Harvest Time Is Travel Time – How Niederösterreich Celebrates the Vintage

When the harvest season begins in Niederösterreich, its vineyards and traditional cellar lanes come alive with activity. Wine enthusiasts can experience the vinous landscape in its most colourful glory and observe first-hand as the grapes make their way from the vineyards to the cellars.

In the Wachau, visitors can ride a traditional Zille to events like “Genuss on Tour” and enjoy the view. (Photo: ÖWM/Manu Grafenauer)

It’s the highlight of the wine year – a time to celebrate the harvest and the joys of life. At the epicentre are origin-certified wines such as Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, as well as indigenous specialties like Roter Veltliner, Rotgipfler, Zierfandler or Neuburger – as well as red varieties like Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and Sankt Laurent. Several of these grape varieties are also recognized with DAC protection, including Roter Veltliner from the Wagram DAC and Zweigelt from the Carnuntum DAC region.

Where the Wine Flows Along the Rivers

Many of Niederösterreich’s winegrowing regions lie along the banks of the Danube. Active travellers will enjoy walking or cycling along the river. During ‘Genuss (enjoyment) on Tour in the Wachau,’ participants set off together either on foot or in a Zille – the traditional wooden watercraft of the Danube. Under the rubric ‘Kostbares Kamptal,’ (kostbar = sumptuous) winegrowers in the nearby region open their cellar doors for guided tours. In the neighbouring wine regions of Traisental, Kremstal and Wagram, numerous wine-themed events take place, and many Heurige (wine taverns) invite guests to enjoy fine wines and regional cuisine.

Cyclists and hikers stop at a traditional Heuriger, often located right next to the surrounding vineyards. (Photo: ÖWM/Carletto)

Cycling tours through the vineyards are perfect for both families and those seeking a sporty challenge. (Photo: ÖWM/Robert Herbst)

Culinary Delights in a Compelling Setting

One of the highlights is the event series ‘Tafeln im Weinviertel’ (Tafeln = dining).

Find accommodation tips on regional tourism platforms or directly from your trusted winegrowers. (Photo: ÖWM/Carletto)

Out-of-doors, surrounded by fields and vineyards, guests are treated to a five-course meal with wine pairings by top chefs and growers of the region, served at beautifully set long tables. In the Thermenregion south of Vienna, visitors can explore and enjoy the area and its winegrowers while strolling along the so-called Genussmeile in early September. Nearby, in the winegrowing region Carnuntum, the Höflein Winegrower’s Trail and the Göttlesbrunn Leopoldigang are events not to be missed in October and November.

Tips for accommodation or cultural programmes can be found via regional tourism platforms or directly from your trusted winegrowers. Further information on regional grape varieties and origin-certified wines is available at austrianvineyards.com.

All of the grape varieties mentioned above originate in Austria and enjoy EU-protected designations of origin. You can always recognise them by the red-white-red capsule tops and the official Qualitätswein control number on the label.

To delve deeper into the subject, visit austrianvineyards.com.

Holidays in a beautiful landscape (Photo: ÖWM/Robert Herbst)

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