Program Overview

From Styria via New York to Vienna
His flair for wine and fine dining took Leopold Schneemann on an exciting journey around the world. As Assistant Sommelier at Vienna’s Steirereck and at the multiple award-winning restaurant Obauer in Werfen, he gained his first experiences in wine and gastronomy. While working at Domaine Seppi Landmann in Alsace, France, and at the Johann Donabaum winery in the Wachau, he also gained insight into the art of winemaking. The Michelin-starred restaurant Au Crocodile in Strasbourg and the luxury cruise ships of Crystal Cruises were just two more of his stops along the way.

At the age of 23, he eventually landed in New York City. He felt at home there and dedicated himself to working with the restaurants of star chef and entrepreneur Kurt Gutenbrunner. For Gutenbrunner’s New York establishments Wallsé, Café Sabarsky, Blaue Gans, and Upholstery Store, he created outstanding wine lists and, as General Manager of the Michelin-starred Wallsé, played a major role in the success of this trendy cult restaurant. After years of collaboration, Schneemann and Gutenbrunner decided to transform the existing Upholstery Store wine bar into a seafood and oyster bar.

After eleven years in “the city that never sleeps” and many shared successes with Kurt Gutenbrunner, it was time for new challenges — and these took the Austrian-American to Buffalo, where he joined Bistro Hutch’s. He now returned to Austria focusing on wine rarities and wine trends.

The 2026 Austria Educational Wine Tour package includes the following:

• Meals as noted in itinerary.
• Group transfers and touring transportation during the program.
• Winery visits and educational programs.
• Hotel accommodations.

Exclusions

• Meals not specifically noted in itinerary are at guest expense and discretion.
• International airfare.
• All discretionary expenses and all expenses not specifically noted in the program itinerary.

The total Program fee for the 2026 Austria Educational Wine Tour with Leopold Schneemann is set at $5,499.00 per guest.

Initial deposit required at time of booking is $1,750.00 per person deposit is required at the time of booking and final payment is due 60 days prior to the program start date. Payments are subject to a 3.5% credit card processing fee.

Space is limited. Registrations will be accepted until the group reaches capacity. If we reach capacity, you will be notified and put on a waitlist and no charges will be applied.