Location and history

The name "Thurnhof" means 'close to a tower' and was first documented in 1175. It was situated beneath the castle 'Weinegg' and was subject to the Lords of Weinegg.

The troops of Meinhard II, Count of Tyrol besieged the castle for 13 weeks and reduced it to rubble. The Thurnhof estate was subsequently owned by the church and run by Bavarian monks, who were perhaps the first to appreciate its superb potential to produce premium wines.

Recently the Vigilius chapel, once the castle chapel, has been restored and the restoration work revealed a 14th century fresco cycle. It pictures Weinegg castle with Thurnhof at the foot of the hill. The picture (as shown left) became the inspiration for the Thurnhof labels.

Since 1850 the estate has been owned by the family Berger-Mumelter. Today Hans and Andreas Berger work hard in the steep vineyards to produce high quality wines.