MOVIN's Interview with Michael Opitz Winery

Today, we journey to the heart of Austria’s Burgenland wine region to meet Michael Opitz, the visionary behind a bold and contemporary winery that’s redefining terroir through sustainability and creativity. Known for organic practices, wild fermentations, and minimal intervention, Michael Opitz crafts wines that tell authentic stories of their environment—with a distinctly personal twist.

MOVIN: Michael, thank you for joining us. Can you start by telling us about the core philosophy behind your winery?

Michael Opitz: Thank you, it’s great to be part of the series. Our philosophy is grounded in two key principles: respect for nature and curiosity in winemaking. We farm organically, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s the only way we see a future in wine. We want to create wines that express where they come from—our sandy soils in Seewinkel, the microclimate shaped by nearby lakes, the wild herbs in the vineyards. At the same time, I like to break away from rigid tradition and experiment with styles that feel honest and fun.

MOVIN: That connection to both nature and innovation really stands out in your wines. Could you tell us more about your vineyards and the terroir of Burgenland?

Michael Opitz: Of course. We’re based in the Seewinkel region in the Austrian state of Burgenland. It’s a unique spot—very dry, with a lot of sunshine and strong temperature differences between day and night. That gives the grapes a lot of intensity and freshness. Our soils are mostly sandy with gravel, which helps drainage and gives a lovely elegance to the wines. Because it’s such a warm area, we’re always thinking about freshness—both in the vineyard and in the cellar. That’s why we harvest in some years rather early and let nature take the lead during fermentation with zero additives, despite a little bit of sulfur.

MOVIN: How would you describe the range of wines you produce? Any signature styles or standout labels you’d like to highlight?

Michael Opitz: Our wine range reflects our love for minimal intervention and expressive terroir. One of our core lines is Simply Pure, which includes varietal wines like Zweigelt, Merlot, and Blaufränkisch—clean, vibrant wines that showcase the grape and the soil with zero additives. Then there’s Buddy Talk, with both Red and White cuvées, all about approachability and joy—light, juicy, and fun wines made to spark connection.

Iris is a broad and exploratory project: from Iris whites and reds to blends, roughs, and sweets, designed for those who love to explore texture, nuance, and creative expression. And for the adventurous, Free Solo—available in both White and Red—is our most uncompromising expression: natural, raw, and bottled without compromise.

True to our motto: “No tricks. Just wine.” Everything we do is about honesty in the bottle—letting the vineyard speak without makeup, manipulation, or shortcuts.

MOVIN: Your approach is refreshingly modern. Let’s talk about your commitment to organic viticulture and sustainability. How does that translate into daily work?

Michael Opitz: For us, organic farming means working with the vineyard, not against it. We don’t use herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we build biodiversity—plant cover crops, encourage insect life, and focus on soil health. In the cellar, everything is spontaneous—no added yeasts, low sulfur, minimal filtration. It’s about trust: trust in the grapes, the place, and the process. We also use lightweight bottles and avoid plastic wherever we can. Sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s a mindset.

MOVIN: What about your international footprint? Where can wine lovers find your wines outside of Austria?

Michael Opitz: We’re proud to be part of a growing international movement that values authenticity and sustainability in wine. You can find our wines in the UK, Sweden, Norway, Germany, and parts of Switzerland, USA, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands. We work closely with like-minded importers and sommeliers who understand our philosophy and share it with curious wine drinkers in their countries. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone on the other side of Europe connect with a bottle that was made in our small corner of Burgenland.

MOVIN: Finally, what do you hope people experience when they drink a Michael Opitz wine?

Michael Opitz: I want them to feel something genuine. A sense of place, a bit of playfulness, maybe even surprise. Wine should never be intimidating—it should be alive, joyful, and honest. If our wines can spark conversation, emotion, or just a good time, then we’ve done our job.

Don't forget to check out the products from Michael Opitz Winery.

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