Guide to Side Events to Karakterre 18

MONDAY, 11 MAY 2026

Masterclasses With Leading Styrian Wineries

TIME: 1000 - evening

DETAILS: Masterclasses with some of the leading Styrian wineries on different topics. 

Participating wineries:

Franz & Simon Strohmeier
Michi Lorenz
Wachstum König
Rebenhof - Hartmut Aubell
Roland Tauss
Karl & Eva Schnabel - Ermihof

LOCATION: Steiermark - Wirtshaus Jagawirt, Sommereben 2, 8511 St. Stefan ob Stainz (Be careful with navigation, there’s more than one Jagawirt in Austria!).  

NOTE: This is a trade only event with limited seats. Please apply with Wicks Fine Wine by emailing: info@wicks.at.

Hungarian Wine Club x Espresso

TIME: 1400 on

DETAILS: Hungarian low intervention winegrowers will be welcomed by one of Vienna’s hotspots, Espresso, who will cook up a cute menu for the occassion! Save the date and follow us for more info.

Participating wineries:

Horst Hummel

Koncz Réka

Laborwinery 

PAP 

Kolonia 52

Bencze 

Gittinger pince 

Somló Kincse

LOCATION: Espresso, Burggasse 57, 1070 Vienna

TICKET: 15 EUR + 10 EUR glass deposit

Schloss Hollenburg: An Afternoon at the Castle (Trade Only)

TIME: 1500 on

DETAILS: Growers of Kamptal, Kremstal and Weinviertel will host a game based barbecue for the members of the trade, spotlighting the recent vintages from their cellars.

Join families Arndorfer, Hoch, Jurtschich, Obenaus and Loimer for a relaxed afternoon/evening in the atmosphere of the historic Schloss Holleburg.

LOCATION: Schloss Hollenburg, Obere Hollenburger Hauptstraße 14, 3506 Krems-Hollenburg

NOTE: This is a trade only event with limited seats. Please apply with TOA by emailing.

TUESDAY, 12 MAY 2026

Lakeside Perspectives

TIME: 1430 on

DETAILS: A boat journey designed to shift your perspective on the iconic vineyards of the eastern Leithaberg. 

From the heights of Joiser Gritschenberg to the steep slopes of Purbacher Eisner: experience the terroir from a completely new angle. Take a look over the shallow waters of Lake Neusiedl and dive deep into the stories of the magnificent Leithaberg shore: 

Markus explores the history of Joiser Jungenberg through a contemporary lens.

Gernot shares what drew him across the water from Gols to Winden.

Claus reveals the philosophy behind his Erdeluftgrasundreben.

Christian passes sharks, shells and schist on the steepest slopes of the region.

Join us for wine, small bites, music and extraordinary views as we set the stage for Karakterre the following day.

>> CREW
Markus Altenburger – Jois
Gernot Heinrich – Winden am See
Claus Preisinger – Breitenbrunn
Christian Tschida – Purbach

LOCATION: Marina Jois, Yachthafen 1, 7093 Jois. At the pier next to restaurant Seejungfrau: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QMDCJ2carnJgFUqa6

NOTE: Event is fully booked. To get onto the waiting list pls email halloservusgriasdi@markusaltenburger.com.

Pre-Karakterre Warm Up with Pannobile x Rosi

TIME: 1800 on

DETAILS: Warm up for Karakterre with Pannobile growers (Beck, Gsellmann, Heinrich, Leitner, Nittnaus, Pittnauer, Preisinger, Renner) their Hungarian (Kolonia 52, Peter Nagyvaradi, Barnag, Bencze and PAP) and Croatian (Vinas Mora, Kairos) friends. The team of Rosi bistro from Vienna will be cooking up a menu!

LOCATION: Heinrich, Baumgarten 60, 7122 Gols

Gut Oggau x Karakterre Celebration: “2 Nights to Remember” series with guest chef Milan Gataric

TIME: 1900 on

DETAILS: For the night before each Karakterre day, Gut Oggau is handing the tavern over to Milan Gataric to celebrate the festival together. Our tavern has always been the heart of Gut Oggau, the place where our wines meet the people who drink them, over real food and across a real table. And we are excited that this year Milan is a part of that conversation.

