Love Stories and Marriages

The Wiesler and Wachter families have a long tradition that encompasses a generations-old wine-growing history in the village of Deutsch Schützen, in Austria´s Südburgenland (South Burgenland) region, close to the border to Hungary. Both wineries always had focused on the classic Blaufränkisch from the Eisenberg – the name of the region´s famous mountain. But they vinified other grape varieties as well, such as Welschriesling, Weissburgunder and, later, Cabernet and Merlot. Through the marriage of Gerda Wachter with Josef Wiesler, the two families from Deutsch Schützen joined together. However, Josef Wiesler eventually decided to take up another career and ceased running his family winery. So it was only logical for him to lease his vineyards, which he did to his brother in-law, Franz Wachter, in 1999.  With that move, the winery was named Wachter-Wiesler. As a symbol of this alliance, as well as to honour the grandfathers of the families, Wachter-Wiesler began producing the Béla-Jóska, a Blaufränkisch wine made since the 1992 vintage.

In addition, a restaurant was built in the former press house of the Wiesler family. This restaurant, wachter-wiesler´s ratschen, is run by Gerda Wiesler (nee Wachter) and her brother, Thomas Wachter.

Today, Christoph Wachter runs the wine estate, and he is supported by his father, Franz, and his mother, Theresia. Solidarity and close co-operation are their strengths. The responsibilities are clearly assigned, yet everyone works hand in hand. And tasting together as well as the constant exchange of ideas and experiences let them grow together.