Damon Mcknight
Austria's wine country is divided into three parts, which split into smaller regions. The country's vineyards are concentrated in the east and south of the country, with four major wine regions: Lower Austria (or Niederösterreich), Burgenland, Styria (or Steiermark), and Vienna. Lower Austria is the largest wine-growing region in Austria, with 60% of the country's vineyards and eight smaller wine-growing regions. Burgenland, the second-largest wine-growing region, is known for its red wines and sweet wines. Styria is known for its fresh, brilliant, and elegant wines. Vienna is the world's only capital with a significant wine industry within its city limits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine-growing regions | Niederoesterreich (Lower Austria), Burgenland, Steiermark (Styria), Vienna |
| Size | 44,210 ha |
| Federal states with largest wine-growing areas | Niederösterreich (26,732 ha), Burgenland (11,538 ha), Steiermark (5,109 ha) |
| Vineyard surface in Burgenland | 28% |
| Wine regions in Burgenland | Neusiedlersee DAC, Leithaberg DAC, Rosalia DAC |
| Wine regions in Niederösterreich | Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, Traisental, Wagram, Carnuntum, Thermenregion, Weinviertel |
| Wine regions in Vienna | Wien |
| Grape varieties in Vienna | Grüner Veltliner, Rheinriesling, Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, Welschriesling, Blauer Zweigelt, Blauer Burgunder, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Grape varieties in Austria | Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Zweigelt, St Laurent, Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch |
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What You'll Learn
Lower Austria, the largest wine-growing region
Lower Austria, or Niederösterreich, is Austria's largest wine-growing region, boasting 60% of the country's vineyards. It is comprised of eight regions, including Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, and Wagram, which is home to Austria's oldest winery. Lower Austria is known for its Grüner Veltliner wine, which makes up 44% of its wine production, as well as its Riesling. The region offers a wide range of wine varieties, including fresh, aromatic white wines, fruit-driven red wines, and dessert wines.
The Weinviertel, or "wine quarter," is a vast expanse of vineyards north and east of Vienna, towards the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is known for its lighter, easy-drinking styles with lots of freshness and is where most of the base wines for Austrian sparkling wine, or sekt, are grown. The Weinviertel's fortunes changed in 2003 with the introduction of the first-ever Austrian Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC), a legal appellation that connected regions with a particular grape variety.
Lower Austria has three major climatic zones: the Weinviertel in the north, the region along the river Danube, and the warmer Pannonian part in the southeast. The region is associated with a wealth of different origins and wine styles, produced from unique domestic grapes as well as international varieties. Lower Austria's wine-growing area covers 26,732 hectares, making it the largest in the country.
The vineyards of Lower Austria are concentrated along the Danube River and its tributaries, with many located on steep slopes. These steep vineyards provide excellent sun exposure and optimal drainage, contributing to the unique character of the wines. The region's climatic influences include the hot Pannonian plain heat from the east and the cooler Waldviertel from the northwest. Lower Austria is home to Austria's largest wine-producing town, Langenlois.
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Vienna, one of few European cities with vineyards within city limits
Austria's wine country is divided into three major regions: Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), Burgenland, and Styria (Steiermark). These are further divided into 16 or 17 smaller wine-growing regions, including Vienna (Wien). Most of Austria's vineyards are concentrated in the country's eastern part, with Lower Austria accounting for 60% of the vineyards. The state is known for its Grüner Veltliner wine, which makes up 44% of its wine production, and it also offers a wide range of different wine varieties, including Riesling, fresh, aromatic white wines, fruit-driven red wines, and dessert wines.
Burgenland, the easternmost of Austria's federal states, has 28% of the country's vineyard surface. It is known for its opulent and authoritative red wines, complex whites, and extraordinarily fine sweet wines. The region is influenced by the hot, continental Pannonian climate, and its wine-growing area is divided into four regions. Burgenland is specifically known for its Blaufraenkisch and Blauer Zweigelt red wines, as well as dessert wines like Beerenauslese and
Styria, in the south, is known for producing wines that express their typicity of origin in a fresh, brilliant, and elegant way. The region is influenced by the cool, humid northern breezes colliding with warm, dry winds from the Pannonian plain.
Vienna is one of the few European cities with vineyards within its city limits. The city's vineyards play a significant role in the local economy, help preserve the green belt surrounding the city, and produce some high-quality wines. Vienna is known for its Grüner Veltliner, Rheinriesling, Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, and Welschriesling wines, as well as red wines like Blauer Zweigelt, Blauer Burgunder, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The city also has a rich wine culture, with traditional wine taverns called Heuriger serving young wines from the same year with simple food in a rustic atmosphere. Vienna's proximity to other wine-growing regions, such as Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal, known for their high-quality wines, further contributes to its vibrant wine scene.
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Wachau Valley, home to picturesque wine towns
Austria's wine country is divided into three parts, which split into smaller regions. The picturesque Wachau Valley, nestled in Lower Austria along the Danube River, is one of the country's most established and notable wine regions. It is known for its iconic blue church tower and charming medieval town of Dürnstein, nestled in the heart of the valley. With its steep, terraced vineyards and apricot orchards, ancient castle ruins, and baroque monasteries, the Wachau Valley offers stunning scenery, history, culture, and tradition for wine enthusiasts to discover.
