Wine region Austria

Of the five wine-growing regions, Lower Austria is by far the largest. However, the province is divided into several wine-growing regions, of which the Wachau and Kamptal are the best known. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are the big stars here. Vienna is no less important. After all, it is the only capital city in the world that is home to significant vineyards. Incidentally, one of Vienna's specialties is the Wiener Gemischter Satz, for which different varieties are grown together in specific vineyards. The grapes are then harvested and vinified together—a very traditional method that winemakers have now perfected. Burgenland is the only region that is also its own federal state. This is the stronghold of red wines and sweet wines. And then, of course, there is Styria—with southern Styria as the shining star for Sauvignon Blanc wines that can easily compete with the world's elite.

Although the wine-growing regions share a climate, they could not be more different. For this reason, you will find detailed information in the individual articles on the wine-growing regions.

The Alpine republic is primarily associated with one grape variety and wine color: Grüner Veltliner for white wine. And for good reason. This white grape variety produces highly diverse styles in every growing region. It thrives on a total of 14,296 hectares of vineyards. The varieties from the Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal regions, and of course the Weinviertel, are particularly well known. Vienna also produces noteworthy wines. Stylistically, the grape ranges from crisp, juicy, and easy-drinking to complex, profound, and long-lasting. What all vintages have in common is the famous “Pfefferl,” which often introduces a long finish.

Burgenland, on the other hand, is the epicenter of grape varieties such as Blauer Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, which are very fruity or very intense and long-lasting here. What's special is that international varieties such as Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Merlot also have a home here. And many Kreszenzen wines are now even among the international elite. This also applies to Sauvignon Blanc from Styria. Excellent wines with herbal and mineral notes and a complex intensity that delight connoisseurs all over the world come mainly from southern Styria. Another specialty is Morillon, known in the rest of the world as Chardonnay. Except that Chardonnay here has a very, very distinctive character. Other indigenous grape varieties include Welschriesling and Neuburger on the white side and St. Laurent on the red side. The wines are mostly delicately fruity and available in different quality levels.

Austrian viticulture is a prime example of how tradition and cutting-edge innovation can go hand in hand. Traditionally, winegrowers have close ties to their terroir. They often work in family businesses, where knowledge about the vineyards and the specific requirements of the grape varieties is passed down from generation to generation. This deep-rooted connection to the culture and the land is the foundation of their success. What sounds like a centuries-old tradition is in fact only relatively recent. Most wineries only returned to the old virtues after the wine scandal in the mid-1980s.

At the same time, Austrian winemakers are very open to technological progress in order to increase quality, sustainability, and efficiency. For example, drones and GPS-controlled tractors are used in the vineyards for precise cultivation. Temperature-controlled fermentation is as commonplace at many wineries as organic or biodynamic cultivation. In addition, there is a uniform classification of quality wines, which is anchored in the so-called DAC system (Districtus Austriae Controllatus). This is intended to highlight and guarantee the typical character of the wines from each region.

The modern style is characterized by finesse, freshness, and elegance. Winemakers attach great importance to the precise expression of the terroir. While strong, wood-accented red wines were still in demand internationally in the 1990s and 2000s, the trend today is back toward livelier, more delicate red wines. White wines, especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, now also present themselves with clear, lively acidity and intense but delicate aromas.

In general, the Alpine republic is always worth a visit. But a few wine-growing regions stand out in terms of tourism. After all, Vienna is the only capital city and major city in the world with so many vineyards. In summer, traditional wine taverns invite visitors to enjoy typical regional dishes together with Vienna's wines. The Wachau region, with its terraced vineyards along the Danube, is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And southern Styria is rightly called “Styrian Tuscany” because of its hilly landscape. Burgenland is also known as the “land of sunshine.” Lake Neusiedl in particular is a popular vacation destination. Incidentally, this is where the country's most famous sweet wines come from.

A wine route runs along the Danube through Lower Austria, from where you can easily explore the different sub-regions. The picturesque South Styrian Wine Route is also well worth a visit. If you take this tour in August, don't miss the grape harvest festival in Leibnitz, one of the country's most famous wine events. At the end of September, the Vienna Wine Hiking Days take place, while around November 11, the wineries in Burgenland open their cellars so that visitors can taste the young wines at Martiniloben. And then there is the Wachau Wine Spring in May, when numerous winegrowers open their cellars and share their knowledge.

All these events also offer numerous regional delicacies from the respective area. And everywhere in the country you will find the so-called Heurigen. These are simple restaurants, usually run by the wineries themselves on certain days. For those who prefer something more upscale, we recommend the numerous wine and dine offers of the many hotels, which combine wine and cuisine in a fascinating way.