A sunny morning in Vienna. Two horses trot past St Stephen’s Cathedral. They pull a black hackney carriage behind them. Your passengers: André Hueston Mack and Kurt Josef Zalto. This is not the first time the two men have travelled together. They have known and appreciated each other for several years. They are now officially toasting their collaboration in Vienna. André Hueston Mack is a brand ambassador for Josephinenhütte – he supports the company in marketing the multi-award-winning JOSEPHINE glass collection.
Getting to know each other
André Hueston Mack was one of the first top American sommeliers to become aware of Josephinenhütte’s glasses. In his “bon appétit” show, he tasted from Kurt Josef Zalto glasses together with stars such as Kevin Hart and NBA legend Dwyane Wade – without the glass designer knowing anything about it. Eventually, he contacted the star sommelier to meet him in person in New York. The two met at André Mack’s “& Sons Ham Bar”. They talked about their shared passion for glassware, enjoyment and great wines. They are now travelling together in the spirit of enjoyment. André Mack accompanies Kurt Zalto on his travels and officially acts as a brand ambassador for Josephinenhütte.
Time for a wine tasting
Back to St Stephen’s Square: the horse-drawn carriage ride takes both gentlemen past Vienna’s major sights. St Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Hotel Sacher, Ballhausplatz, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament, State Opera – beautiful pictures are taken for the digital photo album of the “influencing” sommelier. Almost a million people follow André Mack on Instagram alone.
Their path leads the two gentlemen to a rooftop bar. They are already expected here. International media representatives, influencers and opinion leaders are looking forward to a shared lunch with selected wines and an exchange of experiences on the development of the perfect wine glass.
André Mack and Kurt Zalto talk about the magic of mouth-blown glass and agree: in an increasingly dynamic world, a return to traditional craftsmanship is very beneficial. This is also part of the success of the JOSEPHINE glass collection. It is currently causing a furore in gastronomy and gourmet circles from Seoul to New York. Sommeliers and winemakers are always amazed at the sensory capabilities of the glasses. André Mack also talks about this in the Rooftop Bar. He skilfully guides guests through a wine tasting and explains which glass emphasises which characteristics of which wine. The approach is both astonishing and seductive.
Finish with style
The two wine lovers round off the day in the Michelin-starred restaurant “Pramerl & the Wolf”. Owner Wolfgang Zankl-Sertl is a fan of the JOSEPHINE glasses himself and was delighted to welcome the two of them.
Read more about Kurt Josef Zalto, 6th generation glassmaker and perhaps the most gifted glass designer of our time.
Editor’s tip
To match the glasses: The VDP winery St. Antony presents its new Reserve line. The two exclusive wines – the Reserve “O” and the Reserve “B ” – come from the exceptional 2021 vintage.
