It also works without

alcohol out! That’s why premium winemakers are breaking new ground

Patrick Bayer and Katja Bernegger are in tune with the times with their products.(Bild: Dworak/Wiesmeyer)

An Achterl with a meal or when going out in good company - for many Austrians, that's part of it. At the Heribert Bayer winery, no one would disagree. However, his son Patrick, who now runs the business, and his partner Katja are breaking new ground with de-alcoholized wines. Krone+ went to the tasting and learned about entrenched traditions, black-and-white thinking and the fear of criticism ...

Sommeliers? Definitely not. Amateur wine connoisseurs? Not even that. An occasional aperitif or a summery spritz? More likely. The "Krone" revealed its cards. No, Patrick Bayer and Katja Bernegger could not expect an expert opinion - nor did they want to. "Just this much," Patrick winked: "If I put one of our premium wines in front of you and a cheap product next to it, you'll immediately recognize the difference ..."