Steinwand, Steinerne Brücke, Stein am Rain – these names are telling. Steep terraces – Pichl Point, Kollmitz and Kollmütz complement the already mentioned – built on granite and gneiss are the foundation upon which the excellent Federspiele and Smaragde of the family Eigl rest. The Eigls have been producing typical Wachau wines on their 10 hectares in and around Joching for half a century. Grüner Veltliner is their number one grape in the assortment of family Eigl. Additionally they cultivate Riesling, Pinot Gris, Goldburger and some other white varieties. Yet, in stark contrast to most other winemakers in the Wachau, they also gave reds a chance: already in the 1960 St. Laurent was planted, a breach of taboo – and thereby significantly expanded the repertoire of Wachau grapes. Even today, their St. Laurent as well as their Zweigelt plays an important role in their range. The winery itself represents a successful symbiosis of tradition and modernity: in 2003 a new cellar was built which allows for the combination of slow vinification processes with new technologies. The old winemaker’s house in Wösendorf hosts a contemporary vinothek, in which both cold and warm classic dishes perfectly complement the fine wines of the family.