Kattus
Kattus is a 165+ year-old, fifth-generation family-owned sparkling wine producer based in Vienna, producing traditional Austrian Sekt via Méthode Traditionnelle, Charmat, and Ancestrale methods and selling direct-to-consumer, through Austrian gastronomy and cultural institutions, via its Johann1857 distribution subsidiary, and through B2B contract manufacturing for other winemakers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1857
- HeadquartersHietzing, Austria
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Kattus does
Kattus (legal name: Johann Kattus GmbH) is Austria's oldest family-owned sparkling wine producer, founded in 1857 by Johann Kattus I in Vienna and currently in its fifth generation of family ownership. The company operates from a single historic facility in Vienna's Döbling district (19th district) at Billrothstraße 51, where it runs the only remaining sparkling wine production facility within the city of Vienna. The core production platform covers three traditional sparkling wine methods: Méthode Traditionnelle (bottle fermentation, used for the premium Heritage Reserve, Grand Cuvee Opera Edition, Cuvee No1, Madame Cremálie, and Kunststück Große Reserve lines), Méthode Charmat (tank fermentation, used for SPUMANTE and GIANNI Frizzante), and Méthode Ancestrale (Pétillant Naturel / Pet Nat, produced exclusively for 10+ years in limited editions of ~1,000 bottles). Base wines are sourced from multi-decade partnerships with Austrian wineries across Weinviertel, Burgenland, and Niederösterreich, plus a 70+ year Italian family partnership for Glera grapes. Aging capability extends to 40 months on lees for the flagship Kunststück Große Reserve JG Magnum series.
The portfolio spans entry-level Frizzante (€3.99) through ultra-premium hand-painted Kunststück Große Reserve Magnums (€59), with vertical tiers including organic/vegan Sekt lines, alcohol-free offerings (Spumino launched 2024, No1 ZERO), and collectible annual Kunststück editions featuring artist-designed bottles. Products are sold through four channels: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via a Shopify storefront (kattus.at), B2B sales to Austrian gastronomy, hotels, bars and event venues (including exclusive service partnerships with Wiener Staatsoper, Wiener Musikverein, Konzerthaus, and the Vienna Philharmonic Ball), specialty retail distribution, and contract manufacturing (Lohnproduktion) for other winemakers ranging from 5,000 to 500,000 liters within 4 weeks. A wholly-owned subsidiary, Johann1857 GmbH, separately handles the general import and Austrian distribution of 10+ international premium spirits brands — including Laurent Perrier Champagne, Dalmore Whiskys, and Luxardo (the latter for 165+ years) — leveraging hospitality relationships for cross-channel benefit. Pricing is set per bottle; D2C offers ~10% off retail with free shipping thresholds (Austria €99, EU/CH/UK €149). Beyond products, Kattus operates its historic cellars as a paid event venue (recognized as an official dream wedding location of the City of Vienna) and offers guided cellar tours with tastings (€20–€35/person). The company is privately held with no institutional investors, currently led by co-managing directors Johannes Kattus V and Dr. Maximilian Nimmervoll since the 2021 generational transition.
Kattus firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kattus
- Legal name
- Johann Kattus GmbH
- Website
- https://kattus.at
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1857
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Kattus is a 165+ year-old, fifth-generation family-owned sparkling wine producer based in Vienna, producing traditional Austrian Sekt via Méthode Traditionnelle, Charmat, and Ancestrale methods and selling direct-to-consumer, through Austrian gastronomy and cultural institutions, via its Johann1857 distribution subsidiary, and through B2B contract manufacturing for other winemakers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kattus industry classification
Industry- NAICS
- Wineries (312130), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (42482), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320)
- SIC
- Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands (CRADAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Alcohol Subscription & Wine Clubs (Retail) (CRANABAF), Wineries & Vineyards (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAE), Wine Bars (CRANACAE), Wine Retail (Bottle Shops & Wine Merchants) (CRANABAB), Wine Production & Winemaking (AFAFAAAB)
Keywords
Where Kattus is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hietzing
- HQ country
- Austria
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Kattus business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce Sales: Kattus sells its full range of sparkling wines directly to consumers through its Shopify-powered online store at kattus.at. Products include Spumante, Frizzante, Organic, No1, Heritage Reserve, Grand Cuvee Opera Edition, Kunststück Grande Reserve, and Pet Nat varieties. Prices range from €2.30 (Piccolo) to €59 (Magnum). Direct sales offer 10% lower prices than retail, plus exclusive rarities and large formats.
