Freigut Thallern: A Historic Austrian Winery

Freigut Thallern, nestled in the wine village of Gumpoldskirchen, is more than just a winery; it's a journey through Austrian winemaking heritage that stretches back to 1141. Margrave Leopold IV gifted the land to the Cistercian monks of Heiligenkreuz Abbey, who envisioned a monastic estate modeled after Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy. For nearly 900 years, the Cistercians shaped the landscape and developed winemaking techniques that define the region.The estate's name, Thallern, originates from the word 'valley,' reflecting its location in a gentle hollow. The buildings, arranged in an irregular pattern, showcase 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 Heiligenkreuz Abbey's vineyards. In 2010, winemaker Erich Polz leased the estate, revitalizing it as a tourism project. Visitors can explore the Gebietsvinothek Thermenregion, sample wines, and dine at the Klostergasthaus Thallern, known since the 1950s as 'Backhenderlstation Thallern'. The estate also offers seminar rooms, a wine shop, and unique accommodations in Schlaffass-Dorf, featuring sleeping barrels in the vineyard. Freigut Thallern produces a range of wines, including the rare Zierfandler, an indigenous white grape variety primarily found in the Thermenregion.