About us – May Wines – exclusive wines
“Wine with passion – this is our guiding principle, which we and our team live by wholeheartedly. That is why the careful selection of wines, their provenance, perfect bottle conditions, and expert advice are so important to us.”
Our story –
and where we stand today
The story of May Wines is shaped by the passion of its founders, Andrea and Berndt May. As dedicated owners and true wine connoisseurs, they have made it their mission to bring exceptional wines from France and other renowned regions to Austria.
Berndt May: “In our portfolio, you will find some of the finest wines in the world, from young to fully matured. Our offering is aimed at both passionate wine lovers and the gastronomy sector. Personal consultation and a friendly, trust-based relationship with our customers and partners are especially important to us.”
Milestones and prestigious wineries
A key milestone was the acquisition of the exclusive portfolio of the renowned wine merchant Heinz Schelling. This step enabled May Wines to integrate an impressive selection of top wines from Burgundy, the Rhône, the Loire, and other regions of France into its range. As a result, May Wines has further strengthened its position as an expert in French wines.
Among the outstanding wineries that are now part of the May Wines portfolio are prestigious names such as Domaine Jamet, Château Rayas, Clos la Néore, Coche-Dury, Sylvain Cathiard, and many more. All of them stand for the highest quality and tradition. Andrea May: “Our close collaboration with these wineries allows us to offer our customers an exclusive selection of wines that inspire both collectors and connoisseurs alike.”
May Wines team and shopping experience
A key part of our development is our dedicated team, which works with great passion and equal expertise. Konstantin Schindlmaisser, Franziska Frank, Sandro Stengele, Ágnes Végh, and Paul Breuss are always delighted to find the finest wines for our customers and provide personalised advice.
Our vinotheque in Vienna is not only a place to shop, but also a space for inspiring tastings and personal encounters with the world of wine. Through our online shop, wine lovers and collectors can conveniently access our continuously growing portfolio and stay informed about current offers.
Berndt May: “We place the highest value on the provenance of our bottles, fair pricing, and a positive customer experience.“
Are you looking for a special Burgundy, a characterful Syrah, or a rare find from the Loire? We invite you to become part of our story and discover our diverse wine selection.
Our portfolio –
from mature to young
Driven by our passion and specialising in great names (blue chips), mature wines, and carefully selected young wines, our fully climate-controlled cellar offers everything a wine lover could wish for. Among others, we store wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Rhône, the Loire, and, of course, Austria. Some of our top wines are available only in limited quantities, while we also offer a wide range of regional and village wines. The acquisition of the portfolio from France specialist Heinz Schelling marked a significant expansion of our selection of exclusive French wines and further strengthened our position in the market as a wine merchant.
Our close collaboration with winemakers, their meticulous craftsmanship, and their commitment to sustainable viticulture are essential to the quality of our portfolio. Origin, craftsmanship, and philosophy define the significance of each individual wine in our selection. Beyond France and Austria, you will also find selected producers from California, Italy, Spain, Germany, and more.
Partnerships
In addition to our mature portfolio – sourced from private collectors as well as restaurant and hotel cellars – we are also importers for several regions in France: Burgundy, the Rhône, and the Loire. Through our partnership with Moët Hennessy (LVMH Group), champagnes such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, and Ruinart are an integral part of our portfolio. This is complemented by a German estate, Maximin Grünhaus, as well as selected wineries from Austria, primarily from the Wachau. This enables us to meet (almost) all your preferences in terms of region, style, and budget.
Private customers
and gastronomy
Via our online shop, private customers can easily browse and purchase wines from the comfort of their homes. Our credo: to offer high-quality wines at fair prices. “Wine with Passion” is not just a phrase for us, but a lived reality. Our team consists of experts in fine wines who are always ready to support you with their knowledge. If you have any questions, we are happy to assist you by phone or in our vinotheque in Vienna’s 3rd district, of course, over a good glass of wine.
Our gastronomy clients benefit from our experience in creating well-balanced wine lists. We drink what we talk about, and thanks to the diverse backgrounds of our team, we have the expertise needed to support our clients. Konstantin Schindlmaisser has worked as a sommelier in some of the world’s finest establishments and understands the needs of the hospitality industry first-hand. Close collaboration with restaurateurs is particularly important to us, as they make a valuable contribution to wine culture, ensuring that wine is not only traded, but also enjoyed. Some of the finest wines from our portfolio are available to both gastronomy clients and private customers alike.
Premium wine tastings –
MasterClasses
When it comes to wine, enjoyment and personal exchange come first. That is why May Wines regularly offers MasterClasses on a wide range of topics. These are organised and professionally hosted by Berndt May and Konstantin Schindlmaisser. As passionate hosts and dedicated wine professionals, we apply the same standards here as we would for a private tasting: perfectly prepared wines, high-quality glassware, a welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of room for engaging discussions are a given at our MasterClasses.
Most of our tastings take place in our tasting salon in a villa in Vienna’s 13th district, in the stylish setting of our vinotheque in the 3rd district, or at partner restaurants and wineries across Austria. We are also happy to organise a private MasterClass for you or your clients.
Shaped by wine –
our background
For more than 25 years, “Wine with Passion” has been the guiding motto of Andrea and Berndt May. Even back then, Andrea was active in the wine industry at the PR agency Wine&Partners. Berndt, on the other hand, worked as Managing Director at J.P. Morgan, focusing professionally on topics such as asset management and economic outlooks. Wine and gastronomy were his personal passion, which gradually became part of the client events he organised.
“Even at that time, we had nearly 10,000 bottles stored in our climate-controlled cellar, organised tastings, travelled to renowned wine regions, and kept detailed notes on the wines we tasted. What we always experienced firsthand is how wine brings people together. Since 2017, wine has also become our full professional focus, and as wine merchants, we work with what we consider the most enjoyable and exciting products. Today, we have built a fantastic team and truly cannot imagine a more rewarding profession.”
The wine community is a welcoming one, and many wonderful friendships have grown from it. To this day, we love talking about wine, whether during consultations, tastings, or simply enjoying a good bottle together. Whether at our professional MasterClasses or at private, passion-driven tastings, one belief remains: The best bottle is the one shared.
We look forward to supporting you in your “Passion for Wine.”
and the May Wines team
