The Seewinkel
In the easternmost part of Austria on the border with Hungary lies Lake Neusiedl. Its eastern bank offers a natural paradise of rare beauty: dense reed beds stretch in front of flat steppes that boast sandy pastures interspersed with tiny lakes. Rare birds nest in these reed beds, while cows, sheep, ducks and native pigs graze the meadows. Due to the many water patches, the locals of Podersdorf, Illmitz and Apetlon call the area "Seewinkel", which means corner of the lake.

The climate: Pannonic
Hot and dry summers, very cold winters, rainfall in spring and fall: That's the Pannonian climate of the Seewinkel and the west of Hungary. In addition, Lake Neusiedl creates special conditions not to be encountered elsewhere. The lake moderates summer dryness. In fall, it provides thick evening fogs that cover everything until they are gradually dissolved by the morning sun. These are perfect conditions for the development of Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot that makes fine sweet wines possible.

The Vineyards
The Kracher vineyards extend along the border of the national park and partially even within the protected area. About one third is comprised of sandy-gravelly soils, while the remaining two thirds feature gravelly sediments. This subsoil ensures good drainage and enables deep rooting of the vines.

White varietals:
50% Welschriesling
20% Chardonay
10% Traminer
10% Scheurebe
5% Muskat - Ottonel
5% experimental plantings

Red kinds:
90% Zweigelt
10% experimental plantings