History

From the Gebr. Kümin Weinbau und Weinhandel AG's early roots in 1902 onward, the company has evolved from a wine shop in Freienbach to Kümin Weinbau und Weinhandel AG. Key milestones include: - 1913: Opening of a wine shop in Schönau, Freienbach - 1928: Ernst Kümin takes over the business (son of Heinrich) - 1942: Cellar and residence in Oechsli inaugurated - 1963–1967: Acquisition of a vineyard plot and the entry of the fourth Kümin generation; expansions of warehouses and cellars over the decades - 1999–2002: Expansion of the winery (Kelterei) and barrique cellars at Schloss Pfäffikon - 2002: Barrique cellar at Schloss Pfäffikon; 2008: Stefan Kümin Jr. takes over management - 2014: Expansion of the bottling facility; 2018: Renovation of the Vinotheque - 2020–2023: First wines in the new AOC Zürichsee line and launch of Ars Vinorum with Vitis Robusta - 2021: Replanting of Souvignier Gris in the St. Johann/Altendorf vineyard - 2023: Launch of the Ars Vinorum wine line (Vitis Robusta)

Production

The Kümin family adopts a sustainable approach to winemaking. Key elements include: - Vitis Robusta: a cross between European Vitis vinifera varieties and American varieties to combine high quality with resilience. - Sustainability: a focus on environmentally friendly and resource-efficient cultivation methods and reduced pesticide use through more robust varieties. - Resource savings: use of returnable (Mehrweg) bottles that are washed and refilled, which according to the producer leads to substantial energy savings (85% less energy than new glass) and CO2 improvements of over 40% across the entire production. 75 cl bottles are returned with a CHF 0.30 eco-bonus upon return. - Biodiversity: measures such as wildlife habitats, dry stone walls, and measures to attract beneficial insects and support a natural ecosystem in the vineyards. - Minimal plant protection: robust varieties contribute to a reduced need for pesticides and inputs. - Rote Weinbergpfirsich: support for regional traditions and biodiversity through collaboration with ProSpecieRara.

Products/Whisky Series

Kümin also offers whisky in its range. Available products include: - Whisky Two Ravens 12 Years – Swiss Single Malt Whisky, aged 12 years, 70 cl, CHF 95.00 (currently sold out) - Whisky Two Ravens – Swiss Single Malt Whisky aged 3 Years, 70 cl, CHF 68.00

Visits/Experiences

The Vinotek in Freienbach showcases the house wines from its own production and cellar, as well as a carefully curated selection of European wines. There is free delivery within the local delivery area on orders over CHF 80.

Philosophy

The philosophy focuses on sustainability and biodiversity. Key points include: - Vitis Robusta: crossings between varieties to achieve robustness and high quality, enabling environmentally friendly cultivation methods and a reduced need for chemicals. - Bottle return and refilling: the company uses only reusable packaging, which is washed and refilled, and offers an eco-bonus upon return. - Minimal plant protection and biodiversity: use of measures to promote many species and natural pest control without pesticides. - Rote Weinbergpfirsich: support for regional traditions and biodiversity through collaboration with ProSpecieRara.