Leo Hillinger’s more than 20 companies already generate more turnover than the family winery.
And once again Leo Hillinger was convinced: “I am striving for a long-term collaboration with the Kaiser Wiesn in the Prater. With Gut Cobenzl we are also making the first wine from Burgenland and Viennese grapes.”
Participating in this fall festival, which starts next week, doesn’t quite fit into the busy winemaker’s life plan. “Through the family foundation I am involved in about 25 companies. That’s enough, I don’t want any more”, sighs the man in his mid-fifties, who also quit the TV program “2 minutes 2 million”. The business empire is now extremely diverse, generates more turnover than viticulture (single digit millions with 80 employees on 130 acres) and ranges from cookie dough to pine beds, UV sensors, restaurants (Jack the Ripperl) to organic grape-based cosmetics.
Hillcont room systems (containers designed as offices, for example) are thriving with a turnover of almost 15 million euros and planned expansions in Hungary and Bosnia, as well as the ibike box, a rental bike system for hotels and tourist regions with approximately 130 locations. Hillinger is an investor active in tourism in the chalet village of Hannersberg in Burgenland.
“Despite all the investments, my focus has always been wine. In 1990 I took over my parents’ wine company, now with 1.5 million bottles we are one of the largest family-run organic wineries in Austria.” 50 percent is exported and the passionate cyclist now has great expectations of the American continent. Many tasks for the already working son Leo junior and daughter Vivienne. “I will remain active for a maximum of ten years.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
