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History of Nikolaihof
Austria's oldest winery
Nikolaihof Wachau is a place where you immediately sense the connection between nature, history, and craftsmanship. Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape of Wachau, vines have been growing here for centuries on steep terraces, accompanied by the Danube, many hours of sunshine, and cool nights.
The ancient walls of the estate tell of almost 2,000 years of history - of Romans, monasteries, and viticulture. But what makes Nikolaihof special today is not just its past, but above all the way nature is worked with here.
2000 Years of History
Nikolaihof Wachau
The history of Nikolaihof dates back some 2,000 years – and sometimes it seems as if the old walls still recount it today. As early as 63 AD, the foundations were laid here as part of the Roman fort Favianis. Centuries later, around 470 AD, Saint Severinus is said to have retreated to the quiet vineyards to find strength and peace in prayer.
In 777 AD, the present-day Nikolaihof was given to the Kremsmünster Abbey as a founding gift. In 985 AD, a synod was held in the Roman Agapitus Basilica in the courtyard under Bishop Pilgrim of Passau – a sign of the significance this place already held at that time. In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Agapitus Chapel was finally built, which still characterizes the inner courtyard today and gives Nikolaihof its special, almost timeless atmosphere.
After the secularization of the monastery in 1803, a new chapter began. In 1894, Anton and Anna Saahs acquired the estate, laying the foundation for today's family history. Since 1971, Nikolaihof has been cultivated biodynamically according to Demeter guidelines – with deep respect for soil, plant, animal, and human. In 2005, the estate was handed over to the next generation, and since 2016, the valuable raw materials from the vineyards have also been processed into high-quality organic grape cosmetics. Thus, Nikolaihof continues to connect its long history with living nature, craftsmanship, and the power of the Wachau.
Demeter farming out of conviction
Since 1971, Nikolaihof has been cultivated strictly biodynamically according to Demeter guidelines. This makes it one of the first wineries worldwide to have embarked on this consistent path.
Demeter farming means understanding the farm as a living organism. Soil, vines, animals, plants, humans, sun and moon work together. It is not about mastering nature, but about working with it, respecting its rhythms and preserving its power.
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Aged wines from the Old Roman Cellar
In addition to biodynamic viticulture, aged white wines are a special Nikolaihof specialty. Here, the wines get exactly what they need: time. Time to develop, time to mature, and time to unfold their full depth. No chemicals are used in the vineyard or the cellar. Many wines mature for several years in large wooden barrels before being bottled. The approximately 2,000-year-old Roman cellar provides a very special climate for this: calm, constant, and natural. This creates wines of exceptional maturity, elegance, and vibrancy that are allowed to continue developing in the bottle.
The award-winning wines – including the legendary 100 Parker points in 2014 – are now appreciated worldwide and find their place in top gastronomy as well as among wine lovers, collectors, and even royal families.
The Tree Press – Craftsmanship with History
A special centerpiece of the Nikolaihof is probably the world's largest tree press. It is about 350 years old and tells of a time when winemaking was still pure manual labor. A single pressing takes about twelve hours – slowly, carefully, and with great patience. Through repeated pressing and contact with air, an exceptionally deep, lively aroma can develop. Until 1988, the entire harvest of the Nikolaihof was processed with this historic press. Today, a modern pneumatic press does most of the work, but one wine is still pressed with the old tree press – out of respect for the craftsmanship, tradition, and the time that great wine needs.
Healthy soils as a foundation
At Nikolaihof, work has been carried out for decades without artificial sprays, chemical-synthetic fertilizers and plant poisons. This has allowed living, powerful soils to develop - the most important basis for pure raw materials and healthy plants.
This special soil quality is invaluable to me. Because what begins in the earth is later found in the grapes, in the seeds and finally in my natural cosmetics.
From grape to organic grape cosmetics
Since 2016, the precious raw materials of Nikolaihof have been processed into high-quality organic grape cosmetics. Valuable grape seed oil forms the basis for the Demeter-certified natural cosmetics. Combined with raw materials from our own vineyards, such as saffron, lime blossoms or elderflower, skin-type-specific, natural pure care products are created. Our own raw materials ensure short transport routes and fresh processing, which has a positive effect on skin and environment.
Each product carries a piece of Nikolaihof within it: the sun of the Wachau, the power of biodynamic soils, the experience of many generations and the deep conviction that true beauty comes from nature.
Enjoyment directly from nature
In my online shop you will find selected wines and delicacies from Nikolaihof Wachau and cookbooks by Christine Saahs.
From young, lively wines to mature white wines with special depth, from handmade apricot jam to fine specialties from the Wachau: Each product tells of the power of this unique landscape. For cooking and inspiration, Christine Saahs' excellent cookbooks show how enjoyable and strengthening cooking with natural, organic raw materials can be. This way you bring a piece of Nikolaihof home - honest, delicious and directly from nature.
