The wine and culinary magazine Kalk&Kegel has published a comprehensive reference work for upscale gastronomy with its Somm.Book 2026.
In light of the economic challenges facing the wine sector, more than 30 leading sommeliers, including renowned figures such as René Antrag from Vienna's Steirereck and Alexander Koblinger from the gourmet hotel Döllerer, address the strategic future of beverage sales. Across 312 pages, they discuss practical strategies for increasing revenue through storytelling and targeted sales psychology. The focus is not limited to wine but also extends to segments such as beer, sake, and high-quality non-alcoholic alternatives, which are gaining increasing importance in modern gastronomy.
A key component of the current edition is the curated list of Austria's 175 best wineries. This selection was made by a panel of approximately 70 top sommeliers and includes detailed profiles as well as around 500 wine recommendations, complete with expert tasting notes. The publication thus serves as a central working tool for purchasing wine and wine list consulting. In addition, the book offers a comprehensive directory of the country's most relevant specialist retailers to optimize networking between producers and restaurateurs. In times of volatile markets, the publication focuses on professionalization and quality leadership as a response to declining sales figures in the entry-level segment.
For the first time, the compendium includes an exclusive list of producers based on recommendations from over 100 Michelin-starred and Gault&Millau-rated chefs. This overview lists 103 businesses that meet the highest quality standards in food production. Both established brands and specialized small producers are included. According to publisher Michael Pöcheim-Pech, the publication aims to map the entire value chain of Austrian cuisine and provide restaurateurs with a sound basis for their product range decisions. The book thus serves as an interface between specialized craftsmanship and operational business management.
The Somm.Book 2026 is being distributed specifically to key decision-makers in the industry: 1.000 leading restaurants and all 5-star and 4-star superior hotels in Austria will receive the publication free of charge. External parties and retailers can also purchase the book through the magazine's regular online shop. With this initiative, Kalk&Kegel is solidifying its position as a thought leader in beverage culture and providing the industry with a tool to navigate the current structural changes in fine dining.