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The Dürnberg winery in Austria's Weinviertel region started issuing shares for a capital increase worth six million euros on 21 October. Only two weeks later, two thirds of the shares worth 4 million euros have already been allocated. More than 3,500 wine lovers thus became new co-owners. Dürnberg is deliberately not looking for major shareholders, but limits the maximum participation per person to 5,000 euros.
Co-owner and commercial director Georg Klein explained: "If it continues at this rate, it is possible that the six million euros will be reached before the end of the subscription period on 17 November." Already in the run-up, 17,000 wine lovers had registered as interested parties on the winery's website. He is overwhelmed by the response: "We are looking for true friends of wine and want to strengthen the relationship between vintner and customer again. Today, when everything is increasingly virtual, this has unfortunately been somewhat lost."
The capital increase is intended to bring the final expansion phase of the winery, which was founded 30 years ago, to a close: A barrel cellar, a bottle-ageing cellar, additional storage space and a tasting room designed as a "pleasure oasis" are planned. The shareholders receive exclusive benefits and are co-owners including dividend entitlement and co-determination rights.
The Dürnberg winery in Falkenstein cultivates 60 hectares of wine, mainly Grüner Veltliner and Pinot varieties. The wines are certified sustainable and vegan, and conversion to organic farming is currently underway. The company produces 400,000 bottles per year, 60 percent of which are exported, and employs 13 people.
(al / Source: Dürnberg Winery, Photo: Manfred Klimek)
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Dürnberg Winery in Austria becomes public limited company and seeks shareholders