Nikolaihof Wachau

Nikolaihof is one of the oldest wine estates in Austria, whose history goes back almost 2000 years to the Roman empire. Originally chosen by the Romans because it was considered a Celtic holy site prior to 800 B.C., the foundations of the current house date to a Roman tower which existed as early as 63 B.C. Wine has been produced here since the time of the Celts and continued throughout the time of the Romans. Germanic monks obtained the estate during the collapse of Rome, and the first written evidence of winemaking comes from 470 A.D. This writing documented the monk’s ownership of the vineyard ‘Im Weingebirge’, the earliest named vineyard site in all of Europe.

In 1894 the Saahs family took over the estate and carried on the traditions the monks had established here. Integrated farming continued, and even as winemaking and grape growing took a larger role at Nikolaihof in the 1960s, chemicals were never used in farming. Essentially this estate has always been organic. Nikolaihof has been practicing Bio-dynamics since 1971, making them one of the longest Bio-dynamic practicing wineries in the world. Nikoliahof became Demeter certified Bio-dynamic in 1998.

Nikolaihof still functions as an independent, bio-diverse farm, growing all kinds of herbs, fruits and flowers, tending beehives for honey, and even using seeds for grapeseed oil. The average age of the vines at the estate are 47 years old and the vineyards are farmed without herbicides, pesticides, artificial fertilizers or synthetic sprays. Instead, stinging nettles, manure, valerian root and other specially produced preparations are used. Natural fermentations are the rule, in Austrian oak vessels, deep in the cold, 700-year-old cellar. Long lees contact and aging are the norm, with some wines aging as long as 15 years before being bottled.

TIMELINE

63 A. D.
The foundations of the estate date back to the Roman fort Favianis.

470 A. D.
Saint Severin retires to the "Weingebirge" ('wine hills') for prayer.

777 A. D.
Nikolaihof is given to Kremsmünster Abbey as a gift to celebrate its foundation. In the 10th century it is taken over by the monastery St. Nikola of Passau.

985 A. D.
A synod takes place in the Roman Agapitus Basilica at Nikolaihof, under Bishop Pilgrim of Passau.

11th - 12th century
The Agapitus Chapel is built by the Augustiner Chorherren of the monastery St. Nikola on the ground walls of the former basilica. It still dominates the Nikolaihof courtyard today.

1803
Secularisation of Nikolaihof.

1894
Anton and Anna Saahs acquire the estate.

1971
Start of biodynamic cultivation under Nikolaus and Christine Saahs.

2005 
Nikolaihof is passed on to the next generation, Nikolaus Saahs Jr.

The vineyards of Nikolaihof are situated in a remarkably privileged region: Wachau, one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and place of origin of some of the best white wines in the world. Its climate and geological conditions are ideal for white wine, and it is precisely here where the Saahs family vineyards lie - with melodic-sounding names such as "Im Weingebirge", "Vom Stein", "Steiner Hund" and "Klausberg". 

The mild breezes of the Danube region are ideal for the growth of Riesling and Veltliner. Also Gelber Muskateller, Neuburger and Gewürztraminer reach their optimum qualities. 

Nikolaus Saahs is with his vines every day to uphold a close relationship between man and nature. He observes, checks, tastes, and lets the grapes develop until the time is ripe for harvesting and they are ready to enter the historic cellar of Nikolaihof.

Vineyard area: 22 hectares
Top sites: Im Weingebirge, Vom Stein, Steine Hund
Soil types: Primary rock topped with humus or gravel, and eroded primary rock
Grape varieties: 55% Riesling, 35% Grüner Veltliner, 10% Weissburgunder, Malvasier, Neuburger, and Chardonnay

Farming Practice: Certified Biodynamic

After undergoing careful and mild pressing procedures, Nikolaihof wines are fermented with natural yeasts, thus developing their excellent character. Lastly, they find their way into the estate's historic wine cellar, which was built in a Roman crypt. Here, Nikolaus Saahs gives his wines exactly the time they need to mature. The light "Federspiel" wines come from the previous year's vintage, whilst "Smaragd" wines are aged longer in the cellar. Some wines stay here for up to 20 years in some of the 2,000 to 12,000 litre oak barrels. 

The results are Demeter-certified wines of the highest quality, which taste wonderful and travel right around the world: Around 70 per cent of the wines are supplied to over 35 countries and much enjoyed in the USA, Japan, Italy, Australia and many other places. In addition to award-winning wines, other delicacies are produced such as Marillenröster (stewed apricots), mustard fruits, schnapps, liqueurs, juices and the biodynamic Demeter-certified skincare dieNikolai.

Of course a place like Nikolaihof Wachau not only cultivates wine, but also celebrates and enjoys it to the full.

The excellent cuisine created by Christine Saahs appeals to all senses, and is best enjoyed over a special glass of wine. The organic certified Wine Tavern offers guests a traditional and festive rage of rooms, as well as an enchanting atmosphere in the courtyard under the linden tree. And of course Nikolaihof is the perfect venue for a splendid celebration. Its festive rooms offer a wonderful ambience for weddings of all sizes and are a perfect location for christenings, birthdays, confirmations and company parties.

Just a few steps from Nikolaihof Wachau is the "ad vineas" Nikolaihof Guesthouse. The stylish and comfortable rooms and apartments are set in a peaceful location: Together with a natural pool and sauna house, it all makes for a truly rejuvenating stay. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind.