A sunny morning in Vienna. Two horses trot past St. Stephen’s Cathedral. They pull a black horse-drawn carriage behind them. Their passengers: André Hueston Mack and Kurt Josef Zalto. The two gentlemen are not traveling together for the first time. They have known and appreciated each other for several years. In Vienna, they are now officially toasting their cooperation. 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 glasses. In his “bon appétit” show, he tasted Kurt Josef Zalto’s glasses together with stars such as Kevin Hart or NBA legend Dwyane Wade – without the glass designer knowing anything about it. Finally, he contacted the star sommelier to meet him personally in New York. The two met in André Mack’s “& Sons Ham Bar”. They talked about their shared passion for glasses, enjoyment and great wines. In the meantime, they are on the road 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 Stephansplatz: the horse-drawn carriage ride takes both gentlemen past the great sights of Vienna. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg, Hotel Sacher, Ballhausplatz, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament, State Opera – beautiful pictures are created for the digital photo album of the “influential” sommelier. On Instagram alone, André Mack is followed by almost a million people.
Their way 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 joint 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 hand-blown glasses and agree: in an increasingly dynamic world, the return to traditional craftsmanship is very beneficial. This is also part of the success of the JOSEPHINE glass collection. It is currently causing a sensation in gastronomy and gourmet circles from Seoul to New York. Sommeliers and winemakers are always amazed by the sensory capabilities of the glasses. André Mack also talks about these in the Rooftop Bar. He skilfully guides the guests through a wine tasting and explains which glass emphasizes which characteristics in which wines. The approach amazes and seduces at the same time.
End in style
The two wine lovers end the day in a relaxed manner in the Michelin-starred restaurant “Pramerl & the Wolf”. Owner Wolfgang Zankl-Sertl is himself a fan of the JOSEPHINE glasses and is accordingly happy about the visit of the two.
Read more about Kurt Josef Zalto, 6th generation glassmaker and perhaps the most gifted glass designer of our time.
Editor’s Choice
Matching the lenses: 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.
