Kapfenstein Castle, Medieval castle on volcanic hill in Kapfenstein, Austria.

Kapfenstein Castle stands on the basalt cone of the Kapfensteiner Kogel at 306 metres above sea level, about 6.6 km south of Fehring in southeastern Styria. The castle was first documented in 1065 and served as a border fortress against the Magyars. Since 1968 the Winkler-Hermaden family has run it as a restaurant and hotel, with a 40-hectare organic vineyard of 21 grape varieties.

Kapfenstein was first documented in 1065; the fortress on the basalt cone was built by the Caphenstein family as a border stronghold against the Magyars and rebuilt after their early destruction. In 1362 it passed to the Lords of Walsee, then changed hands several times. The Lengheim family, owners from 1584 to 1799, expanded it considerably. In 1916 it went to the Winkler-Hermaden family, who have run it as a restaurant and hotel since 1968.

Since 1968 the Winkler-Hermaden family has run the castle as a restaurant and hotel, and the estate also holds a 40-hectare organic vineyard where 21 grape varieties are grown biodynamically. The name Kapfenstein goes back to the Caphensteiner family, who built the fortress on the basalt cone. Visitors today meet wine and agriculture alongside the old defensive walls.

The castle stands on the Kapfensteiner Kogel at 306 m above sea level, about 6.6 km south of Fehring in the Südoststeiermark district. The approach road climbs the basalt cone, and the grounds around the building are uneven. The site is run as a restaurant and hotel, so visitors arriving on foot should allow time for the slope.

The vineyards around the castle grow in volcanic soil, which gives the wines there special qualities. This geological advantage allowed the cellar beneath the medieval building to produce wines of international standing.