Vines are planted on loam, slate, mica and lime. Franz views the soil as the origin, the fermentation the birth and the ageing in the cellar as the education of the wines. Thus, he treats these soils with respect and with pride, too.  In terms of the climate Lake Neusiedl to the east brings warmth (a shallow lake that acts like a radiator, dissipating store warmth during the autumn months); the Bucklige Welt (hills) to the west brings cool temperatures. The Illyrian climate sometimes sends in storms from the south. The Sopron Mountains in the north and the Kőszeg Mountains in the south provide protection. But this is generally a warm region, propitious for red grape varieties. But Franz is looking for balance rather than extraction – which brings us back to the farming. Holistic growth and vines in harmony with nature are the goals; organic-biodynamic cultivation is the method. The biological activity of the soil (micro and macro-organisms) bring the wine’s provenance to the glass. The need for cellar work is minimised because everything is in balance.  At Weingut Weninger, all vineyard work is adapted to the plant with respect to the rhythm of the seasons and the moon. Protecting the natural balance in the vineyard, with the aid of biodynamic preparations and the use of homeopathic teas, enables them to harvest healthy and vibrant grapes. (The horsetail and nettle are collected in the immediate surroundings of the vineyards).