Milan has been running LUX in Rotterdam for over a decade, and he has been in and around Karakterre for nearly as long. He's a longtime friend of both Gut Oggau and Karakterre, having cooked at the festival before.

LOCATION: Gut Oggau Hauptstraße 31, 7063 Oggau am Neusiedler See

NOTE: Tickets are €69 per person for the four-course meal. Wine is available separately on site. Reserve by email to news@gutoggau.com or through the website.

TUESDAY, 12 MAY - SATURDAY, 16 MAY 2026

Unique Pannonian cuisine and Karakterre wines at das ROBITZA

TIME: 1600 ON

DETAILS: The pannonian winebar das ROBITZA in Eisenstadt brings together the wine and food culture of Pannonia in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. With good music, a lively mood and a relaxed bar setting, guests can enjoy Pannonian wines from close-to-nature farming, including special big bottle wines by the glass, accompanied by cold and warm cuisine.

LOCATION: Das Robitza - Pannonische Weinbar & Greisslerei, Fanny Elssler Gasse 3 , 7000 Eisenstadt

WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 2026

Karakterre 18

TIME: 1130-1730

LOCATION: Orangery Palace Park, 7000 Eisenstadt

CZECH IT OUT*: Searching for the National Grape

TIME: 1400-1500

DETAILS: A commented on vertical tasting of Blaufränkisch and Grüner Veltliner with Milan Nestarec, looking at their potential as defining Czech varieties. Followed by an open tasting of Blaufränkisch and Grüner Veltliner from selected participating Czech wineries for comparison.

Wines by Milan Nestarec:
Grüner Veltliner
WTB 2019
WTB 2021
WTB 2022

Blaufränkisch
JIL 2019
JIL 2021
JIL 2022

LOCATION: Karakterre Masterclass Area, Orangery Palace Park, 7000 Eisenstadt. Free entrance!

CZECH IT OUT*: United in Diversity

TIME: 1500-1600

DETAILS: A tasting focused on lesser-known Moravian grape varieties. While many regions build around one or two flagship grapes, Moravia does the opposite. This session explores that diversity as its key strength.

Hosted by Jan Čulík of Alma Wines, Prague, and Bottled Alive, Tabor

LOCATION: Karakterre Masterclass Area, Orangery Palace Park, 7000 Eisenstadt Free entrance!

Craft Beer and Wine

TIME: 1700-2200

DETAILS: Expect refreshing bubbles, carefully selected craft beers, and special pours ranging from crisp, easy-drinking styles to barrel-aged wild ales. Choose your favourite spot, and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere before dinner — or as a digestivo afterwards. A casual after-tasting hangout with great drinks, good music, and plenty of time to talk, drink, and connect.

Wines & Sparklings by CHRISTOPH HOCH

Beers by HOPFENGRUND_

LOCATION: Hopfen & Söhne // Hauptstraße 9 // 7000 Eisenstadt

CZECH IT OUT*: Semi-official Gathering of Czech Winemakers

TIME: 1800 on

DETAILS: Fish Heuriger - discovering the potential of cold fish plates paired with wine by chef Tomas Reisinger and Jan Čulík.

LOCATION: Weingut Markus Altenburger, Untere Hauptstraße 62, Strobelweg 70, 7093 Jois

* Czech It Out is a series of lectures and tastings aimed at promoting and deepening understanding of the Czech Republic's wine scene led by Dragan Bogdanovic, Head Sommelier of Alma Prague & Jan Čulík, founder of Bottled Alive.

Furmint & Friends — Sunset Wine Bar

TIME: 1800-2200

DETAILS: Winemaker party and Sunset Wine Bar hosted by Newcomer Wines and Neuer Strand Breitenbrunn. Deep wine list featuring wines from attending wineries and a selection of European Friends from Newcomer Wines. Snacks and Food by Neuer Strand.

Participating wineries:

Attila Homonna

Claus Preisinger

Hannes Schuster

Petra & Franz Weninger

Michael & Maria Gross — Vino Gross

Michael Wenzel & Sonja Priller

LOCATION: Neuer Strand Breitenbrunn - Seebad, 7091 Breitenbrunn, Austria (free parking available)

NOTE: To book a ticket (includes Gabriel Glass deposit) head to the link HERE.

