5 of the most rewarding wine experiences in and around Vienna
Unlike orange juice wine connects Austrian travellers with typical places, people and things to enjoy. Knocking back a glass of Grüner Veltliner in a vineyard is only one of them. Learn more about 5 of the most rewarding wine experiences in Austria’s capital Vienna and surroundings.
Wine biking in the Danube Valley of Wachau
Almost since the Romans left their vines in Wachau Austria’s most famous Danube valley has attracted wine enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers. One of the most popular day trips from Vienna gets visitors to explore the lush landscape of vineyards, quaint villages, and hilltop abbeys and castles, using a stretch of the popular Danube Bike Path (Donauradweg). After a morning wine tasting at local cooperative Domäne Wachau the bikers move on for some work out and local sightseeing, followed by lunch and more grape juice at a local wine tavern. Definitely the most authentic experience awaits visitors between wine barrels and presses in the tiny wine cellar of a truly original local vintner.
Sensory wine tour and tasting in Burgenland
Not only does Austria’s Southeastern region share a similar name with French Burgundy, it also shares the same latitude, and great wine. There, close to Lake Neusiedl and Austria’s oldest wine press, innovative vintners Christof and Louise Höpler refine wine lovers’ senses in a fun way. While touring the Wine Rooms of the more than 150-year-old family estate visitors experience various colour characteristics, aromas and sounds. Additionally, touching natural elements essential for wine producing support the subsequent wine tasting experience. The tour ends with tasting between 7 and 17 home made wines, many of which are already listed in international gourmet restaurants.
Loisium Wine World, and Wine & Spa Resorts
While the first two wine experiences playfully explore Austrian wine culture, Loisium’s Wine World further enacts the process of wine making. Set inside a boldly designed shiny cuboid amidst the vineyards of Langenlois in Wachau, wine aficionados experience fermentation through a water, light and music show, explore 900-year-old traditions in the wine cellars, and trace the history of local vintner family Loiskandl. The tour culminates in the discovery of thousands of precious wine bottles of the private vinotheque and sparkling wine collection of the Nidetzky and Steininger families. Travellers who have more than a day’s time budget should spend a night in Loisium’s luxurious modern Wine & Spa Resort.
Open air Heurige on Vienna’s Nussberg
Vienna travellers with a relaxed schedule will love the open air Heurigen (wine taverns) on Nussberg. During the warmer weekends, and weather allowing, Heuriger Mayer am Nussberg has been luring savvy locals into its red deckchairs amidst the hilltop vineyards, boasting amazing views of Vienna and the Vienna Woods. Likewise, pop up Heuriger Wieninger am Nussberg promises a grass roots approach to local wine culture, with equally perfect vistas of Vienna’s skyline and the Danube. Travellers who like to hedge their bets on the weather will find stylish Weingut am Reisenberg not only offers lovely outdoor space but beautiful traditional interiors to while away cooler evenings.
Wine hiking In the Vienna Woods
Vineyard hiking is extremely popular among residents of the Southern Vienna Woods. Interestingly the most picturesque hiking trail follows the First Viennese Mountain Spring Water Supply Line a few metres underneath the vines. Between the Medieval town of Mödling and Biedermeier spa town Baden hikers will find around 15 kilometres of mostly flat blissful walking paths. In the early autumn, the trail boasts an impressive infrastructure of pop up kiosks selling fresh Most and Sturm (grape juice and grape juice during fermentation, better known as must). Throughout the year, the best wine taverns along the way can be found in Renaissance vintner village Gumpoldskirchen, about halfway in between Mödling and Baden.
Barbara Grüll-Cação is the Founder of Vienna Unwrapped.
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