History

Tobias Schmid & Sohn is a family-owned wine and spirits company in Berneck, in the sunny and steep St. Galler Rheintal. The company is described as handmade in Berneck and is part of a tradition dating back to 1866, when Tobias Schmid founded the family, and today it is run in the fifth generation by Christoph Schmid.

The history of wine production in the St. Galler Rheintal has deep roots, and in Berneck the vineyards are already mentioned in the oldest known documentation from 892, underscoring a long-standing tradition of viticulture and wine production in the area.

Production / Manufacturing

In Berneck, in the middle of St. Galler Rheintal, the grapes grow in the sunny and steep vineyards. The proud words about handmade in Berneck come from the fact that many tasks on the steep slopes are performed by hand. The wines are produced as gently as possible and with great artisanal care and dexterity.

There is an emphasis on tradition and careful handling of the grapes throughout the process, which is also reflected in their creation of various wine and spirits products, including traditional wines, sparkling wines, and Edelbrände.

Products / Whisky series

• RED WINES: Classic varieties such as Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir), Merlot and Zweigelt, as well as cuvées under the G-line (G3, G4, G5). Dornfelder is mentioned as part of the assortment – a modern style in a deep red color.
• WHITE WINES & ROSE: Rivaner (Müller‑Thurgau/Silvaner), Chardonnay, Federweiss, Blanc (a cuvée of Pinot Noir, Rivaner and Johanniter) and Rosé Merlot.
• SPUMANTE / SCHIUMA: Crémant Brut produced by the traditional method (Pinot Noir & Chardonnay); Rosécco (a sparkling Rosé line where another method is used and CO2 is added).
• SPIRITS / EDELBRÄNDE: Vieille Prune (plum brandy) as well as other Edelbrände varieties with different fruits; also non-alcoholic options such as COOLER.
• WINE SPECIALITIES: Old Rubin (Pinot Noir with long barrel aging and brandy elements) and Sweet (sweet wine from Pinot Noir and Johanniter), which pair with desserts and cheese buffets.
• COOLER: The cult drink in Berneck, including COOLER ROT (alcoholic) and COOLER BLAU (non-alcoholic with fruit juice and lemon aroma).

Visiting / Experiences

The company offers the opportunity to experience the products through their Vinothek. Opening hours are: Tue–Fri 09–12 and 13:30–17, Saturday 09–13, and Monday/Sunday closed. There is a focus on direct contact and on-site events, including efforts to share knowledge about production and tastings.

Philosophy

We are wine lovers who work with passion and tradition. Handmade in Berneck and with a long-term perspective focused on the love of winemaking and the craft behind every selection. The winery describes itself as winemakers out of love, where the tangible work in the field and in the cellar underpins their range and ongoing development. They place emphasis on preserving the traditions of the St. Galler Rheintal and delivering handmade, characterful wines and related products through five generations.