When top-class cuisine meets a historic backdrop, the result is nothing short of magical. In the majestic surroundings of Taggenbrunn Castle, Jezeršek Catering marked a major milestone: its expansion into Austria and its successful partnership with the Riedl family, founders of the renowned Jacques Lemans brand.

 This strategic collaboration not only established a new culinary destination at Taggenbrunn Castle, but also signalled Jezeršek Catering’s bold entrance into Austria’s premium catering and high-end events market. In the company of distinguished guests from the worlds of business, tourism and sport – including Walter Wolf, Christoph Kulterer, Karin Bernhard, Krystyna Schreiber, Peter Prevc and Monika Avsenik – Jezeršek Catering delivered a clear message: when passion meets excellence, borders disappear.

The evening was more than just an event – it was an exciting multisensory experience that transported guests into the heart of Jezeršek Catering’s world. Guests were treated to a gastronomic adventure, where each dish was a testament to the team’s dedication, passion and expertise. Paired with an artfully designed programme that fused tradition with contemporary innovation, the evening exuded a captivating international energy, leaving guests in awe and wonder. The stage at Taggenbrunn Castle became a breathtaking setting, where every moment was filled with excitement and surprise.

With a perfect fusion of bold innovation and timeless tradition, Jezeršek Catering led an evening that revolutionized the very concept of the culinary pleasure. In line with this vision, the team expertly showcased how culinary indulgence can be transformed – from the "Gourmet Catwalk" and "Plating Performance" to the immersive "Crudo Experience & Tuna Ritual," the Chef’s Menu at the restaurant, the Taggenbrunn Wine Tasting and the innovative "Taste the Vision" installation, as well as the spectacular "CulinART: Croquembouche". Moving away from the traditional course sequence, the emphasis shifted to crafting an extraordinary experience, underscoring that while service is what you provide, true hospitality is what leaves a lasting impression.

The culinary delights were not the only unforgettable aspect of the evening: AntoNetta, praised by the Financial Times for her "highly intense stage and musical presence" and celebrated by Opernglas as "a face of voice," took the stage at Taggenbrunn. Dressed in an expressive A.V.E Atelier outfit, she opened with the iconic Gladiator theme "Now We Are Free". Her performance echoed the acclaim she received at the 2024 Tomorrowland Festival, where she joined DJ Blasterjaxx to present this piece. Her live performance – a captivating fusion of classical piano and soaring soprano vocals, effortlessly merging with pulsating electronic beats – pushed the boundaries of expectation.

"I’m captivated by the brilliant blend of tradition and innovation," commented AntoNetta, a soprano whose mesmerizing voice has graced the stages of prestigious opera houses worldwide, from Vienna to Tokyo, and who has performed alongside Andrea Bocelli. "The majestic setting of Taggenbrunn Castle adds a unique elegance to this culinary journey." The evening’s energy soared even higher as the Phly Boyz, a globally acclaimed party band from Nice, set the stage on fire with their infectious rhythms, inviting guests to dance the night away.

Jezeršek Catering proves that haute cuisine isn’t just about exquisite flavours, but also about sparking creativity and evoking emotion. With a proven track record of delivering 2,500 events annually, catering for crowds from 2,000 to 28,000 guests, and achieving an outstanding customer satisfaction rating of 4.84/5 (2024), the company has set the bar for event catering. This exciting collaboration with Taggenbrunn is set to become a true gem for the Alpe-Adriatic region, elevating it as an international hotspot for sophisticated, exclusive events.

Beyond its renowned creativity and culinary perfection, Jezeršek Catering places a strong emphasis on sustainability that transcends fleeting trends. By prioritizing regional and seasonal ingredients, implementing resource-efficient logistics and forging close partnerships with local producers, the company demonstrates its commitment to a zero-food-waste philosophy. This innovative approach is woven into every step of its catering operations, including the use of AI-controlled smart scales to reduce waste.

With experience across 16 EU countries and worldwide, Jezeršek Catering has become the preferred partner for business events, high-profile sporting events and prestigious trade fairs. Its established presence in Austria includes high-profile references such as the Davis Cup, the Tennis ATP Challenger 125, the 'KÄRNTEN Läuft' sports festival and major international soccer matches.

This expansion reaffirms Jezeršek Catering’s belief that gastronomy is not merely about taste – it is a transformative experience that connects, inspires and endures.

The partnership between two esteemed family-run businesses, Jezeršek Catering and the Riedl family – owners of the iconic Taggenbrunn Castle & Winery – marks in a new era for this exceptional destination. Through this strategic partnership, Jezeršek Catering takes on the culinary stewardship of the castle and its 4-star boutique hotel, while also overseeing the organisation of high-profile events.

