Johann „Hans“ Denk (1942-2019 in St. Pölten) was an Austrian Roman Catholic priest known as the "Wine Priest". He studied theology at the St. Pölten seminary and was ordained a priest on June 29, 1965. He served as a chaplain in Kirchberg, Spitz, Pottenbrunn, Gars am Kamp, and Groß-Siegharts. In 1979, he became a provisional priest and in 1980 a parish priest in Albrechtsberg, where he worked until his retirement in 2014. He earned his reputation as the "Wine Priest" and wine expert thanks to his extremely fine sensoric. During blind tastings, he achieved a surprisingly high hit rate. Particularly with wines from the Wachau, he often recognized not only the grape variety, vintage, and wine producer, but also the vineyard.
![]()
The wein.plus encyclopaedia is a comprehensive, well-researched reference work. Available anytime and anywhere, it has become an indispensable part of teaching, used by students and myself alike. Highly recommended!
Dominik Trick
Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg