Hofkellerei Vaduz: Princely Wines Conquer the World
Over the past few years, the Princely Wine Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein have emerged as a compelling player in the international wine scene. What was once considered a modest winery has garnered increasing attention from connoisseurs and professionals alike under the leadership of Stefan Tscheppe and Princess Marie of Liechtenstein.
Two of the winery’s offerings have recently attracted special attention in the U.S.
Exquisite Pinot Quality
The «2020 Pinot Noir Herawingert Grosse Reserve», sourced from the vineyards in Vaduz, earned an impressive 94 points from Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl in the U.S.-based wine publication «Vinous» . This wine is produced annually in extremely limited quantities—only two barriques and one tonneau were made of the 2020 vintage.
The wine exhibits refined toast influences and a mineral character attributed to its steep, dry terroir. Krebiehl praised its concentrated flavors and lingering finish. Despite its youth, the wine already demonstrates “exquisite Pinot quality.”
Modern craftsmanship: Princess Marie with winery director Stefan Tscheppe. (Image: Courtesy)
Splendidly Dry Texture
At the same time, the «2021 Ried Karlsberg» also received a 94-point rating from Anne Krebiehl. This blend of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from the Princely vineyards in Austria’s Weinviertel region stands out for its balance between the peppery notes of Grüner Veltliner and the sustained citrus character of Riesling.
Tasting notes highlight the wine’s vibrant structure. Despite fermentation in used barrels, it shows no pronounced oak influence, instead captivating with its splendidly dry texture.
A Favorite Among Top Restaurants
The wines of Hofkellerei delight not only critics but also the upper echelons of the culinary world.
They are featured at prestigious establishments like Fouquet's in New York, Masa (3 Michelin stars) in New York, N Naka (2 Michelin stars) in Los Angeles, Hotel Bellevue Palace in Bern, Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, and the exclusive wine club 67 Pall Mall in Singapore.
From the vineyard to fine dining: Herawingert in Vaduz. (Image: Courtesy)
The recent successes of the Hofkellerei, which dates back to 1426, bear the signature of winery director Stefan Tscheppe, who has led the operation since 2018. A native of Austria’s Südsteiermark region, Tscheppe has, in collaboration with Princess Marie, who assumed responsibility for the vineyards in 2013, modernized the portfolio and introduced new wines.
A Fresh and Contemporary Approach
With just 4 hectares of vineyards in Vaduz and 31 hectares in Lower Austria, the duo has managed to elevate the winery’s reputation to new heights.
Recognition on the international wine stage is not just a win for the Hofkellerei but also for Liechtenstein, which, through these achievements, is establishing itself as a country with an exceptional wine culture.
The wines of the Prince of Liechtenstein’s cellar are available for Swiss customers in their own webshop or from Smith & Smith.
