Wein & Co (AT)
Designing an inviting shop and gastronomic environment for high-quality wines, spirits and more
During the extensive renovation of the WEIN & CO store in a top location in the Schottentor district in Vienna, shopfitting specialist Wanzl designed both the sales area and the bar. Wanzl developed a bespoke design for a unique shop and bar for the renowned Austrian wine retailer, which is perfectly adapted to the high-quality products and the needs of customers and guests. Since the end of 2022, connoisseurs have been able to shop here for premium products such as exquisite wines, champagne, sparkling wine, prosecco, selected spirits – including the glasses to match – as well as superb delicacies. The special thing about this wine retail chain is that it offers a “shop & bar” concept at selected locations. Here visitors can enjoy premium products from all over the world in an exclusive atmosphere locally.
After the challenging planning and implementation process in the listed building, Bernhard Lacher, project manager and sales employee at Wanzl Austria, is delighted with the successful opening of this special WEIN & CO store: “This project was a great opportunity for us to take our collaboration with WEIN & CO to a new level. We are delighted that we were able to help shape and implement the unique identity of WEIN & CO in a new and extraordinary design strategy." Thomas Krivinka, Head of Expansion at WEIN & CO at Schottentor, is also delighted with yet another successful joint project with Wanzl: “Our company has been working with Wanzl for many years. They know our corporate values, mentality and standards for shopfitting very well. With Wanzl, we have a strong partner by our side for the preparation, planning, implementation and post-processing of all steps in a project.”
WEIN & CO and Wanzl have been expanding and converting multiple locations together since 2010. The Schottentor site in Vienna city centre, opposite the main university and in direct proximity to the Burgtheater and Rathausplatz, was a sensational project with a total area of 400 square metres spread over two floors. In close cooperation with the customer, architect DI Edith Rettenbacher and other partners, Wanzl co-developed and implemented the redesign for the existing sales area, the restaurant and bar area as well as the guest garden.
Design by Wanzl: individual, modern, creative
The aim was to enable customers to get a genuine feel for the company and its positioning – wine expertise paired with joie de vivre. This called for an elegant and unique shop design. Wanzl’s bespoke interior design strategy is based on the idea of highlighting the extensive know-how of WEIN & CO while at the same time incorporating the charm of traditional Viennese coffee houses. The company started offering free tastings early on, which made it a unique brand in the industry. This uniqueness is also reflected in the shop fittings.
The touch of luxury is tangible in this newly designed store. Influences from the existing corporate design were also taken into account in the interior. The Vienna store, set in a period Altbau building, is already impressive from the outside. Selected products are displayed in large round-arch windows, and an impressive entrance door welcomes customers. The elegant and historic style continues inside: light walls and high ceilings paired with dark upholstered furniture, lamps and bar stools, as well as tables, panelling and balustrades in solid oak create a pleasant atmosphere. The casual bar stools are equipped with “Vienna braid” and thus incorporate Austrian tradition into the modern interior design.
In addition to the creative shadow font on the wall, the luminous sky made of 80 burgundy bottles is the absolute design highlight. The ceiling sculpture made especially for this location adds a unique flair to the restaurant and bar area. On the upper floor of the iconic location in the Schottentor district, there is an impressive glass display cabinet that presents the wine clearly under the best possible conditions. It has different temperature zones that make sure the wines are served at the right drinking temperature. The stylishly designed event room, which features a large table, can be used for tastings or parties. In addition to its expertise in shopfitting, design and project management, products from Wanzl also make the retail professional the perfect partner.
It has made use of the individually configurable wire tech 100 shelving system, which optimally meets the requirements of WEIN & CO with its understated appearance. The shelf places the high-quality products perfectly in the customer’s field of vision, inviting them to take the time to choose the right wine. This slows down the customer in the store and makes them want to stay. The classic shelving system from Wanzl features a high load capacity and, thanks to the click connection, can be converted without tools – even by untrained staff.
Wanzl turns shopping into an experience
In the sales area, customers will find a broad, well-structured range of goods, while the bar offers exceptional feel-good moments in a chic ambience. This makes shopping an elevated wine experience. Since the store was renovated, the shop and bar have brought together customers who like to enjoy themselves and want to treat themselves as well as connoisseurs who value top-quality products. Students, bankers and theatre-goers alike meet up in Vienna’s colourful and cheerful hustle and bustle while shopping for wine or enjoying a glass of prosecco in an elegant ambience.
Good service for the best result
Quality and excellent service have been extremely important to WEIN & CO since it was founded in 1993 – including in its working relationships: "I would particularly like to emphasise the hands-on mentality at Wanzl and its communication, which is smooth at all times. All agreements such as costs, delivery periods, assembly intervals, maintenance work, etc. are always met and communicated openly in advance,” summarises Thomas Krivinka. He continues: “We value open communication on a level footing, top-class support and the identification of quick, bespoke solutions to any challenges that arise. I would like to thank you for your professional support and cooperation and look forward to completing many more joint projects together.”
