Taste the Race Chapter V: Culinary Delights Meet a Ski Legend—A Special Kickoff for THE NIGHTRACE

Großwilfersdorf/Schladming.

When great skiing history meets Styrian wine culture, special moments are created: On September 1, 2026, the Thaller Wine Castle in Großwilfersdorf was transformed for the fifth time into the stage for “Taste the Race.” Around 230 guests accepted the invitation and enjoyed an evening full of indulgence, excitement, and a deep connection to Austrian skiing.

As the exclusive kickoff to the legendary THE NIGHTRACE in Schladming, “Taste the Race” has now become a special annual highlight. The focus is not only on excellent wines and culinary experiences, but above all on a shared passion: skiing and the sustainable support of young skiers at the WSV Schladming.

At the same time, the event creates a special connection between two regions in Styria that are significant for tourism: Schladming-Dachstein and the Thermen- & Vulkanland. “Taste the Race” brings together alpine skiing tradition and southeastern Styrian wine and culinary culture, impressively demonstrating how regional cooperation can give rise to new initiatives and valuable partnerships.

One of the emotional highlights this year was provided by one of the greatest figures in Austrian skiing history: skiing legend Franz Klammer took on the role of wine ambassador.

Schladming holds a very special place in Klammer’s extraordinary career. In 1973, he celebrated his first World Cup victory here—a milestone and the beginning of a career that would go on to make Austrian sports history. Decades later, this special connection returns as part of “Taste the Race,” striking an impressive bridge between the great successes of the past and the ski stars of tomorrow.

The approximately 230 guests also had the opportunity to taste the new vintage in the stylish setting of the Weinschloss. Amid wine glasses, personal encounters, and memories of great moments in skiing, the anticipation for the upcoming THE NIGHTRACE in Schladming was already clearly palpable.

With Franz Klammer, Tamara Tippler, and Christian Mayer in attendance, the evening brought together figures who have shaped Austrian skiing for many years. Their presence not only lent “Taste the Race” a touch of sporting glamour but also underscored the philosophy behind the event: past successes should help create opportunities for the next generation.

Wine patron Franz Klammer also emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent. Supporting young athletes, in particular, is essential to ensuring that Austria can continue to rely on successful generations in skiing in the future.

Enjoy the moment while paving the way for the future.

Because “Taste the Race” is about much more than just an extraordinary evening: As in previous years, the proceeds from the event will go toward projects supporting the WSV Schladming’s young skiers.

In this way, “Taste the Race Chapter V” once again combines enjoyment with a sustainable vision. Where a skiing legend like Franz Klammer once laid the foundation for an extraordinary career in Schladming, young talents today should have the chance to forge their own paths.

At the heart of “Taste the Race” is the now-traditional creation of an exclusive wine. For the fifth time, a special cuvée was crafted that embodies passion, emotion, and the connection between wine and skiing.

In the impressive barrel cellar of the Thaller Wine Castle, a high-caliber jury set out to find the winning wine for the upcoming THE NIGHTRACE. Together with wine ambassador Franz Klammer, former ski racer Tamara Tippler, former ski racer Christian Mayer, Koarl Thaller Sr., “Genusspunkt” editor Alexandra Gorsche, Mathias Schattleitner, managing director of the Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Association, and Christoph Schrefler from the Schladming Winter Sports Club tasted the selected wines and ultimately chose the winner.

And so, that evening, the Thaller Wine Castle became a place where the past, present, and future of skiing came together in a special way—and where the anticipation for one of Austria’s most spectacular skiing events could already be felt months in advance:

the legendary THE NIGHTRACE in Schladming.