Aldo Sohm and Gerhard Kracher have shared a close friendship for over a decade. They first met in New York in 2004.
At the time, Aldo Sohm had moved from Tyrol to New York to gain international experience as a sommelier. Today, he is the Head Sommelier at Le Bernardin, one of the most acclaimed and well-known restaurants on the American East Coast. Over the years, he has earned numerous accolades, including Best Sommelier in the USA and the prestigious title of World Champion Sommelier.
Gerhard Kracher, back then the right-hand man of Alois Kracher Jr., was representing the winery in the important US market. The two hit it off immediately, united by their shared passion for the world’s finest wines and exceptional cuisine. Today, Gerhard runs the world-renowned Weinlaubenhof in its third generation. Kracher wines are featured on the wine lists of top restaurants in 45 countries and the winery has been consistently recognized with awards and high ratings over the decades.
Since 2009, they have also been producing wines together under the label Kracher & Sohm. The idea, as so often with them, emerged over a meal and a glass of wine. Both share a love for autochthonous grape varieties—native, traditional grapes that have been cultivated in a specific region for centuries. Among them, Grüner Veltliner holds a special place in their hearts. Characteristic of Austria’s Weinviertel region, it was the perfect choice for their first vineyard, which they leased in the Pulkautal. This area was chosen not only for its heritage but also for its unique old vineyards planted on exceptional soils.
Their first wine, a 2009 Grüner Veltliner, was an instant success. Today, their lineup also includes a carefully crafted Chardonnay.