Thomas Niedermayr

Thomas Niedermayr takes his own path.
Around his Gandberg farm in Eppan, fungus-resistant grape varieties – known as PIWIs – such as Bronner, Solaris, and Souvignier Gris flourish. Carefully and with a deep respect for biodiversity, he accompanies his wines both in the vineyard and the cellar, allowing each of them the individual time they need. Through observation, experience, and sensitivity, he creates harmonious and complex rarities.

PIWI Pioneer

The foundation for a holistic and ecologically conscious cultivation of the Gandberg farm’s land was laid more than 30 years ago by his father, Rudolf. In 1991 – at a time when organic farming was often ridiculed or actively opposed – he became one of the first members of the Bioland association. With few like-minded farmers around, he became a true pioneer. A self-taught grower, he experimented and brought his plants and vines to thrive in a sustainable way. Experimenting with PIWIs was thus a natural continuation of a philosophy that gives nature the first and final say.

When Thomas took over the farm in 2012, he adopted his father’s ideas and continued to develop them. Even though viticulture was already the main focus at that time, the pursuit of a holistic, biodiversity-driven approach remained central. Anyone wandering through Thomas’s vineyards will encounter ducks and chickens, fruit trees, vegetable beds, and wild growth between the rows of vines.

The farm has long gone far beyond what is required for organic certification. Everything is questioned. For Thomas, working with and in nature means “understanding cycles – both small and large”: from the microfauna in the soil to the influence of the "ice holes" – the frigid caves at the foot of the Gandberg – on his vines.

Building on the solid foundation of his values and vibrant vineyards, Thomas has taken steps in recent years to break new ground. His goal: to preserve “nature’s right to remain wild” – and to express that wildness in his wines. To do this, he turned to friends in the natural wine scene and began drastically reducing interventions in the cellar. Today, he follows the strict guidelines of vinnatur and crafts layered, profound PIWI interpretations that open up entirely new sensory worlds – ones that any curious wine drinker should absolutely explore.