Our Wines
Which wine should I start with?
With our Furmint “Aus dem Quarz.” It is the entry point to our most important grape variety: cool, precise, with yellow apple, citrus, and clear minerality. If you prefer something fruity and uncomplicated, start with the Lockvogel, our Gelber Muskateller from the Wild & Free line.
What is the difference between Wild & Free, Analogue, and Native?
Native is our line of indigenous grape varieties, Furmint and Blaufränkisch—wines that show their Pannonian origin particularly clearly. Wild & Free are wines with skin contact or maceration: Wild stands for the wild yeasts, Free for the absence of additives. Analogue is our series of unique works: limited wines with their own imagery that show how diverse nature is.
Do natural wines taste different?
Our wines are clear and precise—not quirky, not “wild” in the sense of being flawed. Because we add nothing and filter out nothing, they appear more lively and have more texture. Most are low in alcohol while still feeling full on the palate. The skin-fermented wines from the Wild & Free line have slightly more tannin and spice—perhaps unusual, but very accessible.
Which wine pairs with which food?
Furmint accompanies lake fish, light meat, vegetables, and aged cheese—it pairs particularly well with Wiener Schnitzel and asparagus dishes. Furmint is a true all-rounder. The wines from the Wild & Free line pair well with spicy and Asian cuisine, vegetable dishes, and appetizers. Blaufränkisch and Pinot Noir go well with game, mushrooms, and braised dishes.
Why is my wine slightly cloudy or does it have sediment?
Because it is alive. Since 2014, we have not filtered any of our wines and do not use any fining or clarifying agents. Fine cloudiness or a deposit at the bottom of the bottle is therefore natural and not a flaw. Most of our wines look clear anyway because they clarify themselves over time and we bottle them gently. Only the wines from the Wild & Free line are slightly more naturally cloudy—and the particles carry flavor, much like in naturally cloudy apple juice. If you prefer it clear, stand the bottle upright for a few hours before opening and pour gently.
Do your wines contain sulfites? Are they vegan?
We use sulfur—if at all—only minimally. Since sulfites are also naturally produced during every fermentation, the label still states “contains sulfites.” Because we do not use any clarifying or fining agents, including animal-based products like gelatin or egg white, our wines are vegan.
How should I store your wines and when is the best time to drink them?
Ideally lying down, in a dark, cool place at about 10 to 15 °C. Many of our wines, especially the Furmint, have great aging potential and gain depth over the years; the wines from the Wild & Free line are best enjoyed young. White wines taste best at 10 to 12 °C, skin-fermented wines at 12 to 14 °C, and red wines at 14 to 16 °C. These are recommendations—everyone has their own preference.
Why don't I find any points or awards for your wines?
We do not submit our wines to competitions. It is more important to us that they express their origin than that they collect points.
Purchasing and Shipping
Where can I buy your wines?
In our online shop, at the winery in Rust, and at selected partners in gastronomy and specialist retail. Until our online shop is complete, you are welcome to order directly at office@michaelwenzel.at.
Where do you ship and what are the shipping costs?
We ship to private individuals within Austria and to Germany. Your order will usually reach you within a few business days. You can see the exact shipping costs before finalizing your order.
How long are limited wines available?
Our limited wines, such as those from the Analogue series, are only available in small quantities—often selling out within a few weeks. Anyone who signs up for our newsletter will be the first to hear about new vintages and special editions.
Are there magnum bottles or older vintages available?
Yes, occasionally there are older vintages and magnum bottles available from our private cellar. It is worth sending an inquiry via email to office@michaelwenzel.at.
Do you supply gastronomy and specialist retail?
Yes, we would be happy to—especially businesses that value origin, organic farming, and honest craftsmanship. For price lists, samples, and orders, please write to us at office@michaelwenzel.at.
Visiting Rust
Can I visit the winery? When is the cellar door open?
We would love to welcome you. You can find us at Hauptstraße 29 in Rust at Lake Neusiedl, about an hour’s drive from Vienna. From November 2026, our cellar door sales will be open every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM—feel free to drop by.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes, by appointment. We charge 35 euros per person for a tasting. Please contact us in advance at office@michaelwenzel.at—we look forward to answering your request.
Can I come with a group, children, or a dog?
We are happy to host groups by appointment—please let us know how many people are in your party. As our space is limited, we can accommodate a maximum of ten people. Our winery is only partially suitable for children and dogs, but a playground is located only about 100 meters away.
About us and our work
Who makes the wine?
Michael Wenzel, a twelfth-generation winemaker. His family has been making wine in Rust since 1647. Michael is responsible for the vineyards and the cellar; Sonja Priller handles everything creative, marketing, and strategy.
Are your wines organically certified?
Yes. We are an organically certified winery, working as much as possible by hand and using only grapes from our own vineyards in Rust.
What does “low intervention” mean?
Less intervention in the cellar—and all the more attention in the vineyard. Our wines ferment spontaneously, without cultured yeasts, chaptalization, enzymes, or clarifying and fining agents. They mature on the lees, are not filtered, and—if at all—are only minimally sulfured.
Wine and Art
Can I buy prints of the images from the labels?
The motifs are by Sonja Priller, whose nature portraits appear under the name Flourish – Framed Nature. Many of her works are available as fine art prints at flourish.at. If you are looking for a specific label motif, please feel free to write to us.
