Kapfenstein Castle

Name: Kapfenstein Castle
Address: Nr. 1, Kapfenstein, Thermen- & Vulkanland Steiermark, 8353, AT
Telephone: +43 3157 300300

Kapfenstein

Current information

Kitchen times:
Lunch, Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 to 14:30
Dinner, Thursday to Saturday from 17:30 to 19:30
Drinks, coffee, cake, and ice cream are available Thursday to Sunday until 17:00

This former fortress is situated on an extinct volcanic cone in the middle of the Winkler-Hermaden vineyard.

Those who come here have truly found a place to enjoy. A place for the senses, for the eyes, the palate, and the nose. "Lightly creative Styrian" is the motto of the Kapfenstein Castle Kitchen. With feeling and expertise, the dishes are accompanied by the best wines from the family-owned vineyard.

A meeting point for connoisseurs
On clear days, the view extends west to the Koralpe and south to the mysterious, dark regions of Slovenia. The shining white castle atop the extinct East Styrian volcanic cone is a magical place, with luxuriously furnished rooms behind thick walls.

Especially lovely on good weather days is sitting on the terrace shaded by arcades. On rougher days, a bright knight's hall offers warmth. In the kitchen, Martin Winkler-Hermaden has been preparing a traditional rotation of dishes for years, which he expertly refines. His harmoniously composed gourmet menus, offered in four or five courses, are highly recommended. The wines come from the family-owned Winkler-Hermaden vineyard, offering a wide range of varieties that promise diverse enjoyment, reaching into the light Olivin heights. Especially nice is that not only older vintages are available, but also large bottles.

Gourmet Tip: A picnic around Kapfenstein Castle is highly recommended!

Castle history and stories
Arriving at Kapfenstein Castle means finding a true place to enjoy, we think, as we take a sip of the "Olivin," the Zweigelt, which has been produced here for over 25 years. The best we've ever tasted! The hill on which the picturesque castle stands is an extinct volcano about three million years old. Much history can be found here, but also many stories.

One of these stories is about the origins of the Winkler-Hermaden family at Kapfenstein Castle. In 1918, Ritter Ludwig H. Arendt – who had fallen out with the rest of the world – bequeathed his vast estate to his resolute manager, the grandmother of the current castle owner, Georg Winkler-Hermaden. Soon after, a young geologist came along, and that was the grandfather...

The medieval Kapfenstein Castle was first mentioned in documents in the 11th century. It has a tumultuous military history. In the 13th century, it was conquered and destroyed by the Hungarians. During the Turkish Wars, it was besieged but could not be taken.

After a varied history spanning around 900 years, the castle and estate have been in the ownership of the Winkler-Hermaden family since 1918. In World War II, the castle was heavily plundered, and its agricultural holdings were destroyed. A few years later, a Buschenschank (a traditional Austrian wine tavern) was established in the renovated section. In the 1960s, the Buschenschank was transformed into a gastronomic operation with guest rooms.

Winkler-Hermaden Vineyard Kapfenstein
For a few years now, "the boys" of Georg and Margot Winkler-Hermaden have also had a say in the vineyard. Since then, no stone has been left unturned, and every vine is turned three times. Exciting times are ahead for Olivin and others.

The parents are not quite finished yet, but the next generation is already making its mark at Winkler-Hermaden Vineyard. The stories surrounding the castle already have 1000 years of history. It’s a place with a rich history where wine is made. Names like "Dragon" and "Lion Cellars" lend the wines, ranging from Sauvignon Blanc to Traminer to Burgundian varieties, even greater significance.

Nomen est omen
The family's vineyards are spread across the house mountain, extending as far as Klöch. Here, the "nome" of the castle once again becomes "omen," as from it, you can see all 40 hectares of vineyard. Kapfenstein means nothing more than "looking from the stone." And since the Winkler-Hermadens not only look but also produce excellent wine, such as Olivin, all roads in the Thermen- and Vulkanland Steiermark should lead to them.

Seats inside: 70
Seats outside: 100