The historic city of Krems, one of the gateways to the Wachau Valley, boasts a blend of medieval and contemporary charm. Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the Gothic Steiner Tor, art districts, and museums. Outside the valley, visitors can explore Schallaburg Castle, one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles north of the Alps, renowned for its elaborate terracotta decorations and peaceful gardens.
Dürnstein, known as the 'Pearl of the Wachau Valley,' is celebrated for its stunning vineyards and incredible wines. The fairytale-like setting, with its picturesque architecture and rolling vistas, offers a unique experience for wine tourists. Nearby lie the wine villages of Unterloiben and Oberloiben, home to top wineries and excellent restaurants.
The Wachau region has a unique classification system for its wines, with three levels: Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd, which indicate increasing alcohol levels. The cool, moist climate from the Waldviertel forests and the moderating influence of the Danube River create ideal conditions for producing high-quality white wines with great ageing potential. The vineyard soils consist primarily of rock outcrops with layers of loess, and the steep, rocky river banks provide a challenge for cultivation.
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Lake Neusiedl, a vital part of the climate of the Neusiedlersee region
Lake Neusiedl is a vital part of the climate of the Neusiedlersee region of eastern Austria. The lake is the largest endorheic lake in Central Europe, straddling the Austrian-Hungarian border. The Austrian side of the lake covers an area of 240 square kilometres (93 square miles) and is situated in the federal state of Burgenland, the easternmost of Austria's federal states. Burgenland is characterised by a hot, continental Pannonian climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
Lake Neusiedl has a significant influence on the microclimate of the region. During the summer, the large expanse of water heats up during the day and gradually releases the stored warmth at night, resulting in a slight decrease in temperature. This promotes the development of cool fruit notes and preserves the necessary acidity that gives Neusiedlersee wines their distinctive character. The region is known for its fruity, spicy, and harmonious red wines, particularly those made from Zweigelt grapes, which showcase aromas of heart cherries, dark berries, and subtle herbs.
The vineyards surrounding Lake Neusiedl benefit from the lake's temperature regulation throughout the year. The lake's shallowness, with a maximum depth of 1.8 metres (5 feet 11 inches), contributes to its impact on the climate. The area is also known for its sweet wines, with the lakeside town of Rust being famous for its Ausbruch, a sweet wine made from botrytized grapes. The Seewinkel area on the opposite shore is renowned for its concentrated Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) dessert wines.
The landscape surrounding Lake Neusiedl has a long history of human settlement, dating back to the Neolithic period. The area has been densely populated since the 7th century BC by various cultures, including the Hallstatt culture and the Romans. The lake's surroundings feature villages with unique rural architecture, and the towns and villages have served as significant trading centres for different cultures. In recognition of its cultural importance, Lake Neusiedl and its surrounding area were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.
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Burgenland, the easternmost of Austria's federal states
Burgenland's history is deeply intertwined with that of neighbouring Hungary. The region was once part of the Kingdom of Hungary and later became a focus of German settlement under Magyar rule. After World War I, the predominantly German-speaking western regions of Hungary were ceded to Austria, and Burgenland became a Bundesland in 1921. However, Hungary retained control of the Sopron (Ödenburg) area, disrupting communication lines within the newly formed state. Despite these challenges, Burgenland flourished in the wine industry, with 28% of its surface dedicated to vineyards.
The region boasts a diverse range of wines, from opulent red wines to complex whites and exquisite sweet wines. The unique microclimate influenced by the Pannonian Basin and the Vienna Basin creates ideal conditions for viticulture. The northern part of Burgenland, including the shores of Lake Neusiedl, is particularly well-suited for grape cultivation. The area is known for its red wines, with the Neusiedlersee DAC specialising in juicy, dry reds made from Zweigelt grapes.
Burgenland is also home to the Leithaberg DAC, a wine region renowned for its white wines based on Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Chardonnay and Blaufränkisch-based reds. The crystalline Rosalien Mountain Range, situated between northern and middle Burgenland, adds to the region's natural beauty and distinct terroir. The area has a rich history, with evidence of continuous human habitation since prehistoric times and a diverse cultural heritage influenced by various civilisations, including the Romans, Slavs, and Teutons.
Beyond its wine culture, Burgenland offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. The city of Rust, with its stork nests, and Lake Neusiedl are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cyclists can explore the vineyards, reed beds, and steppes of the Pannonian Plain along a 125-kilometre tour around Lake Neusiedl. The region also boasts castles and palaces from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, providing a glimpse into its rich historical past.
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Frequently asked questions
Most of Austria's vineyards are in the east and south of the country. The three major wine-growing regions are Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), Burgenland, and Steiermark (Styria).
Burgenland has 28% of Austria's vineyard surface.
Burgenland is known for its opulent and authoritative red wines, as well as complex whites and sweet wines.
Niederösterreich is the largest wine-growing region in Austria, with 60% of the country's vineyards.
Niederösterreich is known for its Grüner Veltliner wines, which make up 44% of its wine production. It also produces Riesling and a wide range of other wine varieties, including fresh, aromatic white wines, fruit-driven red wines, and dessert wines.
