Karakterre is one of the world’s leading wine festivals, showcasing organic, biodynamic, and natural wines from Central and Eastern europe over a two-day event. It takes place annually at historic locations in Austria (at the Esterhazy castle in Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland winemaking region) and New York (at Rockefeller Center, in the heart of Manhattan). With ecology at its core, Karakterre festival promotes wineries committed to values of sustainable living.
Throughout centuries, the Central-Eastern European region has contributed significantly to the world, including producing great wines. Karakterre’s goal is to once again spotlight this historic part of the world. Most of those involved with Karakterre have roots native to the region. Their families' legacies are deeply intertwined there. Their record in promoting organic and biodynamic farming is proven. Moreover, Austria is considered a pioneer in environmentally conscious wine production, with 22% of its land under organic certification.
Karakterre’s humble beginnings date back to 2011, originating from a gathering of a handful of winemakers on a two-day promotional tour of Zagreb (Croatia) and Ljubljana (Slovenia). As the event grew in size and importance, it relocated to Vienna in 2014, the leading social and cultural metropolis of the region, where annual Karakterre events at different locations have been held ever since.
in 2022, Karakterre premiered in New York, at the Rockefeller Center.
Today, Karakterre is a community of more than 200 winemakers, all adhering to principles of organic, biodynamic, or natural winemaking, as well as the event’s Criteria. More than 12,000 professionals and amateurs from around the world have gathered at our festivals since the beginning. It represents a global movement across two continents.
Karakterre has established itself as the foremost reference for organic, biodynamic, and natural wines from Central and Eastern Europe. The event attracts the world’s leading importers and distributors, as well as wine lovers from all around the globe.
In 2023, Wine Enthusiast magazine named Karakterre “One of America’s Best Wine Festivals According to Wine Professionals”.
As a two-day event, Karakterre festival brings together unique winegrowers to showcase their work and ideas. Beyond merely spotlighting current trends, the event has always put forward an ongoing conversation on sustainability and environmental protection, creating an important and evolving dialogue.
Karakterre returns each year due to collective energies and, of course, the support of both public organizations and private sponsors, including winemakers. Austrian Wine, in particular, is our major partner. Our partners included companies such as the Rockefeller Center management; Voeslauer (Austria) and Rambler (USA) water companies; Ravenscroft Crystal glass; Sum Up technologies; Korkindustrie Trier; Littlewine wine start-ups; along with Raisin providing media support.
Karakterre was born out of a passion for wine and sustainable farming. Festival organizers and team members have been integral members of the organic, biodynamic, and natural wine community for more than two decades. Their relationships now extend beyond just wine, and to the winemakers and farmers who consistently demonstrate their commitment to nature.
Karakterre is run by a handful of individuals, but it is the wine professionals and amateurs of this community who support it, promote it, and grow with it. Thank you.
Next Karakterre Europe will take place in Eisenstadt, Austria, on May 22 & 23. Karakterre New York will take place in early November 2024.