The vineyards are growing lush and green, with grapes slowly ripening under the vigilant care of the winegrowers. But it's not just the growers working among the vines – many wine enthusiasts are also drawn to the vineyards in summer. Hiking, strolling, jogging, cycling or riding a Segway through the scenic landscape are among the most popular activities. The path may lead to a traditional wine cellar lane – a Kellergasse – where growers offer tastings, or to a cozy wine tavern known as a Heuriger in one of the charming wine villages. For a refreshing break, visitors can cool off in one of many rivers or lakes, whether at tranquil resorts or along natural shores. Many municipalities also offer water sports clubs that rent out equipment and organize courses.
In the evening, numerous cultural events take place, many of them at wine estates. And for those craving an urban experience, well, Austria’s cities are never too far away and are often easily accessible without a car.
Wine Trails For Rest & Recreation
The experience of wine goes far beyond simply enjoying it in a glass. As engaging cultural landscapes, wine regions serve as an important recreational area for the local populace, contributing significantly to their quality of life. Those eager to explore the origins of their favourite wine can do so through a wine hike. To learn more about specific vineyard sites and their characteristics, the best resource is the platform austrianvineyards.com.
Jazz, Classical or Cabaret?
During the summer, Austria becomes a cultural hotspot. From late June to late August, wine estates in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria) become stages for both established stars and up-and-coming talents. Under the rubric WINE – CULTURE – EXPERIENCE, visitors can choose from theatre performances, readings and cabaret shows to concerts spanning various genres or even a poetry slam. Participating winegrowers present their best bottles in unique ways, such as in guided tastings, cellar and vineyard tours, or at special tasting stands. Just as diverse as the arts themselves are the event venues, whether among the vineyards, in the cellars, along romantic lanes or in the charming courtyards and taverns of wine estates. Especially in the Danube region, including Wachau DAC, Traisental DAC, Kremstal DAC and Kamptal DAC, Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are widely offered. Some wine-growing areas like Wagram DAC, Thermenregion DAC and Carnuntum DAC also feature regional specialties.
Festival Fever
Burgenland also turns into a major festival in the summer. In the heart of the winegrowing regions from Leithaberg DAC to Eisenberg DAC romantic castles and palaces set the stage alongside abandoned quarries and vast open-air spaces set in idyllic nature. The programme includes live theatre, cabaret performances and classical concerts, as well as pop, rock and electronic music events. Enjoying a glass of Zweigelt or Blaufränkisch there likely means being in close proximity to the very vineyard where they were grown. Many white wine varieties are also cultivated in this region, and Burgenland is famously home to some of the world's finest sweet wines.
Wine and Art
In the south of Austria, the Steiermark also captivates wine-loving visitors with a rich cultural scene. Alongside the wine itself, visual art, literature, performances, architecture and traditional events add to the region’s charm. As in all of Austria, the Styrian wine-growing regions offer additional specialties, such as Burgundy varieties, Blauer Wildbacher, or Traminer, which are often an integral part of cultural enjoyment.
Heuriger or Buschenschank?
»Aus’gsteckt is!« (Come and get it!) No vinous holiday in Austria is complete without a visit to a Heuriger – a traditional wine tavern. Enjoying wine where it is grown and vinified is an old Austrian tradition. The variety of these wine-oriented establishments ranges from rustic and traditional to modern – or even to pop-ups. Some offer hearty winegrower’s platters alongside light, easy-drinking wines, while others serve sophisticated wines paired with gourmet specialties. A visit to a Heuriger can round off a scenic vineyard hike, provide an opportunity to taste wines from a specific estate, and even meet the winegrower personally. These taverns are social hubs and a classic embodiment of Austrian hospitality. Those exploring the winegrowing regions of the Steiermark will likely come across a Buschenschank instead of a Heuriger. The name originates from a bundle of green branches that was once hung above the entrance to signal guests that the establishment was open and serving.
Stay Among the Vines
All of Austria’s winegrowing regions offer a variety of hotels that can serve as perfect base camps for wine travellers. Additionally, many wine estates offer accommodations, often including guided vineyard tours, wine tastings or even tractor rides through the vines. For a unique experience, guests can book a ‘sleeping barrel’ campsite, or a room in one of the picturesque cellar lanes. Some vineyards also feature small winegrower cottages, known as Kellerstöckl in Burgenland and the Steiermark, which are available for rental.
For inspiration and for planning a wine & gourmet ramble through Austria, the website austrianwine.com offers comprehensiveinformation on winegrowers, their events, direct wine sales, accommodation options and other exciting offers for lovers of wine. Here, you will also find more information about typical Austrian grape varieties with EU-protected designations of origin, which you can always spot by the red-white-red capsule tops and the official Qualitätswein confirmation number on the label.
