Weingut Nikolaihof

An extraordinary place – since 2,000 years:
You are certainly recognizing the feeling. You come to a new place and sense something truly special about it. It emanates an extraordinary atmosphere, a unique aura; it seems to have a “spirit” all of its own. In Roman times, there was even a specific term for this: “genius loci” (or “spirit of the place”). The Nikolaihof Wachau definitely fits this description – it’s a place full of history and character, radiating the kind of energy that elevates and inspires.

History:
Wine has been produced here since the time of the Celts. The first documentary evidence of this dates from around 470 A.D. in the time of St Severin and the Romans.
Nikolaihof is the oldest wine estate in Austria; its history stretches back almost 2000 years to Roman times. Remains can be found in the outer walls of Nikolaihof of the early Christian Agapit basilica, in which a synod took place in 985 A.D. with the authority of Bishop Pilgrim of Passau.
In 1075 the former ‘Freihof’ was first referred to in a document as the central administrative seat of the Passau monastery of St Nikola. The present –day chapel was erected by the Augustinian canons of this monastery.
A walk round the estate is like a trip back through history. Nikolaihof, referred to in a document back in 1075 as the central administrative seat of the St Nikola monastery of Passau, may well be Austria’s oldest wine estate. Whether it is in fact so makes no difference to the lady of the house: ‘The fact is that, here in our home in Mautern, since Roman times and possibly even earlier, wine has been made. In addition, Nikolaihof has been through all the centuries a centre of political power, and later, more importantly, a religious and spiritual centre. So it was that the monastery of Gottweig was founded from our chapel.
The main elements of the present-day appearance of Nikolaihof date from the fifteenth century, but everywhere one is constantly bumping into remains of the old Roman fortress. Every age has left its traces behind. Today Christine and Nikolaus Saahs receive their guests at receptions and wine tastings under the restored Gothic vaulting of the deconsecrated chapel.
The foundations of the house date back to a Roman horseshoe-shaped tower and a fort made of wood and earth, which existed way back in 63 B.C.. The cellar itself was constructed in a Roman crypt, and as the floor level has sunk by about a meter in a thousand years, the ‘year rings’ are still clearly visible on the walls.
The Saahs family & viticulture, a special symbiosis:
The Nikolaihof Wachau is a very special place that invigorates the people who live and spend time here. With almost 2,000 years of history, the estate is the oldest winery in Austria, and one of the first in the world to have begun operating by biodynamic principles. The estate has been owned by the Saahs family since 1894.
The traditional family winery runs a total of approx. 50 acres (22 ha) of vineyard, cultivating predominantly Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Neuburger grapes and a rage of complementary varieties.
Letting nature take its course, interfering as little as possible, and giving the wines plenty of time to develop – that’s de wine-growing philosophy of Nikolaus Saahs. It’s something you can certainly taste in his wines, which are focused, full of flavour and youthful longevity, complex, with a modest alcohol content, and reflect the terroir perfectly.

Vineyards like beautiful gardens:
The vineyards of Nikolaihof are situated in a remarkably privileged region: Wachau, one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and place of origin of some of the best white wines in the world. Its climate and geological conditions are ideal for white wine, and it is precisely here where the Saahs family vineyards lie – with melodic-sounding names such as “Im Weingebirge”, “Vom Stein”, “Steiner Hund” and “Klausberg”.
The mild breezes of the Danube region are ideal for the growth of Riesling and Veltliner. Also Gelber Muskateller, Neuburger and Gewürztraminer reach their optimum qualities.
Nikolaus Saahs is with his vines every day to uphold a close relationship between man and nature. He observes, checks, tastes, and lets the grapes develop until the time is ripe for harvesting and they are ready to enter the historic cellar of Nikolaihof.
The Nikolaihof estate is managed on strict bio-dynamic principles and it is possibly Europe’s first ever bio-dynamic winery with the practices being used since 1971. They were certified in the early 1990s, when Demeter first introduced vineyard and winery certification. They also practice what they preach, as even the more spiritual elements of bio-dynamics seem to fit perfectly with the history of the estate.
Developing character in the wine cellar:
After undergoing careful and mild pressing procedures, Nikolaihof wines are fermented with natural yeasts, thus developing their excellent character. Lastly, they find their way into the estate’s historic wine cellar, which was built in a Roman crypt. Here, Nikolaus Saahs gives his wines exactly the time they need to mature. The light “Federspiel” wines come from the previous year’s vintage, whilst “Smaragd” wines are aged longer in the cellar. Some wines stay here for up to 25 years in some of the 2,000 to 12,000 litre oak barrels.
The results are Demeter-certified wines of the highest quality, which taste wonderful and travel right around the world: Around 70 per cent of the wines are supplied to over 35 countries and much enjoyed in the USA, Japan, Italy, Australia and many other places. In addition to award-winning wines, other delicacies are produced such as Marillenröster (stewed apricots), mustard fruits, schnapps, liqueurs, juices and the biodynamic Demeter-certified skincare dieNikolai.
Idyllic ambience and sophisticated hospitality:
Of course a place like Nikolaihof Wachau not only cultivates wine, but also celebrates and enjoys it to the full.
The excellent cuisine created by Christine Saahs appeals to all senses, and is best enjoyed over a special glass of wine. The organic certified Wine Tavern offers guests a traditional and festive rage of rooms, as well as an enchanting atmosphere in the courtyard under the linden tree. And of course Nikolaihof is the perfect venue for a splendid celebration. Its festive rooms offer a wonderful ambience for weddings of all sizes and are a perfect location for christenings, birthdays, confirmations and company parties.
Just a few steps from Nikolaihof Wachau is the “ad vineas” Nikolaihof Guesthouse. The stylish and comfortable rooms and apartments are set in a peaceful location: Together with a natural pool and sauna house, it all makes for a truly rejuvenating stay. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.