The counts of THUN - HOHENSTEIN rank among the venerable, ancient nobility of Tyrol and take their name from their seat in Nonstal. Bartholdus de Tonno was first mentioned in records as early as 1145. The Thuns were appointed hereditary brewers for the prince-bishopric of Trient in 1448 and for the prince- bishopric of Brixen in 1558. The title of count of Bohemia was conferred on them in 1631, and the here ditary rights of lord of the manor were accorded to Fideikomiss Tetschen in 1879. The status of Austrian prince in primogeniture was bestowed with the right of address of "Highness" in 1911. Prominent members of the house include Salzburg archbishops Guidobald (1616-1668) and Johann Ernst (1643-1709), minister of education Leo (1811-1888) and statesman Anton Prince of Thun und Hohenstein (1847-1916). The family history of the Thun-Hohensteins has so far not included any great tradition of winegrowing.

 

 

Ferdinand Jakob Graf von Thun und Hohenstein has now addressed this neglected strand of history and, in collaboration with the Italian oenologist Dr. Riccardo Cotarella, produces top quality from the grape varieties Merlot and Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.