Phone Contact

Our history and our philosophy

The taste of enthusiasm

At the age of 20, Franz put his first wine in the cellar. A fascinating experience that leaves its mark and ignites his inner fire. And the desire to become a wine maker becomes irresistible.

A dream that does not come by chance: it is in fact here that in the past Schiava grapes were pressed for the family Inn. There are mentions of the Falkenstein wine region and the vineyard dating back to the 12th century, and the Pratzner family can celebrate more than two hundred years of existence.

The laying of the first stone

Until 1989, the landscape of the Falkenstein wine-growing area was dominated by apple orchards. In the beginning, for the family wine making was only intended to be a secondary activity. But the call to realize a long-cherished dream became increasingly strong, and in the end Franz and Bernadette Pratzner ventured together in a new and very different direction: they abandoned fruit and fully devote themselves to viticulture. Sedimentation and marketing, all in one (family) business. Being a wine maker is much more than just a job: it’s a vocation. And that is exactly how it should be, because it’s the only way to be able to produce sophisticated wines.

Falkenstein past wine-grower Franz The winemakers Franz & Bernadette

Timeless passion and tradition

A traditional outlook and attention to detail. These are words full of meaning for the Pratzner family. The constant daily activities are based on manual work, with the machines only there to provide support. Since 2003, all the wines are vinified in the new cellar. White wines age in large acacia wood casks in the cellar carved into the rock.

Excellent quality vines, such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir, grow on 14 hectares (600 to 900 m above sea level). Approximately 90,000 bottles are produced every year.

Grapevine Grapes Falkenstein Winery Wine barrel Winery

Like parents, like children?

Franz and Bernadette have transmitted their joy and passion for wine to their two daughters, who have witnessed the tireless efforts of their parents and are proud of what they have created. However, at the beginning neither of them was interested in agricultural training.

Daughter Family Falkenstein

„If I had pushed her, she would have never agreed. At least not in her heart. Now I know that she has become a passionate vine grower. With the same passion that has made me become a wine producer.“

The passion also sparked in the heart of Magdalena who, after several stages – which even took her as far as Australia -, and oenology studies, in 2019 joined the family business. Michaela studied business economics, and from abroad now supports the social channels and the sales of the Falkenstein business.

A conclusion and a perspective

Wine is the reflection of the winemaker, and of the passion and philosophy with which the vine is treated. At the Falkenstein winery, we want to continue to produce naturally and to respect the environment. We remain faithful to our intergenerational motto: live in close contact with nature and appreciate it, but never underestimate it.