There is just one planet! Business with compassion!
Sustainability has many aspects – above all 3 pillars: the biological-biodynamic ecology, the profitability of the company and the social impact of the company on employees and the social environment.
Sustainability is not a fashion trend in our family, it is a living philosophy and a major concern for us. We are pioneers in biodynamic cultivation in Austria. Our winery is also Green Care certified and awarded the safety badge. Dealing responsibly with the land entrusted to us and ensuring a good income for our employees and their families is a matter close to our hearts.
We live in the cycle of nature, treat resources with respect and care. Maintaining long-term relationships with customers and suppliers through fair prices and consistently high quality is the foundation of our work.
Our vineyards are located on the slope of the Leithaberg in the middle of the Neusiedlersee World Heritage Site. The wines reflect the mineral shell limestone and slate soils and the liveliness of the vineyards. We speak to people who value the good life.
What, among other things, is seen as sustainable.
In the vineyard – ecology
Winter greening to prevent erosion and improve humus formation. Since 2006 organic cultivation with building up humus through own compost and targeted greening, since 2009 also working biodynamically with compost preparations and teas for soil life. We harvest hay for our animals. Our sheep, chickens and goats provide us with manure that we compost and spread on the soil as food for our vines. This is how we get nutrient-rich musts that ensure a good fermentation process with natural yeasts. No additives are therefore required in the cellar. The wine is made in the vineyard, is accompanied in the cellar and thus perfectly reflects the terroir. This is circular economy in the biodynamic sense.
Use fallow years for targeted sowing to prevent soil fatigue, build up humus, loosen the soil and create a habitat for insects. Of course, cleared vineyards are not planted out immediately, but the soil is prepared first, it has time to regenerate.
Adjusted machine set and implement combinations to save time, fuel and protect the soil. We strive for efficiency and meaningfulness in the cultivation of the vines and the soil. So we work with equipment combinations, double-row inspections and with a large use of manual work. Machine, cheap work is reduced, manual skilled and expensive work is forced. A great effort that is worthwhile.
Fight pests with beneficial insects. Thus, by means of flowering greenery, bring insects into the vineyard. Conscious sowing and care of the soil structure creates habitats for beneficial insects and leaves pests a habitat away from the vine. Embankments with bushes and trees, which we take care of, provide shelter for birds and insects. These, in turn, are our hard-working employees in pest control.
Crop protection products and fertilizers. We have dispensed with all chemical fertilizers and spraying since 2006. Rather, we rely on teas (nettle, yarrow, field box and much more), homeopathic and biodynamic preparations to support the vitality and resistance of the vine. We think differently: don’t fight, but strengthen! The immune system – i.e. build up humus, bring the plant into balance and thus promote health! We have been working biodynamically since 2009.
Operate forest and forest care in addition to viticulture to promote biodiversity and offset CO2 emissions.
A part of the Purbach Forest belongs to the winery, as well as 2 hectares of biodiversity areas. We leave them to nature as a habitat for birds, insects, bees, herbs and trees – a targeted biodiversity program has been running under the Wildwux project since 2010 to support the diversity of flora and fauna in our landscape. Breeding sites for the hoopoe bird, grab bars for falcons and buzzards are built, bushes and cherry and nut trees are planted. Leave a herb meadow for the bees and pastures for our animals.
…more about sustainability in the next blog