The sweet wine pioneer has died at the age of 48, following a brief, heavy illness Austria's Wine Community Mourns Alois Kracher

In 1986, "Luis" Kracher, who was educated as a chemical engineer, went to work at the winery of his father, already known as a sweet wine specialist. The young Kracher's reputation soared very quickly due to his new style of sweet wine making, and within only a few years, he had become an outstanding ambassador of the new Austrian quality wine philosophy. Alois Kracher went on to garner innumerable awards and accolades, including being named - a total of six times - "Winemaker of the Year" by the internationally renowned Wine Magazine in London. In addition to the national and international awards, his wines received the highest scores by some of the world's most influential wine critics. All of this success and appreciation had turned Alois Kracher into Austrian wine's most globally-renowned luxury brand name.

Alois Kracher had worked tirelessly, not only for his own winery, but for the reputation of Austrian wine overall. He opened the door to the international markets for many of his fellow wine colleagues. His son, Gerhard, with the support of the Kracher family, will carry on the work of the great wine pioneer from Illmitz.