10: Exploring Austria's Organic Edge with Fred Loimer and Gerhard Wohlmuth - TRINKTalks

Welcome to Episode 10 of TRINKTalks! In this episode, we dive into Austria’s organic wine movement with two highly respected winemakers — Fred Loimer and Gerhard Wohlmuth. From biodynamic practices to the unique terroirs of Kamptal and Südsteiermark, discover how these pioneers are redefining quality and sustainability in Austrian wine. 

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ABOUT TODAYS GUESTS 

Fred Loimer of Loimer Winery is one of Austria’s most respected and forward-thinking winemakers, known for his commitment to biodynamic viticulture and expressive, terroir-driven wines. Based in the renowned Kamptal region of Lower Austria, Fred took over his family’s winery in 1997, infusing it with both a reverence for tradition and a bold spirit of innovation.

After studying enology at Klosterneuburg and gaining international experience in places like Germany and California, Fred returned home with a clear vision: to craft wines that truly reflect the character of their origin. In 2006, he converted his vineyards to biodynamic farming, emphasizing a holistic, sustainable approach to viticulture.

Fred is particularly celebrated for his elegant Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, as well as for his distinctive sparkling wines and natural wine projects. As a founding member of Respekt-BIODYN, a biodynamic certifying group, Fred has been instrumental in shaping the modern identity of Austrian wine on the global stage.

Gerhard Wohlmuth of Weingut Wohlmuth is a highly regarded Austrian winemaker from Südsteiermark, known for crafting precise, expressive wines that capture the dramatic slopes and unique soils of the region. As the current steward of his family’s winery — which dates back to 1803 — Gerhard blends deep-rooted tradition with a sharp, modern sensibility.

Specializing in Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay, his wines are celebrated for their clarity, minerality, and age-worthiness. Gerhard’s meticulous vineyard work on some of Austria’s steepest vineyards, combined with a restrained, thoughtful approach in the cellar, has earned him recognition both at home and internationally.

Beyond his role as a winemaker, Gerhard is an advocate for preserving Südsteiermark’s distinct identity, championing its complex terroirs and continuing his family’s multi-generational legacy with passion and precision.

ABOUT TRINK 

TRINKTalks has been brought to you by TRINK Magazine, an independent quarterly digital publication exploring the “German-speaking wines” of Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

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ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Valerie Kathawala specializes in the wine cultures, traditions, and innovations of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, as well as those closer to her home in New York City. Her work appears in the pages of Noble Rot, The Art of Eating, SevenFifty Daily, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Pipette, Glug,.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}