Florian Czink, the new CEO of Austria's Schlumberger Wein- und Sektkellerei, discusses today’s challenges, tomorrow’s trends, and the sparkling wine of the future.
After eight and a half years with the company, Dr. Eugen Lamprecht will leave Schlumberger Wein- und Sektkellerei (estd. 1842). Austria's best-known traditional sparkling wine house, at the end of September. His successor, Florian Czink – a veteran of the company with over twenty years at Schlumberger – will take over as Managing Director on October 1.
Previously Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Managing Director of the subsidiary Top Spirit, Czink oversaw the brand management of Schlumberger, Hochriegl, Goldeck, and Mozart, the national distribution business, and the expansion of the New Business Development division. As the new CEO, the 45-year-old will assume overall responsibility for Schlumberger’s Austrian operations.
Falstaff: You have been with the company for over twenty years. How has the wine world changed in that time?
Florian Czink: Over the past two decades, the wine world – and the entire beverage market – has changed dramatically. Consumers are now far more informed and quality-conscious, driving a clear trend toward premium products. Sustainability has shifted from a niche topic to an essential prequisite, spanning environmentally friendly viticulture, resource-efficient production, and sustainable packaging. Even older trends have now become established: rosé, for example, was barely on the radar ten years ago but is now a fixture on restaurant menus. For Schlumberger, this means combining our long-standing traditions with innovation to stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic, diverse, and demanding wine landscape. The no- and low-alcohol category is also booming, not just in wine but in spirits as well.
Sustainability has shifted from a niche topic to an essential prerequisite.
What challenges do you see for the Austrian wine industry in the coming years?
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are affecting harvest dates, grape variety, and cultivation methods, requiring swift adaptations in viticulture. Equally important will be closer collaboration between winegrowers, retailers, and the industry at large – from knowledge-sharing to joint investments in research, sustainable technologies, and climate-resistant grape varieties. Only by working together can we preserve the high quality and diversity of Austrian wine over the long term and position it successfully, even under changing conditions.
You’ve said you want to make Schlumberger "fit for the future.” What are your first steps?
In recent months, we’ve reorganized our sales and marketing to develop the market in a more targeted and efficient way. A clear development strategy is the foundation for expanding our position in the premium and quality segments. Building on that, we’re focusing on digitalization and the use of modern technologies – including AI – to pinpoint market potential, better understand customer needs, and respond more quickly to emerging trends.
We're focusing on digitalization and the use of modern technologies - including AI.
Which sparkling wine will we drink in the future?
Hopefully Schlumberger! With our exceptional cellar master, Aurore Jeudy, and her talented team, I’m very confident. I foresee a golden future for Austrian sparkling wine – provided even a fraction of Austrian wine lovers value regionality, sustainability, and local craftsmanship in sparkling wine as much as they do in still wine.
Which wine should everyone try at least once in their life?
There are numerous icons from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the New World – many of which we distribute in Austria through P.M. Mounier. Personally, I enjoy Australian Shiraz, which can be wonderfully opulent, often with 14 percent ABV or more.