Authentic DJs Meet Authentic Winemakers

TIME: 1730 on

DETAILS: Wines by: Johannes Zillinger, Martin Obenaus, Wabi-Sabi by FHj, Thomas Straka, Christoph Hoch. Wines by the glass and bottle from 5 to 40 EUR.

Music by: Lee Stevens, DJ Seva, AArrythmia

Special Snacks by Pannatura/ Wildleberkäse 

LOCATION: Fanny Tanzcafe, Pfarrgasse 33, 7000 Eisenstadt

Post-Karakterre Party at Neu Neusiedler

TIME: 1800 on

DETAILS: Wines and hamburgers and fries!

LOCATION: Neu Neusiedler, u. Hauptstraße 6, 7100 Neusiedl am See

Gut Oggau x Karakterre Celebration: “2 Nights to Remember” series with guest chef Milan Gataric

TIME: 1900 on

DETAILS: For the night before each Karakterre day, Gut Oggau is handing the tavern over to Milan Gataric to celebrate the festival together. Our tavern has always been the heart of Gut Oggau, the place where our wines meet the people who drink them, over real food and across a real table. And we are excited that this year Milan is a part of that conversation.

Milan has been running LUX in Rotterdam for over a decade, and he has been in and around Karakterre for nearly as long. He's a longtime friend of both Gut Oggau and Karakterre, having cooked at the festival before.

LOCATION: Gut Oggau Hauptstraße 31, 7063 Oggau am Neusiedler See

NOTE: Tickets are €69 per person for the four-course meal. Wine is available separately on site. Reserve by email to news@gutoggau.com or through the website.

WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY - SUNDAY, 17 MAY 2026

Guest Chef Week with Yannic Stockhausen at Gasthaus Fuchs

TIME: 1130-1930

DETAILS: During calendar week 20, guests can look forward to a special culinary highlight. From May 13 to May 17, Gasthaus Fuchs is delighted to welcome Yannik Stockhausen, the former head chef of Daniel, as a guest chef in their kitchen.

Guests will be able to enjoy a specially designed à la carte menu, which will be served throughout the day from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Yannic Stockhausen will bring his own culinary style and creative ideas to the kitchen, working together with our team to present a unique and exciting selection of dishes.

As seating is limited, we highly recommend booking in advance. You can do so by emailing HERE.

LOCATION: Gasthaus Fuchs, Hauptstrasse 33, 7331 Weppersdorf

THURSDAY, 14 MAY 2026

Karakterre 18

TIME: 1130-1730

LOCATION: Orangery Palace Park, 7000 Eisenstadt

SOIL: The Science and the Pleasure

TIME: 1230-1330, Questions 1330-1350

DETAILS: In this Karakterre event, TIAN Chef Paul Ivić, french soil scientist Rebecca Goodpasture, Farmer Robert Brodnjak from KRAUTWERK and Winegrower Christian Tschida explore how happy soil influences biodiversity, farming practices and ultimately the sensory expression of wine and food.

Healthy, living soils are increasingly recognised as one of the decisive forces shaping the future of agriculture, food systems etc and, of course, wine. They influence biodiversity and ecosystems, but they also shape something far more sensual: taste.

When soils are vibrant and alive, flavours become more layered, textures more refined, aromas more expressive. What emerges is not just agricultural quality, but a kind of quiet indulgence: the unmistakable richness that comes from ingredients grown with time, care and vitality.

The foundation of great wine and increasingly the quiet marker of quality in contemporary gastronomy.

Marko Kovac leads through insightful talks and conversations, followed by a curated tasting of energetic products grown on healthy soils. Join this event about the invisible foundation of flavour and an invitation to savour it.

Rebecca Goodpasture, Soil Scientist - Bordeaux, France
Paul Ivic, Chef, Restaurant Tian - Vienna, Austria
Robert Brodnjak, Farmer, Krautwerk -  Niederöstereich, Austria
Christian Tschida, Winegrower -  Burgenland, Austria
Marko Kovac- Founder, Karakterre

NOTE: Space is limited. Please email info@karakterre.com to receive the confirmation of attendance.

