Overview: Winzerhof Sax GmbH has been named the winner of the IWSC 2026 Austrian Wine Producer Trophy following a rigorous judging process in Austria. The family estate secured multiple accolades, highlighting the region’s reputation for precision and purity.
The Full Story
The judging was chaired by Dirceu Vianna Junior MW and joined by an expert panel of buyers, sommeliers, journalists and wine professionals. Over 180 medals were awarded to Austrian wines during the event, including 27 gold. Winzerhof Sax delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Global Judging in Austria, securing three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal.
This year’s judging highlighted Austria’s reputation for producing wines of exceptional precision, purity and regional character. The unique climate and diverse soils of Kamptal, together with warm sunny days and cool nights, provide the ideal conditions for producing expressive, fruit-driven wines with remarkable freshness.
Production & Profile
Award-winning wines include the Alte Reben Reserve Grüner Veltliner 2024 and Ried Panzaun Reserve Grüner Veltliner 2024, both earning gold medals. A vibrant bouquet of ripe grapefruit, green pear and white peach unfolds, lifted by nuances of honeysuckle and white pepper. The palate is powerful yet balanced, revealing smoky buttery notes alongside fresh apple blossom and nectarine. Crisp acidity carries through to a clean, long finish, showcasing remarkable complexity and poise.
Additional gold was awarded for the Ried Thal Reserve Grüner Veltliner 2022, which offers lively acidity and vibrant citrus notes with green apple and underripe white peach. Silver medals were secured for the Grüner Veltliner 2025 and Ried Panzaun Reserve Grüner Veltliner 2022, while a bronze medal was awarded to the Zwillingslauser Grüner Veltliner 2025.
Brand & Industry History
Located in the heart of Kamptal, Winzerhof Sax is a family-owned estate whose winemaking heritage dates back to 1660. Since 2008, the winery has been led by brothers Rudolf Jr. and Michael Sax, who took over the family business from their parents, Ernestine and Rudolf.
What This Means
Introduced in 2024, the IWSC Global Judging Producer Trophies recognise the highest-performing producers at each Global Judging event. The trophies celebrate wineries that demonstrate exceptional consistency and quality across their entries, setting the benchmarks in their respective countries and regions.
Consumer Takeaway
These wines offer expressive, fruit-driven profiles with remarkable freshness driven by the unique climate and diverse soils of Kamptal. The estate continues to set benchmarks in its region through consistent quality across multiple vintages.
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