Against laboratory closure

“No empty kilometers with full wine bottles!”

Displeasure at the planned closure of the wine testing centers in Poysdorf (picture) and Retz(Bild: zVg)

Savings are to be made precisely in those regions of the Weinviertel with the largest share of viticulture: The plan is to close the wine testing laboratories in Poysdorf and Retz and build a new headquarters in Hollabrunn. The plans have been put on ice for the time being, but the winegrowers do not trust the matter and are now sending out a signal of protest. 

Savings are to be made precisely in those regions of the Weinviertel with the largest share of winegrowing: The plan is to abandon the wine testing centers in Poysdorf and Retz and rebuild them in Hollabrunn. "The investment alone contradicts any idea of saving money," criticizes Daniel Hugl, viticulture advisor at the Mistelbach District Chamber of Agriculture. "Our two facilities were brought up to the latest technical standards just three years ago."

Unnecessary distances for a decentralized laboratory
In addition, the journey for the winegrowers would be longer: This is because the procedure stipulates that the winemaker receives a counter sample - to be sealed on site - straight back: And this is not possible by post.

There are around 7000 wine samples a year in Poysdorf and Retz. However, due to the different ripening times of the varieties, these cannot be brought to the testing center in just one trip. "Many unnecessary kilometers for the winegrowers and damage to the climate," Hugl is annoyed.

The project could still be averted: However, the final say lies with the Federal Office for Viticulture - and this will penetrate the Weinviertel from the headquarters in Eisenstadt.