Describing himself as modest, ambitious, and honest, René characterizes his approach as casual, enthusiastic, friendly, humorous, respectful, and deeply collaborative.
Wine Pairing Mastery
At Steirereck, René Antrag has built a reputation as a groundbreaking sommelier, curating perfect pairings from over 1,300 fine wines to complement Heinz Reitbauer’s unparalleled cuisine. His intuitive and sensitive approach makes him an exceptional matchmaker between wine and Reitbauer’s imaginative dishes. Gault Millau Austria editors Martina and Karl Hohenlohe have praised these qualities as defining hallmarks of his talent.
A Holistic View of Wine
René manages the renowned Steirereck cellar, effortlessly balancing classic and natural wine styles to meet the demands of its sophisticated cuisine. His approach ensures that both traditional wine enthusiasts and natural wine lovers feel equally at home.
René’s passion extends beyond Steirereck with his personal project, 18AR, producing his own wine from the Perchtoldsdorfer Riede Fehner vineyard. The second vintage, a field blend, reflects his belief in the diversity of vineyards—a philosophy he embodies in his professional and personal life.
Inspiring the Next Generation
generation of sommeliers. Through his dedication and foresight, René Antrag continues to elevate the art of wine pairing while inspiring others to pursue excellence in the field.