- Gastronomy & Hospitality B2B Sales: Kattus supplies its sparkling wines to restaurants, hotels, bars, and event venues throughout Austria. Key hospitality partners include Am Hof 8 Private Members Club, Hospiz Alm, and Summerstage. The company offers exclusive large bottle formats, custom bottlings, private label solutions, and personal consulting for events and menu concepts. Kellerführungen (cellar tours with tastings) are also offered as a B2C and B2B hospitality experience.
- General Import & Distribution (Johann1857 GmbH): Kattus's sister company Johann1857 GmbH handles general import and distribution of international premium beverage brands in Austria. Brands include Laurent Perrier Champagner, Dalmore Whiskys, Reisetbauer Blue Gin, Amaro Montenegro, Luxardo, Stock Weinbrand, Sierra Tequila, Giffard, Pulco, and 9Mile. This division serves gastronomy, hotel, bar, and retail sectors across Austria, covering brand management, PR, digital marketing, and logistics.
- Lohnproduktion (Contract Manufacturing): Kattus offers contract sparkling wine production services for winemakers, restaurateurs, and brands. Minimum order starts at 5,000 liters, with capacity up to 500,000 liters within 4 weeks. Services range from pure bottling of customer-supplied base wine to full-service production. Quality tiers range from quick retail production to multi-year vintage aging (4–10 years on lees).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-level Frizzante (Piccolo 0.2L) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Frizzante (0.75L) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Spumante (Méthode Charmat, 0.75L) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Organic Range (0.75L) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium Heritage Reserve (0.75L, Méthode Traditionnelle) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Grand Cuvee Opera Edition (0.75L, Méthode Traditionnelle) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Kunststück Große Reserve Magnum (1.5L, Méthode Traditionnelle) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Specialty & Non-Alcoholic (0.75L) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gastronomy Large Formats |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cellar Tour Experiences (per person) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Kattus product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kattus is Austria's oldest family-owned sparkling wine producer, transforming base wines into Sekt via Méthode Traditionnelle, Méthode Charmat, and Méthode Ancestrale across a portfolio from entry-level SPUMANTE and FRIZZANTE to ultra-premium Kunststück Große Reserve magnums. In parallel, it sells a non-alcoholic and organic Sekt range, performs contract manufacturing (Lohnproduktion) for third parties, distributes wines through its Johann1857 subsidiary, and monetizes its Vienna cellar as a venue for tours, weddings, and corporate events.
Product overview
Kattus (Johann Kattus Sektkellerei) is Austria's oldest family-owned sparkling wine (Sekt) winery, founded in 1857 and based in Vienna's Döbling district. The company offers a diverse portfolio of sparkling wines across multiple styles and price points, united by their 'upGrape' philosophy of transforming quality base wines into exceptional sparkling wines. The core product lines include: traditional Méthode Traditionnelle premium wines (Heritage Reserve, Grand Cuvee Opera Edition, Cuvee No1); Méthode Charmat Spumante and rosé variants; FRIZZANTE entry-level sparkling wines; ORGANIC certified sparkling wines; and ultra-premium Kunststück Große Reserve collectible editions with artistic labels. The portfolio also includes alcohol-free alternatives (Spumino, No1 ZERO). Beyond their own branded products, Kattus provides B2B services including contract manufacturing (Lohnproduktion) for other winemakers with capacities from 5,000 to 500,000 liters, event venue rental in their historic cellars, and custom labeling solutions. The distribution subsidiary Johann1857 GmbH also imports and distributes international premium spirits brands throughout Austria.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- upGrape: Leitmotiv der Sektkellerei Kattus – Veredelung von Grundweinen zu Schaumweinen durch natürlichen Gährungsprozess.
- Johann1857
- GIANNI
- Madame Cremálie
- Heritage Reserve
- Kunststück Große Reserve
Quantifiable outcome
- Kattus Kunststück Große Reserve 2018 rated 94 Falstaff Points (highest-rated Kattus sparkling wine ever)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Kattus
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Kattus technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Kattus partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- LuxardocoreKattus has served as the exclusive Austrian general importer for Italian Luxardo (maraschino liqueur) for over 165 years — one of the longest-standing brand partnerships in Austrian beverage distribution. This relationship forms a core pillar of the Johann1857 distribution subsidiary and represents a generational business friendship.
