Tamara Kögl

Early Life & Path into Winemaking

Tamara Kögl, born in 1984, grew up on her family's mixed farm in Ratsch an der Weinstraße, Southern Styria. Initially, viticulture was secondary to livestock farming, with the family raising animals and selling grapes to neighbors.

She studied foreign languages and economics in Graz before enrolling at the Silberberg viticulture school in Leibniz. She also interned at renowned wineries like Franz Hirtzberger in the Wachau.

Around 2008–2009, Tamara returned home, renovated the 300-year-old Moarhaus (which later became a Buschenschank and guesthouse), and began transitioning the operation from side-gig to a full-fledged estate. In 2010 she opened the Buschenschank, and by 2012 she had formally taken over the business at age 25.

Vineyard Philosophy & Practices

  • Organic Certification: Achieved in 2016.

  • Demeter (Biodynamic) Certification: Began in 2020/2021.

  • Steep Terroir: The vineyard spans around 10 hectares, characterized by southern slopes up to 80% incline—terrains that demand intense manual care.

  • Harvest & Winemaking: Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo wild yeast, spontaneous fermentation. She follows a low-intervention philosophy, letting low-yield, high-quality grapes shine through.

Wines & Innovation

  • Tamara is known for crafting wines with strong character and personality, firmly rooted in her terroir.

  • Fascinated by Petillant Naturel (Pet Nat) styles, her “Under Pressure” and “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” bottles deliver elegance and vibrant yeast character, reflecting years of experimentation.

  • Her range has earned high critical acclaim, with several whites and sparkling wines receiving top ratings in the Falstaff Wine Guide 2025/26.

  • The estate also produces a Vermouth (Wermut Bianco) praised for its herbal and wine-like balance.

Hospitality & Culture

Weingut Kögl is more than a winery — it’s a warm, authentic wine destination:

  • A lovingly restored 300-year-old Buschenschank (wine tavern) serves homemade, seasonal dishes and in-house meat/vegetarian fare.

  • The estate provides guest rooms and studios, inviting visitors to linger and enjoy the surrounding vineyards.

  • In 2020, Tamara was honored as “Heurigenwirtin des Jahres” (Buschenschank Hostess of the Year), celebrating her blend of tradition and innovation.