A Feel Good Experience Reminiscent of the Past
Klosterneuburg Abbey, or Stift Klosterneuburg, stands as a testament to nearly nine centuries of history, culture, and community service in Austria. Founded in 1114 by Margrave Leopold III of Babenberg and his wife Agnes, this Augustinian monastery is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also as a significant cultural and economic center in the region, and one economic factor that lands it a spot on our blog is its wine production.
Historical Significance
The Abbey's origins are steeped in legend, with its founding linked to the discovery of a veil belonging to Agnes on their wedding day. The abbey church, dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, was consecrated in 1136 and has undergone numerous renovations, particularly during the Baroque period in the 17th century. The architectural evolution reflects its 'come back' from battle scars through various historical upheavals, including wars and political turmoil.
Today, the Abbey houses around 40 canons who continue to serve the community through pastoral care across 28 parishes. The monks are dedicated to preserving the abbey's heritage and history while adapting to contemporary needs, ensuring that Klosterneuburg remains relevant in modern society.
Wine Production at the Klosterneuburg Abbey
When studying wine history, one of the things you quickly pick up is that the church had a large part to play in the wines we enjoy today and in the areas we find particular grapes thriving as we do today. The historical significance of the church on wine is not foreign to me. But seeing the production of wine today from a church and at a scale of the production coming out of the Klosterneuburg Abbey is one that made me immediately curious.
The Klosterneuburg Abbey, as one would imagine, has a longstanding tradition of winemaking. The winery was founded concurrently with the abbey's founding, making it Austria's oldest winery. The vineyards span 108 hectares, and are located near Vienna. The Abbey vineyards are naturally dedicated to the grapes that do well in Austria, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Zweigelt.
What I am thrilled to see is that the Abbey takes the production of their wines very seriously and has amassed a reputation for producing well-made, high-quality wines.
However, as the title of this post infers, the feel good essence of the wines produced at the Abbey is that at least 10% of the revenues generated from wine production play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing community initiatives.
The abbey's largest social project is its partnership with CONCORDIA Social Projects, which focuses on providing aid to street children and vulnerable youth. This includes funding for construction projects, maintenance of facilities, and provision of essential resources such as food, clothing, and educational materials.
Klosterneuburg Abbey also extends its social initiatives beyond Austria. It supports various international projects in countries like India, Peru, Honduras, Ethiopia, Southern Sudan, and Afghanistan. These projects include building homes for families affected by natural disasters, establishing educational centers, and providing healthcare services. For example, in India, the abbey supports a children's home and a kindergarten in Afghanistan, while in Ethiopia and South Sudan, it has co-financed ophthalmic clinics to improve access to healthcare.
Klosterneuburg Abbey Federal College for Viticulture, Oenology, and Fruit Growing
Klosterneuburg Abbey is not only a place of worship and a collection of wine producing vineyards, it is also an educational institution. The abbey hosts the Federal College for Viticulture, Oenology, and Fruit Growing—the first school of its kind established in 1860. This institution plays a vital role in educating future generations about sustainable viticulture practices and advancing research in winemaking.
The Klosterneuburg Abbey has remained remarkably relevant in the world of wine despite its 12-century start, which is something not a lot of wine institutions born out of the efforts of the church can say today. Their wines are impressive and inviting, and I am looking forward to seeing more of what the Abbey produces on my store shelves.
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