Family history

First documented reference of the Hödl Hof (as fief of the Stubenbergers to the Schielleiten reign) in the 1542 “Gültschätzung” (tax estimation), which was necessary to finance the defence against the Turks in the Turkish-Austria war. At that time the farmer of the Hödl Hof was Hans Hedl. The value of the farm was described as very high (The net-worth of the farm was 9 oxes). Also the farm was described as a "purchase right", which meant that it was secured for the family as long as they did not incur any debts..

Maria Theresa (1717-1780), Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia enacted a tax reform – much in favour of the oppressed farmers. It was Johann Georg Dunst who was granted a "3 hectolitre distillation right" by Maria Theresa. At that time, only "good, hard-working, right-wing and orderly peasants” got it, as the text of the law said. Widows of farmers who died in the war were also entitled to it in order to secure them an additional income. This "Maria Theresian distillation right" now allowed the farmers to produce 300 litres of pure alcohol. In addition, they obtained the right to buy fruit for distillation in Austria. "Simple" severance distillers were only allowed to process their own fruit. This distillation right still applies to the business today and can only be passed on with the farm and used by its successors.

Leopold FIGL (Austria's first chancellor after the Second World War) with Karl Dunst during a visit to Stubenberg. Also a friend of good brandies, he could personally convince himself of the quality of our spirits.

Alfred Dunst, a graduate of the HBLA Klosterneuburg, founded a commercial distillery at the farm and devotes himself exclusively to the subject of "schnaps".