled. He was joined by his wife, Brigitte, whose unwavering support and shared passion for sustainability would become crucial in their journey.

The Rise to Prominence

Gerhard and Brigitte Pittnauer faced both admiration and skepticism from their peers. However, their unwavering dedication to quality and sustainability eventually won over critics and wine enthusiasts alike. Their wines began to receive critical acclaim, attracting attention from sommeliers, restaurateurs, and wine enthusiasts worldwide.

The Pittnauers’ commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative winemaking techniques garnered recognition beyond Austria’s borders. Their influence extended to the global natural wine movement, inspiring a new generation of winemakers to embrace similar principles.

Philosophy of Terroir

One of the hallmarks of the Pittnauers’ winemaking philosophy is their respect for terroir—the unique characteristics imparted to the grapes by the climate, soil, and topography of the vineyard. Beyond their commitment to sustainable practices, the Pittnauers’ attention to detail extended to the aesthetics of their wines. Brigitte, took on the creative responsibility of designing the labels for their bottles. Her artistic touch added a personal dimension to their wines, creating labels that not only represented the quality of the product inside but also served as unique pieces of art.