Leo Hillinger was born in 1967 in Eisenstadt, Burgenland, into a traditional wine retailer’s family. After studying wine growing in various schools, he completed numerous practical trainings in various European countries. At the age of 19 he was granted a scholarship to move to California in order to engage further in the vinification of quality wines. At that time he also became interested in ecological vineyard management which still characterizes his work.

In 1990, at the age of 23, Hillinger took over his father’s business and started to reform grape production according to his ideas. After a relatively short period of time he was able to chalk up decisive increases in quality and sales. New experiences gained on his journeys through South Africa, Australia and New Zealand have been continuously incorporated in his work. However, the respect for characteristic wines has always had top priority.

Again and again Hillinger has left traditional paths in favour of creative innovations. At his wine tavern (“Heurigen”) in Jois he has invited guests to a jazz brunch, classical concerts or poetic goose dishes, thereby establishing a wide network in the field of art, business and wine making.

The opening of the winery in Jois, which has been designed according to his ideas in a very sophisticated way with regard to architecture and technique, represents one of the highlights of his career.

Leo Hillinger and his wife Eveline have two children: Vivienne born 2004 and Leo Thaddäus born 2002.