LOCATION: Karakterre Masterclass Area, Orangery Palace Park, 7000 Eisenstadt

CZECH IT OUT*: Building a Wine List Around Czech Wines

TIME: 1400-1500

DETAILS: Dragan Bogdanović, Head Sommelier at Alma Prague, shares his approach to building one of Prague’s most exciting wine lists with a strong focus on local wines.

Joined by guest speaker Marko Kovač, who will bring an international perspective on what Czech wines need in order to succeed on global markets has experience with..

Together, they will explore questions such as: What defines Czech wine today? What should define Czech wine to succeed? And what does it take for it to compete internationally? Is there a price cap? etc.

Hosted by Dragan Bogdanović of Alma and Alma Wines, Prague

LOCATION: Karakterre Masterclass Area, Orangery Palace Park, 7000 Eisenstadt

CZECH IT OUT*: Terroir? Yes, we have!

TIME: 1500-1600

DETAILS: Granite, limestone, loess, sand or opok. A tasting of wines that clearly reflect the main Czech terroirs, with a short introduction to the emerging appellation system.

Hosted by Jan Čulík of Alma Wines, Prague, and Bottled Alive, Tabor

LOCATION: Karakterre Masterclass Area, Orangery Palace Park, 7000 Eisenstadt. Free entrance!

* Czech It Out is a series of lectures and tastings aimed at promoting and deepening understanding of the Czech Republic's wine scene led by Dragan Bogdanovic, Head Sommelier of Alma Prague & Jan Čulík, founder of Bottled Alive.

FRIDAY, 15 MAY 2026

Vinifair 2026

TIME: 1300-2000

DETAILS: Vinifair brings over 30 selected winemakers from across Europe to Vienna’s Second District Karmeliterplatz. Enjoy a relaxed Friday tasting of over 200 different natural wines, together with live music, food stalls & personal interaction with the winemakers. More details, winegrower list and tickets on Vinifero website.

LOCATION: In front of Vinifero, Karmeliterplatz 2, 1020 Wien

Horse Powered Viticulture: The Added Value of Horses, at Gut Gindl

TIME: 1400-17:30

1400 - Wine Tasting

1500 - The Horse Experience by Matthias Weilaender

1600 - Talk with Christian Tschida, Edi Tscheppe & Michael Gindl

DETAILS: Join Claus Preisinger, Christian Tschida, Georgium, Geyerhof, Alwin Jurtschitsch, Matthias Weiländer and Michael Gindl for an afternoon of talks, tasting and fun. Admission to the tasting, horse experience and talk is free. Professionals only. Registration: hello@kantharosagency.com

LOCATION: Gut Gindl, Marktplatz 29, 2223 Hohenruppersdorf

Butterbrot und Wein at Das Tho with Schoenberger and Krenn49

TIME: 1500-1800

DETAILS: Open wines by the glass with guest winegrowers Jakob of Weingut Schoenberger and Josef of Weingut Krenn49. Snack on buttered bread and fresh greens from the City Farm in the nearby Augarten park.

LOCATION: Das Tho, Ferdinandstraße 2/1/1, 1020 Wien

Sojasauce & Achtelweis

TIME: 1700 on

DETAILS: Join for a relaxed evening centered around wines from the Weinviertel and the cuisine of Cucina Itameshi—where Japanese influences meet Italian cooking. To complement the menu, wines from the Weinviertel Karakterre winemakers will be served by the glass.

LOCATION: Schanigarten at Cucina Itameshi, Praterstraße 70, 1020 Wien

NOTE: You can book a table at https://www.cucina-itameshi.at/ or simply drop by and enjoy a glass in the Schanigarten.

Meat & Fire Dinner by Elena Kubiena and Peter Koenig, at Gut Gindl

TIME: 1800 on

DETAILS: Elena Kubiena, Rundbar & Peter König, Espresso will be preparing and cooking over an open fire. The meat will come from the Gut Gindl farm and will be served with magnificent wines from the vintners. Limited seats, first come first served - 100 Euros all in. Register via hello@kantharosagency.com and secure your spot with advance payment.

LOCATION: Gut Gindl, Marktplatz 29, 2223 Hohenruppersdorf

SUNDAY, 17 MAY 2026