Power Women in Austria
Introduction
Innovative, bold - and award-winning: Meet the women that are shaping Austria and Austria's tourism landscape.
In 2026, we are shining a spotlight on women from the culinary and hospitality sector who rethink tradition and shape the future. Meet female entrepreneurs who are setting new restaurant standards, are taking over the wine making industry or help drive the plant movement forward. They all have their own stories and talents, but they're all working together to make Austria fit for the (tourism) future.
Introduction
Biodynamic winemaker Stefanie Renner
Stefanie Renner grew up among vineyards and cellar work in Gols, but initially followed a different route. After her studies and gaining international experience, Stefanie returned with her sister and took over the family business in 2014. With the rennersistas label they brought a new style and fresh energy to the Burgenland wine scene. They focused entirely on biodynamic farming according to Demeter principles. In 2021, Stefanie’s sister Susanne chose a fresh path, so brother Georg joined the business. Stefanie and Georg have been running the winery together ever since. Renner & rennersistas is all about values. Stefanie is regarded as a dynamic voice of the new Austrian wine scene, which combines natural winemaking, handwriting and authenticity.
Introduction
Plant-based pioneer Larissa Andres
Larissa Andres is one of the defining voices of vegetarian-vegan cuisine in Vienna. Together with her partner Jonathan Wittenbrink she runs fine-dining restaurant JOLA, which receives international attention for its creative, entirely plant-based cuisine and is recommended by the Michelin Guide. Larissa and Jonathan have expanded their concept with restaurant lara: a relaxed all-day-dining establishment serving vegetarian-vegan cuisine that combines enjoyment and accessibility. Larissa’s signature is evident at both sites – modern, minimal and consistently plant-based – and positions Vienna as an exciting hotspot for contemporary vegetarian cuisine.
Introduction
Vegetable-loving chef Stefanie Sonnleitner
Cooking has always played an important role in Stefanie Sonnleitner’s life. Her mother, top chef Sissy Sonnleitner, ran Restaurant Kellerwand in Kötschach-Mauthen together with Stefanie’s father. Stefanie worked in its kitchen with her mother for several years and also front of house for a while. They decided to close the restaurant in 2019, a few years after the death of Stefanie’s father. Stefanie, who has always had a love for vegetarian-vegan cuisine, then joined Biohotel Daberer. As sous-chef she can pursue her passion for vegetable dishes and also takes care of the hotel’s own vegetable garden. Stefanie regularly reveals tips and tricks on how to cook with vegetables at cooking workshops, which she runs with head chef Florian Bucar.
Introduction
Soul food connoisseurs Jaqueline and Carolyn Herzog
Jaqueline studied English and Italian, Carolyn studied architecture, but both have always had a love for culinary arts. Jaqueline ran a mountain hut where she made everything herself, from the bread to the butter and cream cheese. Carolyn practiced fermenting. When a restaurant became available to take over in Maria Alm at the foot of the Hochkönig in 2021, the sisters seized the opportunity and founded the somewhat different Die Herzogin. Everything that can be made by oneself has since been prepared by Jaqueline. Carolyn took care of the interior design and works as a host and sommelier. They source food and drinks from handpicked producers. If something is not available locally, such as salsiccia or chorizo, they develop regional alternatives with the producers. Die Herzogin is now one of Maria Alm’s top gourmet establishments and has been awarded a Gault Millau toque.
Introduction
Talented hostess Susanne Dorfer-Bacher
In 2014, Susanne Dorfer-Bacher took on a huge task: management of Landhaus Bacher in Mautern, one of Austria’s leading gourmet establishments. Her parents – top chef Lisl Wagner-Bacher and wine expert Klaus Wagner – lay the foundations for the restaurant’s success. For Susanne it was always clear that she wanted to pursue a career in hospitality, with a love for service and training as a sommelier. Her expertise as a host has been recognised by trade magazine Rolling Pin, among others. Susanne was awarded “Maitre of the Year” in 2023. Her husband Thomas Dorfer now takes care of the culinary side of things. The highly decorated chef has been running the kitchen since 2004. The couple married in 2006. Together they maintain the esteemed position of Landhaus Bacher and fill it with fresh ideas. The kitchen and service boast five Gault Millau toques and two Michelin stars.
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Lebensgefühl Austria – campaign image Dining out with delicious culinary delights
© Marko Mestrovic
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