Weingut Karl Schnabel–Ermihof

Karl Schnabel, together with his wife Eva Schnabel, co-runs Weingut Karl Schnabel–Ermihof, a biodynamic family winery perched on the steep slopes of the Sausal mountains in South Styria (Südsteiermark), Austria. The estate covers around 5 hectares of vineyards, cultivated with some of the most careful and ecologically respectful practices in the region.

Background & Philosophy

Trained in Agricultural Economics, Karl decided to take over the family estate around 2000 with Eva, who had a background in Business Administration. Their journey was inspired by time spent in Burgundy, where Karl fell in love with Pinot Noir and developed a vision for terroir-driven, natural winemaking. From the very beginning, the couple committed fully to biodynamics, achieving Demeter certification early on.

Their philosophy is deeply ecological: they see themselves as “guests on this planet,” striving to farm in harmony with nature and to create a closed-loop, self-sustaining ecosystem at their estate.

Vineyards & Farming

The vineyards—steep, rocky parcels such as Hochegg, Koregg, and Kreuzegg—sit on schist, quartz, and siliceous primary rock soils with gradients of up to 70%. These extreme conditions require painstaking manual labor: grass is cut by hand, mid-rows are left uncut to encourage biodiversity, and no tractors are used to avoid soil compaction.

Karl also prepares his own herbal teas from plants like nettle, horsetail, and yarrow, which he sprays as natural treatments. Stones, trees, and nesting habitats are deliberately integrated into the landscape to strengthen biodiversity and create balance in the vineyards.

Winemaking Style

In the cellar, Karl works with the same respect for nature. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented spontaneously in open-top vessels, and gently managed with manual punch-downs and bucket transfers. Aging takes place in neutral or old oak barrels. Since 2007, the wines are bottled without filtration, fining, or sulfur, allowing each cuvée to fully express its origin and vintage.

Signature Wines & Terroir

While South Styria is traditionally known for white wines, Karl specializes in red varieties such as Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir, alongside small amounts of Morillon (Chardonnay), Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc from biodynamic sources. His Blaufränkisch, particularly from the Koregg site, is considered a standout—pure, energetic, and deeply expressive of its schist soils.

Legacy & Impact

Through his meticulous work and dedication, Karl Schnabel has established Ermihof as a benchmark for biodynamic natural wine in Austria. His wines, shaped by steep vineyards and uncompromising ecological principles, are admired for their vitality, clarity, and authenticity—true reflections of the land and its natural rhythms.

📞 Contact

• Phone: +43 676 6961508

• Mobile: +43 676 6967724

• Email: office@karl-schnabel.at

• Website: www.karl-schnabel.at(Weingut Karl Schnabel, Ermihof)

🕒 Visiting Information

The winery requests prior notice for visits, as the estate is not open to the public without an appointment. It's advisable to contact them in advance to schedule a visit or tasting.