- Laurent Perrier ChampagnercoreJohann1857 GmbH (Kattus's distribution subsidiary) serves as the exclusive Austrian general importer for Laurent Perrier Champagne, bringing this prestigious French champagne house to Austria's hospitality and retail markets.
- Dalmore WhiskyscoreJohann1857 GmbH holds the exclusive Austrian import rights for Dalmore single malt Scotch whiskies, a prestigious Scottish whisky brand, distributed across Austria's hospitality and specialty retail sectors.
- Johann1857 GmbH Distribution NetworkcoreJohann1857 GmbH is the wholly-owned distribution subsidiary of Kattus, handling general import and brand management for international premium spirits and beverages in Austria, including Reisetbauer Blue Gin, Amaro Montenegro, Stock Weinbrand, Sierra Tequila, Giffard, Pulco, and 9Mile.
- Wiener MusikvereincoreKattus is an official partner of the Wiener Musikverein, one of the world's finest concert halls. The partnership involves cultural sponsorship, exclusive sparkling wine service at events, and brand visibility among Austria's elite cultural audience.
- Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera)coreKattus is the exclusive sparkling wine served during all performances at the Vienna State Opera. The Grand Cuvee Opera Edition commemorates this partnership. The opera house is considered one of the best in the world, making Kattus the sparkling wine of choice for opera audiences.
- Wiener KonzerthausmajorKattus maintains a long-term cultural partnership with the Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna Concert Hall), serving as an official partner and supplier of sparkling wines for events.
- Volksoper Wien, Theater in der Josefstadt, Volkstheater, Theater an der WienmajorKattus is a long-standing partner of Vienna's leading theatres including Volksoper, Theater in der Josefstadt, Volkstheater, and Theater an der Wien. These cultural partnerships reinforce Kattus's identity as a Viennese cultural institution.
- MUMOK (Museum Moderner Kunst - Sammlung Ludwig)minorKattus maintains a cultural partnership with MUMOK, Vienna's Museum of Modern Art, supporting the museum and engaging its audience.
- Ball der Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna Philharmonic Ball)coreThe Kunststück Große Reserve is the featured sparkling wine served to VIP guests in the boxes at the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Ball, one of the world's most famous New Year's events.
- Italian Glera Grape Supplier (Prosecco Region)coreKattus sources its Glera (Prosecco) grapes exclusively from an Italian family business with which it has collaborated for over 70 years. This long-term sourcing partnership enables consistent quality and supply for the Spumante line.
- Austrian Winery Partners (Weinviertel, Burgenland, Niederösterreich)coreKattus sources base wines from long-term partner wineries across Austria's best wine regions: Weinviertel (Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner), Burgenland (Chardonnay), and Niederösterreich (Zweigelt). Many partnerships span generations or over a century, providing the foundation for Kattus's premium sparkling wines.
- Alvar Bohrmann (Artist)minorAlvar Bohrmann, a young artist, designed the hand-painted bottle artwork for the Kunststück Große Reserve JG 2015 vintage. Each of the 750+ bottles is a hand-painted unique piece forming a Gesamtkunstwerk (total artwork).
- Leo Mayr (Artist)minorLeo Mayr designed the label and bottle artwork for the Kunststück Große Reserve JG 2016 vintage, adapting Kattus's traditional logo with his personal artistic touch around the theme of the cocarde (cockade) as a symbol of independence and liberalism.
- Kater D. (Artist)minorKater D. designed the 850 unique bottles for the Kunststück Große Reserve JG 2017 vintage — each bottle features two digital drawings that connect across the full edition to form a Gesamtkunstwerk.
- Rudolf Fitz (Artist)minorRudolf Fitz designed the Kunststück Große Reserve JG 2018 vintage, depicting historic Viennese buildings that played a role in Kattus's 165-year history including the Kattus winery in Döbling, Hotel Sacher, Hotel Bristol, Julius Meinl, and the Wiener Konzerthaus.
- Am Hof 8 - Private Members ClubmajorAm Hof 8 is Kattus's flagship premium retail location in the heart of Vienna's city center. It serves as both a private members club and a direct sales point for Kattus sparkling wines.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kattus competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Schlumberger: Austria's largest and most iconic sparkling wine producer, also founded in 1842 and now owned by Underberg Group. Directly competes with Kattus in the Austrian Sekt market, including premium and mid-range segments, and acquired the Hochriegl brand from Kattus in 2010.
