26 Years of Friendship, Wine and Pioneering Spirit
Eleven Austrian women winemakers celebrate their shared journey
In 2000, the eleven women winemakers presented their association to the public for the first time at VieVinum, Austria’s most important wine fair. What began 26 years ago as an idea to encourage young women to pursue a career in winemaking has become far more than a network: it has evolved into an extraordinary friendship among women winemakers from all across Austria, united by wine, passion and mutual respect.
The group, formed by eleven strong individual personalities, received the prestigious “Grandissimo Award” from the German wine magazine Alles über Wein in 2003 for their consistent commitment to quality-oriented viticulture. Its members come from all major wine-growing regions of Austria. When the group was founded, the number of female winemakers in Austria was still relatively small. Fortunately, this has changed significantly over the years, with more and more young women making a name for themselves in the wine world. That was exactly the goal from the very beginning.
During a shared picnic, the women celebrated this very special friendship. Accompanied by their wines, countless memories, honest conversations and deep gratitude, they reflected on more than two decades of shared history.
Over the years, the group has inspired many young women to follow their own path in the wine industry. Through great, exceptional and difficult vintages alike, a deep connection has grown that reaches far beyond the profession itself.
“We never planned to become pioneers. But together we witnessed how the role of women in winemaking has changed over the years. What still connects us today is not competition, but genuine friendship and mutual support. We are deeply grateful for 26 years of honest friendship.”
Austria’s national broadcaster ORF accompanied the anniversary celebration with a film crew. The feature will air on June 2 at 6:00 pm in “Studio 2”.
Founding members in 2000
Judith Beck, Birgit Braunstein, Michaela Ehn, Birgit Eichinger, Silvia Heinrich, Ilse Maier, Helma Müller-Grossmann, Silvia Prieler, Heidi Schröck, Rosi Schuster and Petra Unger.
Over the years, the official association “11 Frauen und ihre Weine” has naturally evolved. Life writes its own stories. Yet the friendship, the tastings, the travels and shared experiences remain unchanged.
Today, the women celebrate what they truly are: close friends connected by wine and more than two decades of shared history.
Today the group includes Birgit Braunstein, Michaela Ehn, Birgit and Gloria Eichinger, Silvia Heinrich, Ilse Maier, Marlies Müller, Heidi Schröck and Petra Unger.
Additional photos for editorial use are available upon request.