People often ask us how we choose the wines for a Lunzer experience.
The honest answer is that we don't really begin with the wines at all. By the time we're thinking about what to pour into the glasses, we've already spent time thinking about something much more important: the people who'll be around the table, why they're coming together and the kind of atmosphere we'd like to create. The wines are then carefully curated to support that experience.
Of course, every wine has to taste wonderful, but that's only part of the story. We're looking for wines with personality, wines with a sense of place and wines with stories worth telling, because those stories often become part of the conversations around the table.
Sometimes we'll introduce guests to a small family producer they've never heard of, perhaps working just beyond a world-famous vineyard, sharing the very same terroir but without the famous name or price tag. On other occasions we'll choose the second or third wine from one of the world's great estates, offering remarkable quality, wonderful character and exceptional value while still expressing the philosophy of that producer.
And sometimes the occasion simply calls for something iconic. Opening a celebrated bottle at exactly the right moment can create a wonderful sense of theatre and celebration. We're certainly not against prestige. We simply don't believe prestige should be the starting point.
We think just as carefully about the marriage of food and wine. A thoughtful pairing doesn't need to be complicated, but it should feel harmonious, elevating both the food and the wine while adding another layer to the experience.
For us, every bottle has to earn its place at the table. It should complement the food, suit the atmosphere and, perhaps most importantly, help create moments that people will remember. Because we're never simply choosing wines. We're designing an experience.