"Our vision is not only to elevate Taggenbrunn Castle & Winery into a premier destination with a world-class restaurant but to position it as one of the leading event venues in the region. By partnering with Jezeršek Catering, we have found the ideal partner to bring this vision to life at the highest level," says Alfred Riedl, owner of the castle and founder of the renowned Jacques Lemans brand.

Martin Jezeršek, Managing Director of Jezeršek Catering, adds: "Our partnership is built on more than just a shared passion and mutual respect for our craft. We are united by our commitment to innovation, responsibility and sustainability. The legacy of our families is already a story of success—and together, we are poised to write many more chapters."

About Taggenbrunn Castle & Winery

Nestled in the heart of Central Carinthia, Taggenbrunn Castle & Winery is a historic treasure celebrated for its distinguished cultural events and its prestigious wine production. Spanning approximately 40 hectares, the estate was acquired by the Riedl family in 2011, including the castle itself. After several years of meticulous renovations, it reopened in 2019, marking the launch of the renowned Taggenbrunn Festspiele. The acquisition also marked the beginning of Taggenbrunn Winery, now home to an array of award-winning wines. Set against the breathtaking Alpe-Adria backdrop, Taggenbrunn Castle offers an enchanting mix of heritage and modernity. Guests can indulge in a newly redesigned castle restaurant, a cosy café & wine bar and explore the captivating museum featuring both historical and contemporary exhibitions, including the iconic "Zeiträume" (Time Spaces), curated by the acclaimed André Heller. A covered concert hall, which serves as the heart of the Taggenbrunn Festpiele and other high-profile events, stands as the crown jewel of the property. Below the castle, a boutique 4-star hotel, coupled with a variety of event spaces in the surrounding historic buildings, provides an extraordinary venue for memorable events and celebrations. Under the joint management of the Riedl family and Jezeršek Catering, Taggenbrunn Castle has seamlessly blended cuisine, wine and culture to create a space where tradition and innovation coexist in perfect harmony.

About Jezeršek Catering

For nearly 45 years, Jezeršek Catering has epitomized excellence in gastronomy and event catering, earning recognition from prestigious names such as Michelin, Falstaff, 50 Best Discovery, Traveler's Choice® and Green Key. A family-run business at its core, Jezeršek is a trailblazer in Slovenia and has expanded its reach to 16 European countries and beyond. With the ambition to rank among the top 10 providers of high-end catering in Europe, the company proudly manages over 2,500 corporate and private events annually, constantly raising the bar for catering and hospitality standards. Jezeršek Catering’s success is built on a foundation of innovation, responsible cuisine and a commitment to delivering creative culinary experiences that leave a lasting impact. In addition to its flagship operations at Dvor Jezeršek, featuring a Michelin-Selected restaurant (2020-2024), an exclusive boutique hotel and the Jezeršek Academy, the company has expanded its portfolio with impressive ventures. Since 2015, Jezeršek has overseen the castle restaurant, café and boutique shop at Bled Castle, offering unique Slovenian honey products and souvenirs. In 2019, the company took on the management of the Union Brewery Pub in Ljubljana, and in 2020, it took charge of the renowned Gostilna na Gradu at Ljubljana Castle, which has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand annually. A landmark moment in the company’s growth came in 2024, when Jezeršek Catering expanded internationally to assume responsibility for both culinary and event management at the historic Taggenbrunn Castle & Winery in Austria. This marks the company’s first permanent establishment outside Slovenia, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the global culinary and event industry.

About Jacques Lemans

Jacques Lemans is an internationally acclaimed watch and jewellery brand renowned for its blend of timeless elegance, cutting-edge technology, durability and unwavering commitment to the highest quality standards. Founded 50 years ago by Alfred Riedl in St. Veit an der Glan, the company has since expanded its global footprint, with a presence in 120 countries. The arrival of Alfred's son, Andreas Riedl, as managing director ensures the continuation of the family legacy, seamlessly transitioning the business into the next generation. At the heart of Jacques Lemans' philosophy is a dedication to strengthening the regional economy while bringing sustainable, innovative products to market. This vision, shared across both generations of the Riedl family, is the cornerstone of the brand's enduring success. Over the years, Jacques Lemans has evolved beyond being just a watchmaker. It is equally celebrated for its extensive sponsorships, active support of charitable initiatives and impactful campaigns in the realms of sports and culture. A true milestone in the brand's journey was the acquisition and revitalization of the Taggenbrunn Castle complex – a project that is deeply meaningful to the family. Through this visionary undertaking, Jacques Lemans has created a cultural jewel in the heart of Carinthia, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with a forward-thinking commitment to both community and culture.

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