We simply cannot remember a more beautiful autumn – radiantly sunny days, clear and cold nights; today, 17 October, we measured 0°C. The sun has been shining for six weeks! The mood among the vineyard workers is wonderful as we are harvesting the Pinot Gris on the Langenloiser Spiegel.

In the early morning the cold is cutting and speeds us on. Thousands of cuts are necessary to harvest the small Pinot Gris grapes.

The leaves are still intact but their colour has taken on the rich hues of autumn and every breath of wind takes a few leaves with it. Next on our programme: Zweigelt and St Laurent.