Savor the terroir, uncover tradition
A vacation in Austria can easily include an exploration of outstanding wine regions. Nestled between hills, lakes and centuries-old cellar lanes, a world of unexpected variety reveals itself. Wine from Austria has ranked among the finest in Europe for a very long time. From Lower Austria’s fresh Grüner Veltliner to Styria’s racy sauvignon blanc and Burgenland’s full-bodied blaufränkisch, Austria’s wines are prized by sophisticated oenophiles. Wine culture in Austria reflects its soil, its climate, and the deeply rooted spirit of the growers and vintners; their focus is on the land, responsible stewardship, and true craftsmanship. Traveling in Austria literally brings you face to face with wine at its very roots, along wine roads, on vineyard hikes, and naturally, when visiting Austrian winemakers.
Southern Styria: fragrant wines from a romantic hillside region
The landscape of the South Styrian Wine Route boasts dramatic slopes and undulating hills, making it a much-loved region. Its mild climate produces an abundance of fragrances, and it’s here that white wines such as sauvignon blanc and morillon develop their fresh and elegant character. Tradition harmoniously blends with modernity: old farmsteads stand beside wineries, such as the architecturally acclaimed Weingut Tement. Local wine taverns and wine trails offer a relaxed wine experience that pleases all the senses.
Burgenland: bold vines, strong identity
Areas around Lake Neusiedl produce some of Austria’s most distinctive wines: trockenbeerenauslese, the sweet botrytis wines; elegant white wines; expressive red vintages; and above all, blaufränkisch. By practicing biodynamic viticulture, pioneering wineries like Weingut Umathum illustrate how their main focus is to show that quality, sustainability, and the soil interact constantly. Wine served with regional cuisine in Burgenland is often part of guided tours including wine tasting.
Wachau: UNESCO World Heritage Site and exceptional wine region
Maturing into internationally renowned wines, Grüner Veltliner and riesling grapes grow along the Danube on steep, terraced vineyards with dry stone walls. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau Valley is an icon of Austrian viticulture, famous for its two different types of local wine taverns: Heurige and Buschenschänken. A three-tier classification system describes the quality and style of the region’s wines: light and fragrant (Steinfeder), classic and balanced (Federspiel), and distinctive and complex (Smaragd).
Vienna: Heuriger culture in the city of wine
Vienna is the only capital in the world with noteworthy wine production within its city limits. Heuriger culture is inextricably linked to Austria’s Lebensgefühl (way of life). Its best known wine is Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC, made from a blend of several grape varieties planted, harvested and vinified together. Enjoy this authentic Terroirs Project wine at the Heuriger Mayer am Pfarrplatz.
