When winemakers and architects collaborate, extraordinary architectural art emerges, creating buildings as unique as the wines and the people who produce them. Modern Austrian wineries are transforming from simple functional spaces into sophisticated showcases that serve as brand ambassadors and immersive experiences for visitors.
The color black is no coincidence, says winemaker Michael Schwarz with a broad smile as visitors stand before his striking new winery in Andau, Burgenland. The deep, dark building structure rises like an exclamation mark from the plains, carrying the name of the winery far into the surrounding landscape. "With the color black, we present ourselves visibly to the outside world and make it an unmistakable part of our brand identity," Schwarz explains. This bold choice connects to regional tradition, as farmers once painted their barn doors with pitch or wood tar oil to make them weatherproof.
Schwarz has modernized this historic practice, translating it into contemporary architecture that combines wood and concrete elements. "I wanted to create a modern interpretation of a classic Burgenland house with Scandinavian design elements," the winemaker states. Working alongside architect Michael Leonhard from Gols, they developed a classic gabled house surrounded by lush green spaces and colorful flowering areas. The design particularly excels in creating a typical regional courtyard situation with abundant plantings, a covered terrace, and an impressive tasting table stretching nearly 65 feet long.
Inside the building, visitors are surprised by a golden tasting bar shaped like a pig's stomach, playfully revealing the winery family's second passion – traditional butchery. "Our offerings range from grapes to pork," Schwarz notes with pride. The commitment to sustainability extends beyond symbolism; the large production hall incorporates recycled reinforced concrete prefabricated parts from a demolished supermarket, demonstrating that environmental responsibility is lived practice rather than mere marketing speak.
The successful marriage of tradition and modernity is further illustrated at the Riedenblick winery house in Spitzer Graben, Lower Austria. Architect duo Petra and Alexander Augustin have not only innovated but also respectfully expanded existing structures. "The special charm of the building lies in its authenticity – the thick walls, traditional proportions, and materiality," they explain. The original substance was carefully supplemented with regional craftsmanship and local materials to meet contemporary standards, including underfloor and wall heating, residential ventilation systems, and photovoltaic panels.
The Windsteiger family's new construction houses three apartments and replaces a disappeared wooden barn, whose form has been reinterpreted for modern use. "This preserves the historical gesture while making the interior bright, open, and comfortable," the planners note. Large windows open views to the landscape while providing weather protection, transforming spaces that once served primarily as workplaces into venues for encounters and experiences.
This architectural philosophy reflects a broader trend in modern wineries, which now appear more generous, lighter, and more confident without losing their connection to the landscape. Materials are chosen more consciously, often regionally sourced and sustainably produced. Construction methods are more efficient, floor plans more open, and the transitions between work, living, and presentation more fluid. The winery house becomes a connecting link between craftsmanship, hospitality, and architecture.
Further south along Styria's thermal road in Bad Loipersdorf, the new Vino.Take facility of the Kowald winery family has been designed by Baukooperative architects as a particularly striking walkable sculpture. The project exclusively employed regional companies for all construction phases. The building itself resembles an art object – cubic, elegant, and linear in design.
"The goal was to achieve harmony with the color tones of the landscape," explains owner Wolfgang Kowald. Earthy colors run throughout the structure, from Baumit special plaster in broom-stroke appearance to bush-hammered concrete. An external Corten steel staircase leads to an observation terrace offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views – a building requirement insisted upon by the homeland-devoted owner. The building fulfills a long-cherished dream of the winemaker, allowing him to present his wines appropriately at their place of origin, in his own vineyard, and offer them for tasting.
These newest winery houses have become active participants in the wine business itself. They preserve yesterday's heritage while opening doors to tomorrow's possibilities, inviting guests to see more than just cellars, barrels, and bottles. Visitors who enter these spaces discover buildings that tell stories and meet people who have given their wines new, representative homes that reflect both their craft and their vision for the future of Austrian wine culture.
