An Austrian Heuriger

Austrian Chef, Erwin Schrottner of Cafe Katja in NYC will be onsite, cooking up delicious traditional, Austrian bites, and showcasing his culinary talents through cooking demonstrations. Tours through Chateau Frank’s sparkling cellar, Austrian live music, and of course, wine, will all contribute to the merriment of this festive event!

In Austria, a Heuriger is a celebration where local winemakers serve their new wine during the grape growing season. In 1784, Austrian Emperor Joseph II issued a decree that permitted all residents to open their establishments to sell and serve self-produced wine and juices. Ever since then, the Heuriger has been an annual tradition.

Erwin Schröttner is the owner of the Lower East Side eatery Café Katja in New York City. Growing up on a farm just outside of Graz, Styria, he developed an early interest in fresh and homemade food. At the age of 15, he started apprenticing in various restaurants and hotel kitchens, actively pursuing a culinary career. After a few stints in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, Erwin made his way to New York in 1998. There, he met his friend and business partner Andrew Chase. Together they worked on and off at Monkey Bar and the former Mark Hotel, for about eight years before eventually opening Café Katja on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. 

Upon arrival, you will receive a complimentary Dr. Frank wine glass and your Austrian passport. Your passport will be your guide throughout the Heuriger where you will explore through four different food and wine stations each representing regional Austrian dishes created by Chef Erwin Schrottner. 

Keep an eye out for a future email with a sign up for several additional experiences at no additional charge: 

• Meet the Chef: Erwin Schrottner of Cafe Katja – Schnitzel Demo
• Vineyard Tours
• Sparkling Cellar Tours