The King of Sweetness
The International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London has crowned Hans Tschida ‘Sweet Winemaker of the Year’ for the 11th time.
Burgenland winemaker Hans Tschida turns almost every appearance at the International Wine Challenge into a hit: He has just been awarded ‘Sweet Winemaker of the Year’ in London for an incredible eleventh time. With five gold and twelve silver medals as well as two trophies, he has once again confirmed his exceptional international standing.
Eleven successes in fifteen years for his sweet wines from the Seewinkel region near the Hungarian border. Since winning his first title in 2010, he has received one award after another: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 – and now 2025.
No other winemaker has been named Sweet Winemaker of the Year by the International Wine Challenge (IWC) jury as often as Hans Tschida from Seewinkel in Burgenland. In addition to the main prize, which is based on the number and quality of medals, he was also honoured with the Austrian Sweet Wine Trophy for his Sämling 88 Beerenauslese 2021 and the Neusiedlersee Trophy for his Muskat Ottonel Beerenauslese 2021.
“Making world-class sweet wines is an art form that is often under-appreciated. Hans Tschida has mastered the techniques – both in the vineyard and the cellar – that enable him to make stunning examples with impressive consistency. We wine lovers should thank him for his talent, sensitivity and dedication to producing such remarkable nectars”, says Tim Atkin MW, Co-Chairman of the IWC, paying homage to the award winner from the Neusiedlersee wine-growing region in the very east of Austria. The award ceremony took place on 9 September in the magnificent historic Guildhall in London.
Even after so many years, going on stage has not become routine for Hans Tschida and his family. Every time, they feel that special excitement in the ballroom. As with the Oscars, the winners of the IWC awards only find out whether they are among the chosen few when Tim Atkin opens the envelope. A moment full of excitement – and one that Hans Tschida has already won so often.
“I’m delighted every time, as if it were the first time. It is always a privilege to receive this recognition. To be named Sweet Winemaker of the Year once again is the reflection of my lifelong passion for sweet wine and the unique character of our vineyards at Angerhof Tschida – and a wonderful acknowledgement for me and my team”, explains the Illmitz winegrower, who runs the winery together with his daughter Daniela Salzl-Tschida.
The International Wine Challenge. At this year’s 41st IWC, medals were awarded to wineries in 35 countries by over 250 jury members consisting of Masters of Wine, international wine producers, wine merchants and specialized journalists. Tim Atkin MW, Sam Caporn MW, Oz Clarke, Dr Jamie Goode, Peter McCombie MW and Helen McGinn presided over the jury.
Together with his family, Hans Tschida cultivates thirty hectares of vineyards in the Seewinkel region of Burgenland, at his Angerhof Tschida estate. The near Lake Neusiedl, with its special microclimate, mineral salt and sandy soils, light gravel and dark black earth, characterises the Muskat Ottonels, Chardonnays, Welschrieslings, Gelber Muskateller, Grüner Veltliner, seedlings and red wines from the family-run winery. They are characterised by their uniquely balanced style and varietal typicity. ‘Sweet wine in perfection’ is the winery’s motto.
Darren Gall
with