- Bründlmayer: Premium Austrian Sekt and still wine producer based in Langenlois, Kamptal. Competes with Kattus in the premium and ultra-premium Austrian sparkling wine segment, with strong Méthode Traditionnelle credentials and similar focus on Austrian terroir-driven production.
- Loimer: Austrian family-owned winery producing premium Sekt from the Kamptal region, often ranked among Austria's top sparkling wine producers. Competes with Kattus in the Méthode Traditionnelle premium segment, particularly for gastronomy and specialty retail customers.
- Stift Klosterneuburg: One of Austria's oldest and most prestigious wineries (founded 1114), producing premium Austrian Sekt using Méthode Traditionnelle. Direct competitor in the Austrian premium sparkling wine segment, with strong cultural heritage positioning comparable to Kattus's K.u.K. Hoflieferant status.
- Szigeti: Austrian Sekt producer based in Burgenland, specializing in Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines from Austrian grape varieties. Competes with Kattus in the Austrian premium Sekt category, with similar focus on traditional production methods and Austrian terroir.
Broad incumbents
- Rotkäppchen-Mumm Sektkellereien: Germany's largest sparkling wine producer, owning brands like Rotkäppchen, Mumm, and Geldermann. Competes with Kattus in the broader DACH sparkling wine market, with mass-market scale and pricing that puts pressure on Kattus's entry-level Frizzante and GIANNI product lines.
- Veuve Clicquot: Iconic French Champagne house owned by LVMH. Competes with Kattus in the global premium and celebratory sparkling wine category, particularly for special occasion and gift purchases, with vastly greater brand awareness and international distribution.
- Henkell Freixenet: Germany's largest sparkling wine producer and global player, owner of Mionetto Prosecco and Freixenet. Competes with Kattus in the Austrian and broader European sparkling wine market, with much larger scale, marketing budgets, and distribution reach.
- Moët & Chandon: World's largest Champagne brand and LVMH flagship, dominant in the global premium celebratory sparkling wine category. Competes with Kattus for special occasion and gifting occasions in Austria and internationally, with massive global marketing presence.
Others
- Laurent Perrier: Major French Champagne house whose Austrian distribution is handled by Kattus's Johann1857 subsidiary. While not a direct competitor (premium French Champagne vs. Austrian Sekt), Laurent Perrier shares the ultra-premium positioning and cultural prestige targeting that Kattus pursues, and the partnership creates both cooperation and category competition.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kattus social profiles
Digital presenceKattus financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kattus leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Kattus subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Kattus funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kattus M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kattus
What does Kattus do?
Kattus is Austria's oldest family-owned sparkling wine producer, transforming base wines into Sekt via Méthode Traditionnelle, Méthode Charmat, and Méthode Ancestrale across a portfolio from entry-level SPUMANTE and FRIZZANTE to ultra-premium Kunststück Große Reserve magnums. In parallel, it sells a non-alcoholic and organic Sekt range, performs contract manufacturing (Lohnproduktion) for third parties, distributes wines through its Johann1857 subsidiary, and monetizes its Vienna cellar as a venue for tours, weddings, and corporate events.
Is Kattus a public or private company?
Kattus is a private company. It is currently operating.
When was Kattus founded?
Kattus was founded in 1857. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Kattus based?
Kattus is headquartered in Hietzing, Austria, in the Europe region.
How does Kattus make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce Sales are the primary driver. The others are gastronomy & Hospitality B2B Sales, general Import & Distribution (Johann1857 GmbH) and lohnproduktion (Contract Manufacturing).
Who are Kattus's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Schlumberger, Bründlmayer, Loimer, Stift Klosterneuburg and Szigeti. Broad incumbents are Rotkäppchen-Mumm Sektkellereien, Veuve Clicquot, Henkell Freixenet and Moët & Chandon. Laurent Perrier is listed as an others.
Does Kattus have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kattus.
What industry is Kattus in?
Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRADAIAB, Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands, with a secondary code of CRANABAF, Alcohol Subscription & Wine Clubs (Retail). Its NAICS code is 312130 and its SIC code is 2080.