Two brothers. One estate. And a wine with a personal signature

Manfred & Matthias Rellich of the Drauhof in Tramin

Anyone visiting the Drauhof in Tramin quickly realizes: here, two brothers work with heart, genuine curiosity, and a fine sense for quality. Manfred and Matthias Rellich represent the young generation on the estate – and they walk their path together. With deep roots in Gewürztraminer country and the will to make the very best from their grapes each year.

One estate, two paths – one goal

The Drauhof was built by their father in 1986, yet the family’s passion for wine goes back even further: their grandfather was already a vintner – today Matthias and Manfred manage the farm in the third generation.

Nestled among vineyards and orchards, the family–run estate on the edge of Tramin combines farm holidays with its own Private winery Drauhof – a true family business with personality and signature.

In 2011, after completing his bachelor’s degree, Matthias took over the estate and today carries the main responsibility – both organizational and strategic. Manfred, a trained cellar technician, works full-time at a renowned local winery. Yet he brings his knowledge directly into their own production – whether in vinification, in the cellar, or in the small decisions that ultimately shape the character of a wine.

What unites them: they grew up on the farm, helping since childhood – at harvest, in canopy work, in the cellar. They learned to observe – and to take responsibility.

Today they run the Drauhof together – with clear division of tasks, but common goals.

100% own grapes, 100% own style

Since taking over, the brothers have vinified their wines themselves – with precision in the vineyard, intuition in the cellar, and the principle of bottling only what they would gladly drink themselves. “If it tastes good to you, it usually tastes good to others too,” says Manfred.

They cultivate a small vineyard area – but with great care. “We work as close to nature as possible,” explains Matthias. Their motto: high effort, low yield – because

“quality is born in the vineyard.”

Despite their modest production of about 6,000–6,500 bottles a year, the entire value chain remains in family hands: grapes from their own vineyards, vinification in their own cellar, and direct sales to guests, many of whom spend their holidays here.

“We want our customers, when drinking our wines, to remember us and the time they spent at the Drauhof,” says Matthias. And indeed: with much dedication, he succeeds in giving his wines a personal touch – and guests a piece of Tramin to take home.

True to variety. Independent. Genuine.

The star at the Drauhof is – naturally – Gewürztraminer. And yet it surprises: elegant, mineral, clear, with freshness rather than sweetness in the foreground. “Unserer tuat noualen,” says Matthias with a smile – “you’re happy to have another glass.”

The wine is an expression of its site, the calcareous soil, and the stylistic choice to focus on freshness and drinkability. Alongside Gewürztraminer, they also produce Chardonnay and Goldmuskateller. The latter is vinified dry, without residual sugar – a rarity that surprises and delights many.

“We have only one site per variety,”

says Manfred. “But that’s why we observe very closely how each vintage differs – and that is incredibly fascinating.” Concentrating on a single site allows them to fine-tune harvest timing and vinification with precision.

When it fits – then Riserva

Their ambition shows in the reds as well: Lagrein forms the foundation, and depending on the vintage, a Riserva is added – but only “if it is truly of high quality, if it deserves to be bottled.”

They also produce Vernatsch and a fresh Lagrein Rosé – wines that bring joy, but are never trivial. In their Lagrein Riserva they emphasize strong structure, an independent profile – and a special detail: the wax seal with the Drauhof emblem on the bottle. Simple, yet full of character – just like the wine itself.

Selling with closeness – not with scatter

Around 90% of their wines Manfred and Matthias sell directly from the estate – to guests, loyal customers, and selected local restaurants. In their small tasting room, they take time, telling stories about soils, vintages, and decisions – with no showmanship.

What matters most to them is personal contact. For those who spend their holidays on the farm, there is more than just an apartment: every Monday evening the brothers invite to a tasting, tell of their journey – and open the right bottles.

“Many guests come back year after year,” says Manfred. “Because they know: everything they drink here grows here – and was crafted by us.” That builds trust – and a closeness that lasts.

What remains

Manfred and Matthias Rellich are not loudspeakers. They work, experiment, observe – and speak only when there is truly something to say. Their wine is like themselves: calm, honest, and detail-loving.

And when, on Monday evening, the Gewürztraminer is poured and someone asks for a refill: “Then you know – der tuat noualen.”

(Text fromErica Furini)
october 2025