Harvest at Kroiss Winery

My First Harvest at Kroiss Winery in Sievering, Vienna: An Early and Unforgettable Experience

This year’s grape harvest at the Kroiss winery in Sievering came a bit earlier than expected due to the challenging weather conditions. The anticipation of my first-ever vineyard harvest added a layer of excitement as I headed out to the slopes of Vienna’s picturesque vineyards for a two-day adventure. Little did I know, these days would be filled with hard work, camaraderie, and cherished memories.

The Journey Begins: Day 1

The first day started at the crack of dawn. The day before the harvest, I took a trip to Carnuntum too. I decided to make the trip memorable by renting a motorcycle from BMW Motorradzentrum Wien. They helped me execute this spontaneous idea at BMW with a flexible, professional, and friendly approach.  Riding up the winding roads of Sievering with the cool morning air on my face was invigorating. The thrill of cruising up to the vineyard on a motorbike set the perfect tone for the day ahead.

When I arrived, I noticed that Grandpa Kroiss was already there, the first one at the vineyard as always. Soon, friends, family members, and hired workers gathered. Roland (Julia’s father) and Franz arriving with the tractor, buckets, and the traditional Bütten—the large tubs used for collecting grapes. Julia and her mother guided me through the process, showing me how to cut the grapes correctly. It’s all about precision—knowing what to keep and what to leave behind. Grandpa, with his keen eye, made sure we got it just right. The first day we harvested Wiener Gemischten Satz (Grüner Veltliner, Grüner Sylvaner and Müller Thurgau) and also Zweigelt for Rosé.

The harvest team consisted of a familiar and efficient group from Hungary, along with the Kroiss family and friends. The work was hard, but the beautiful surroundings and the lively atmosphere kept our spirits high. Insects buzzed around us, reminding me of how committed the Kroiss winery is to eco-friendly, nature-first cultivation.

As we finished up, tired but content, Julia and her mother prepared a well-deserved late breakfast—fresh sandwiches, ice-cold water, and of course, some wine from the Kroiss estate. After that refreshing break, it was time to head home, but the real work was just beginning for the Kroiss family. They transported the grapes back to the winery, where the winemaking process kicked off immediately.

Day 2: Hackenberg Harvest and Community Spirit

The second day started early once again. This time, I joined Julia in her car as we headed to Hackenberg, another one of the family’s vineyards. True to tradition, Grandpa was already there when we arrived, ready to start the day’s work. The team was slightly different, with some new faces joining the regular crew. We quickly got to work, harvesting more grapes that were in perfect condition—healthy, full of flavor, and bursting with sweetness. At the second day we harvested Grüner Veltliner. Julia mentioned that the sugar levels were slightly higher than ideal, but knowing her skill and dedication, I have no doubt she’ll turn these grapes into exceptional wines.

In a beautiful display of neighborly support, we extended a helping hand to a neighbor known as the “Good Doctor,” assisting with his grape harvest as well. The Doctor graciously hosted us for a hearty lunch afterward. It was a moment of true connection—good food, shared stories, and of course, Julia’s wines flowing freely. The meal wasn’t just about replenishing our energy; it was about building bonds, celebrating tradition, and feeling the deep-rooted ties between the families and the land.

Listening to Grandpa Kroiss share stories about the history of the winery, his pride in his children and grandchildren, and the family’s legacy was a highlight of the day. His words were a poignant reminder of the generations of knowledge and passion that have gone into making the Kroiss winery what it is today.

After the laughter and conversations, we returned to the Buschenshank, where the family’s work continued. The grapes we had harvested over the last two days were already on their way to becoming the wines that will grace our tables in the coming years. While the harvest might have been early, the experience was rich, full of warmth, and above all, a celebration of tradition and community.

Conclusion

Participating in the harvest at the Kroiss winery was not just about picking grapes; it was about being part of a centuries-old tradition that connects land, family, and community. The hard work, the shared meals, and the stories passed down through generations made this experience unforgettable. I look forward to seeing the final product in the bottle and knowing that, in a small way, I was part of it all.

/Balazs Eri/