Austrian Winery Domaines Kilger Files for Bankruptcy After Mounting Losses

The well-known Austrian winery Domaines Kilger GmbH & Co KG, based in Gamlitz in the Südsteiermark region, has entered insolvency proceedings. The court in Austria opened bankruptcy proceedings over the company’s assets on February 23, 2026, following a period of mounting financial difficulties.

Domaines Kilger, founded in 2015 by Bavarian investor Hans Kilger, quickly became a prominent name in the region’s wine industry. The company expanded its operations to include not only wine and spirits production but also the rental of vacation homes and investments in other hospitality businesses. Its portfolio included several notable properties along the South Styrian Wine Road, such as the Jaglhof in Sernau, Buschenschank Warga-Hack in Kitzeck, and Kaminstub’n in Deutschlandsberg. The group also maintained close ties with Schloss Gamlitz and other local enterprises.

Financial troubles for Domaines Kilger have been escalating for several years. In 2023, the company reported a loss exceeding three million euros. The situation worsened rapidly, with the 2024 annual financial statement revealing a deficit of 26.67 million euros. Total liabilities have now reached approximately 80 million euros, while equity stands at negative 18.56 million euros. The company is no longer able to meet its ongoing payment obligations.

The insolvency affects not only the winery itself but also a broader network of gastronomy, hospitality, and agricultural businesses connected to Domaines Kilger. The Südsteiermark region relies heavily on wine tourism, and many local suppliers, employees, and partner businesses are now facing uncertainty as a result of the bankruptcy.

Hans Kilger’s entry into the Austrian wine scene was initially seen as a positive development for struggling traditional wineries. Reports indicate that he invested around 50 million euros over the past decade to acquire and revitalize historic properties. However, several projects under his leadership encountered financial setbacks. Promised funding did not always materialize, leading some affiliated businesses to file for insolvency as well.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether there are concrete plans for restructuring or rescuing Domaines Kilger. Markus Graf from AKV Europa, an association representing creditors’ interests, stated that efforts to preserve the business could be possible but depend on the outcome of ongoing asset inventory and valuation processes. Only after these steps are completed will it be possible to assess potential recovery rates for creditors or chances for reorganization.

The Graz-based law firm Pacher & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG has been appointed as insolvency administrator, represented by Dr. Michael Pacher. Creditors have until April 9, 2026 to register their claims according to official notices. The first creditors’ meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2026, with further hearings set for April 23, 2026.

The collapse of Domaines Kilger marks a significant moment for Südsteiermark’s wine industry and raises questions about the future stability of other regional businesses linked to tourism and agriculture. Local stakeholders are watching closely as proceedings unfold in hopes of minimizing further disruption to one of Austria’s most celebrated wine regions.