Johannes Vasak and Matthias Niebling bring a breath of fresh air

Their turnover was 40 million euros in 2024, with a 25 percent online share.

Left: The pandemic has taken care of this online boost. Customers come to the shop, taste – and then order online. We see: In regions where we have a shop, it is strong online.

They say that their sales are currently under the most difficult market conditions. What is so difficult right now?

Niebling: Inflation, the uncertainty, the general purchase of purchase affect people very much. They see what they spend their money for because their income is limited in total.

The evening catering is also difficult. They reduce the bars, Salzburg has just been closed.

Left: We only concentrate on Vienna at the bars. We can no longer get there in Salzburg because the fluctuation is too high and staff can hardly be found.

In the past, the wine & co-bars were busy in the evening. Is this time over?

Left: I think it’s getting better right now. For example on the Naschmarkt, we are really full in the evening. But everything is over at 11 p.m. The frequency fits again, but significantly less is consumed.

The Jasomirgottstraße branch is far away from the earlier frequency.

Left: We used to call the “Bratpanne” location because it was full, hot and narrow. Today, we are honest, after the renovation, the atmosphere no longer fits properly. We are on to find the flair from earlier.

What is the typical customer looking for at wine & co?

Left: Attractive offers – we are dealers and the curated offer has traction. Products that are only available from us or at the winemaker from the farm. Our average bottle price is 15 to 17 euros. This is relatively high and our focus.

Who is business their biggest enemy: the supermarket, Dry January, the Lent?

Left: Supermarkets are great competitors, they inspire our range. We don’t really notice Dry January and Lent.

They are both new to the management. Your order?

Niebling: We want to bring wine & co forward again. Expansion where it makes sense, in any case.

Left: Retail First is our credo. We are in a strongly online time. Inpatient trade has been neglected, but customers love to be with us.

Do you see the growth in inpatient trade?

Left: Very clear focus on our shops, of course supplemented by online. It is a good symbiosis. Our well -trained employees are important – we go to the regions with you to the winegrowers. This creates knowledge, emotion and added value for our customers.

They are an interesting duo: Austrian, long at wine & co versus Germans, from the parent company. How does that go together?

Niebling: Very good. We already had our trial period last year. Johannes takes care of the products, I am for the numbers.

Are there more German wines from wine & co since Hawesko has taken over?

Left: (laughs) No, it has even become less. German wines are difficult to sell in Austria.