Eventually, Fritz and Frieda succumbed to the pressure of societal conventions and broke up. Taking full advantage of her freedom, Frieda took flight from her hometown to see theworld. Fritz stayed in Poysdorf and devoted his energy and passion into running the family winery. Years of living their individual lives taught Fritz and Frieda that neither professional success nor pursuing ones’ dreams alone constitutes a rich, full life. Many years later upon the death of her mother, Frieda returned to her hometown with mixed feelings. She already knew it would pain her to see Fritz happily married with another family. However, she soon learned that Fritz’s love for her was unwavering – just like Frieda, he had never married.
Frieda decided to stay in Poysdorf for a few months. Having lived the way she wanted and having seen some of the world, she no longer felt constrained by the rural community. She had even grown to appreciate small town life, as it reminded her of her happy childhood. Intuitively, Fritz and Frieda sought each other‘s company, and they came to realize that their love continued to blossom despite the years apart. Frieda was nevertheless uncertain about committing and prudently insisted her stay in Poysdorf was temporary. Fritz cherished his moments with Frieda, and she slowly developed an interest in the winery. She had a natural talent for winemaking, and Fritz hoped she would decide to stay. In the meantime, he also stopped trying to persuade Frieda to marry him, understanding she would reject such societal expectations as old fashioned and constricting. Despite the “scandal“ that resulted from an unmarried couple living together in a small rural town in the late 1970s, or perhaps because of it, Frieda finally decided to stay, and she moved in with Fritz. They ran the winery together and, for the first time in her life, Frieda felt at home and comfortably settled. They lived together very happily, never marrying, for the rest of their lives, traveling the world and making wines that reflected their love. What Fritz & Frieda have taught us is that living and working with the ones you love,
surrounded by family and friends, is what makes life worthwhile.
And that’s exactly what we do, every day.
