History, wine, and art converge here into a holistic experience: nestled among the sun-drenched hills of Carinthia lies Taggenbrunn. What was once erected as a medieval castle in the 12th century now shines as a hotel and visionary ensemble of architecture, culture, and viticulture—driven by the passion of Andrea and Alfred Riedl. The castle, first mentioned in 1157 as Castrum Takenprunn, served as both residence and administrative seat for regional noble families over centuries. Yet it gradually fell into disrepair until the Riedl couple acquired the estate in 2011. As owners of the Austrian watch manufacturer Jacques Lemans, they have expanded their portfolio of timepieces and jewelry to include hospitality and winemaking.

Rather than opting for museum-style restoration, they chose a bold vision: a redefinition of the historical substance. Glass, steel, wood, and stone engage in a dynamic dialogue. The courtyard, enclosed by a 410 m² glass ceiling and an impressive room height of ten meters, creates an interplay of light that unfolds an almost sacred atmosphere, even on overcast days. The late Gothic grain storage, built around 1500 under Leonhard von Keutschach, has also been adapted with respect and sensitivity. Below the castle, 40 hectares of terraced south and southwest-facing slopes unfold—home to the Taggenbrunn winery. Here, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling thrive, tended by a team for whom sustainability is not a buzzword but a way of life. "We accompany the grape from the vine to the glass—with patience, dedication, and respect for nature," explains Andrea Riedl, who leads the winery. Yields are deliberately reduced to ensure the character of each terroir resonates in every drop. Beyond wine, it is art that transforms Taggenbrunn into a place of inspiration: The monumental twelve-meter-high sculpture "The Goddess of Time," created by André Heller from plants, metal, rock crystal, light, and water, stands guard as a symbolic "guardian" over the winery. Within the historic walls, the Austrian artist also stages his multimedia exhibition "Temporal Spaces." Since 2019, the Taggenbrunn Festival has drawn music lovers from around the world. Under the direction of Arno Steinwider, the castle courtyard transforms each summer into a stage—a cultural highlight that combines music, culinary arts, and wine appreciation under open sky. In the 2026 season, world-class artists such as Jonas Kaufmann and Philipp Hochmaier will perform here.

www.taggenbrunn.at

Photos:
Taggenbrunn Castle Winery

(Published in CUBE Select 01|26)