Freigut Thallern: A Historic Austrian Winery

Freigut Thallern, nestled in the charming wine village of Gumpoldskirchen, is more than just a winery; it's a living testament to Austria's winemaking heritage. Its history stretches back to 1141 when Margrave Leopold IV gifted the land to Cistercian monks of Heiligenkreuz Abbey. The monks established a monastic estate modeled after Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy, shaping the landscape and developing winemaking techniques for nearly 900 years. The estate's buildings, arranged in an irregular pattern, showcase its long history, with remnants of a former defensive wall and alterations made after the Turkish War in 1683. The St. John the Baptist Chapel, adorned with a carved altar by Giovanni Giuliani depicting Christ crucified on a vine, symbolizes the estate's deep connection to winemaking. Today, Freigut Thallern is the central winery for all the vineyards of Heiligenkreuz Abbey. Since 2010, winemaker Erich Polz has managed the estate, revitalizing it as a tourism project. Visitors can explore the Gebietsvinothek Thermenregion, sample wines, and dine at the Landgasthof, known since the 1950s as "Backhenderlstation Thallern". The estate cultivates its vineyards ecologically, focusing on biodiversity and producing about 60% white wine and 40% red wine, along with a small amount of sparkling wine. Typical wines from the Thermenregion, such as Rotgipfler and Zierfandler, are found here, as well as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, St. Laurent, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir.