Christian Tschida
〰️
Christian Tschida 〰️
Christian Tschida’s journey into winemaking began long before he ever bottled wines under his own label. For years, he experimented with various techniques, methods, and vessels—well before the ‘natural wine movement’ gained traction in Austria. Coming from a long lineage of winemakers in the village of Illmitz, on the eastern shores of Lake Neusiedl, Christian continues his family’s tradition while pushing the boundaries of conventional winemaking.
In addition to his family’s vineyards, he has invested in both new and old parcels in the village of Purbach, located on the opposite side of the lake in the Leithaberg mountain range. Altogether, he cultivates around 14 hectares, working with a diverse array of indigenous grape varieties, as well as personal favorites like old-vine Cabernet Franc and Syrah, grown on pure limestone.
Christian’s meticulous approach is evident both in the vineyard and in the cellar. He considers his vineyards to be his most valuable investment. Every year, he and his father spread compost and straw from the nearby lake to protect the soil from heat and maintain moisture balance. In the cellar, Christian uses only a vertical press—the only technical tool in his process—which mimics the gentle pressure of a handshake, extracting only the purest and brightest juice. His wines are aged in large barrels ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 liters, which he believes provide the perfect balance of freshness and maturation.
Beyond winemaking, Christian’s creativity and passion for experimentation extend to his artistic label designs, drawing from his background in graphic design. Alongside his renowned Himmel auf Erden collection, he has released limited-edition art labels such as Abra Ka Dabra, Birdscape, and Brutal!—a special collaboration with the team behind Bar Brutal in Barcelona.
Where to Find Christian Tschida Wines
Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)
International Retailers & Distributors (Examples)
- **Austria (Burgenland & Beyond):**
- **Winery Direct Sales:** While Christian Tschida doesn't have a typical "shop," direct contact for visits (by appointment) may be possible. His winery is located in Illmitz, Burgenland. Given his demand, direct sales are usually allocated.
- **Specialized Wine Shops (Vinotheken/Weingeschäfte):** Look for natural wine shops and high-end wine retailers in Vienna and throughout Burgenland.
- **United States:**
- **Vignaioli Imports (US Importer):** A key importer of Christian Tschida wines into the US. Inquire with local natural wine shops or fine wine retailers who work with Vignaioli.
- **Flatiron Wines & Spirits (NYC):** A renowned retailer in New York City with an excellent natural wine selection that consistently stocks Christian Tschida.
- **Chambers Street Wines (NYC):** Another premier natural wine shop in NYC known for its curated selection, including Tschida.
- **Domaine LA (Los Angeles, CA):** A leading natural wine shop in Los Angeles that features Tschida's wines.
- **K&L Wine Merchants (CA):** May carry some of his more accessible wines, though less focused on natural selections.
- *Contact independent, cutting-edge wine shops in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin) that specialize in natural wines. Availability is often limited due to high demand.*
- **United Kingdom:**
- **Les Caves de Pyrène (UK Importer & Online Store):** A major importer of natural wines into the UK, often a primary source for Christian Tschida.
- **The Good Wine Shop (UK Retailer):** Has carried Christian Tschida wines.
- **Sip Wines (Online, UK):** A natural wine focused online retailer in the UK.
- **Hedonism Wines (London):** A high-end London wine merchant that may carry his more exclusive bottlings.
- *Look for independent wine merchants and natural wine bars in London and other major UK cities who champion natural and Austrian wines.*
- **Germany:**
- **Vinaturel (Online, Germany):** As mentioned, a strong online source for Tschida in Germany.
- **Natural Wine Dealers (Online, Germany):** Another dedicated natural wine online shop.
- *Look for specialized wine shops ("Weinhandlungen") in German cities with a focus on natural Austrian wines.*
- **Canada:**
- **Grape Witches (Ontario, Canada):** A highly regarded natural wine shop/importer in Ontario that regularly features Christian Tschida.
- **Oenopole (Quebec, Canada Importer):** May carry some Tschida wines given their natural wine focus.
- *Check with specialized private wine shops (where permitted) or provincial liquor boards/agencies that focus on natural wines in major Canadian cities (e.g., Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver).*
- **Scandinavia (e.g., Denmark, Sweden, Norway):**
- *Christian Tschida is very popular in these markets. Look for specialized natural wine importers and retailers, as well as state monopolies (like Systembolaget in Sweden) that feature high-demand natural wines.*
- **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore):**
- *Christian Tschida's wines are highly sought after by top restaurants and natural wine enthusiasts globally. Look for importers specializing in natural Austrian wines in these key Asian markets.*
Winery Information & General Profile
- **"Himmel auf Erden" (Heaven on Earth):** His entry-level but highly expressive range, including white, rosé, and red blends, and sometimes skin-contact versions. Known for their vibrant fruit and drinkability.
- **"Non-Tradition":** His more serious, age-worthy wines, often single-varietal (e.g., Grüner Veltliner "Non-Tradition," Cabernet Franc "Non-Tradition"). The name is a direct commentary on traditional winemaking.
- **"Felsen" (Rock):** Single-vineyard wines (e.g., Blaufränkisch "Felsen I," Syrah "Felsen II") emphasizing specific terroir expression.
- **"Brutal":** Part of the "Brutal Wine Corporation" project, a powerful and raw expression, often a Pinot Noir or blend.
- **"Laissez-Faire":** Often a Riesling or Pinot Blanc, embodying his philosophical approach to winemaking.
- **"Kapitel I":** Often a Cabernet Franc or a blend, another serious red bottling.
- **"Birdscape":** Experimental cuvées, sometimes rosé or white maceration.
- **"All The Love Of The Universe":** A white wine, showcasing balance and harmony.
- **"AEIOU":** A very rare and highly sought-after Chardonnay.
