Gamlitz, south of the Styrian rolling hills on the border with Slovenia, is home to the Söll family. Since 1806, they have run their eponymous winery on the outskirts of the quaint wine-producing town.
In 1997, Hannes Söll and his wife Maria took over the idyllic estate. Just one year later, the winemaker switched to what he calls "gentle viticulture".
"Organic farming was not enough for me. I want to keep interventions in the vineyard to a minimum; for example, I don't use any fertilizer. The result is that the vines grow more slowly and are more resistant to disease. This has an effect on the whole ecosystem. Grass, herbs, and insects all thrive harmoniously in the vineyards as a result. Instead of 25 tractor passes, I have a maximum of four to six, which not only saves a lot of fuel but also protects the soil. The soil is the heart of the vine. If the soil is healthy, the wine is healthy. Each vine is different like a young child and needs the appropriate attention and loving care. That is why we work the vines, leaves, and shoots by hand. Our harvest and cellar work is based on the phases of the moon. There are economic and humanitarian benefits to not using chemicals and tractors. Some people compare our vineyards to a primeval forest, but that is exactly how we want it," says Hannes Söll, explaining his philosophy and values.
Wine classics such as Gelber Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc are as much a part of the winery's portfolio as high-quality red wines. These gems are fermented not only in steel and wood but also in concrete eggs. Numerous awards prove Hannes Söll is on the right track, yet the 55-year-old has opened a new chapter in his life: "We have reduced our vineyards to 2.5 hectares, and our son Christian is steering our winery into the next generation. In the future, Hannes Söll will pass on his knowledge and ideology of 'gentle viticulture' to interested winemakers. He will definitely continue his vineyard tours, which are well-known far beyond the borders of Gamlitz. These tours include wine tasting and a small snack. For those interested, the Söll winery offers a special tasting package: twelve bottles, of four varieties, for 120 euros, including shipping!
