5 Wine Regions of Austria: Wachau, Burgenland & Beyond
Austria may be famous for its alpine landscapes and classical music, but there’s another treasure hidden among its rolling hills and river valleys: wine. From crisp white Grüner Veltliner to rich red Blaufränkisch, the wine regions of Austria produce some of Europe’s most elegant and expressive wines. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply love exploring scenic vineyards, Austria offers an unforgettable journey through its distinct wine-growing areas.
Table of Contents | Wine Regions of Austria
In this guide, we’ll explore the best wine regions of Austria, including Wachau, Burgenland, Styria, and more, along with travel tips, must-visit wineries, and local experiences to pair with your glass.
A Brief Overview of Austrian Wine
Austria’s wine heritage dates back over 2,000 years, with Roman soldiers among the first to cultivate vines along the Danube. Today, the country is divided into four main wine-producing regions: Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), Burgenland, Styria (Steiermark), and Vienna (Wien), each with its own terroir, grape varieties, and distinctive character.
The climate is ideal for winemaking, with warm summers, cold winters, and cool Alpine breezes that preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes. While Austria is best known for its white wines, especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, its reds from Burgenland have been steadily gaining international recognition.
Wachau: The Jewel of the Danube
If you had to choose one place that defines Austrian wine excellence, it would be the Wachau Valley. Stretching along the Danube River between Melk and Krems, Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its terraced vineyards, medieval villages, and baroque architecture.
Signature Wines
Wachau specialises in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, producing some of the most refined and mineral-driven white wines in the world. The wines are classified into three quality levels:
- Steinfeder – light and crisp
- Federspiel – medium-bodied
- Smaragd – full-bodied and complex
Top Wineries to Visit
- Domäne Wachau (Dürnstein) – One of Austria’s most respected cooperatives with cellar tours and tastings overlooking the river.
- Weingut Knoll – Known for its elegant Rieslings and charming 19th-century labels.
- FX Pichler – A legendary name producing intense, age-worthy wines.
Travel Tip:
Combine your tasting tour with a bike ride along the Danube, stopping at vineyard taverns known as Heuriger, where you can enjoy local wine and homemade food under vine-covered terraces.
Burgenland: The Heart of Red Wine and Sweet Elegance
Located near the Hungarian border, Burgenland is one of the warmest wine regions of Austria and the country’s red wine powerhouse. The sunny plains and gentle hills of Burgenland produce bold reds and luscious dessert wines that reflect the region’s unique microclimate around Lake Neusiedl.
Signature Wines
- Blaufränkisch – A native grape known for its deep colour, spicy notes, and elegance.
- Zweigelt – Fruity and approachable, perfect for everyday drinking.
- Eiswein & Trockenbeerenauslese – Sweet wines made from grapes frozen on the vine, bursting with honeyed richness.
Top Sub-Regions
- Mittelburgenland – Nicknamed the “Blaufränkischland” for its exceptional reds.
- Neusiedlersee – Famous for dessert wines, particularly from the village of Illmitz.
- Leithaberg – Produces both structured whites and earthy reds from limestone soils.
Must-Visit Wineries
- Weingut Kracher – World-renowned for sweet wines that rival French Sauternes.
- Weingut Moric – Celebrated for elegant, terroir-driven Blaufränkisch.
- Günter and Regina Triebaumer – A family-run estate producing top-quality reds and sweet specialities.
Travel Tip:
Visit during the Martiniloben Wine Festival in November, when wineries open their cellars to visitors for tastings and local food pairings.
Styria (Steiermark): The Green Heart of Austria
Southern Austria’s Styria region, often called the “Tuscany of the North,” is a paradise of rolling hills, apple orchards, and sun-soaked vineyards. It’s known for aromatic white wines and picturesque wine roads that snake through lush countryside.
Signature Wines
- Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, grassy, and minerally, rivalling the best from France’s Loire Valley.
- Gelber Muskateller – Floral and refreshing, perfect for summer sipping.
- Welschriesling – Light and zesty, ideal as an aperitif.
Top Wine Routes
- Südsteirische Weinstraße (South Styrian Wine Road) – A scenic route dotted with tasting rooms, rustic taverns, and boutique hotels.
- Weststeiermark – Known for the unique Schilcher Rosé, made from the Blauer Wildbacher grape.
Travel Tip:
Many Styrian wineries also produce pumpkin seed oil, a local speciality. Try pairing it with fresh bread and cheese during your tasting tours.
Vienna: The World’s Wine Capital
Vienna is the only capital city in the world with vineyards within its limits. Over 600 hectares of vines thrive on the city’s outskirts, particularly in districts like Grinzing, Nussdorf, and Stammersdorf.
Signature Wines
Vienna is famous for Gemischter Satz, a traditional field blend made from multiple grape varieties harvested together. It’s crisp, aromatic, and perfectly pairs with local cuisine.
Top Experiences
- Visit a traditional Heuriger (wine tavern) for a glass of local wine, fresh bread, and Austrian cold cuts.
- Attend the Vienna Wine Hiking Day in autumn, where visitors can walk through vineyards with stops for tastings.
Travel Tip:
Head to Cobenzl Hill for one of the best panoramic views of Vienna and its vineyards.
Other Noteworthy Wine Regions in Austria
Thermenregion
Just south of Vienna, this historic region is known for Zierfandler and Rotgipfler, two rare local white grape varieties.
Carnuntum
East of Vienna, near the Slovak border, Carnuntum produces powerful red wines and offers archaeological sites alongside vineyards, perfect for history and wine lovers alike.
Pairing Austrian Wine with Local Cuisine
One of the joys of exploring the wine regions of Austria is tasting how local dishes complement regional wines.
- Grüner Veltliner pairs beautifully with Wiener Schnitzel or trout.
- Blaufränkisch matches well with roast pork or game meats.
- Sauvignon Blanc enhances lighter dishes like salads and seafood.
Many wineries operate their own restaurants or partner with local inns, offering authentic Austrian dining experiences surrounded by vineyards.
Planning Your Austrian Wine Journey
How to Get Around
- Car rental: Best for flexibility, especially in Wachau and Styria.
- Cycling: Popular along the Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg) through Wachau.
- Wine tours: Join guided tours from Vienna for day trips to nearby wine regions.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months to explore the wine regions of Austria are May to October, when vineyards are lush and harvest festivals bring the countryside to life.
Beyond the Vineyards
While wine is the highlight, these regions also offer cultural and outdoor experiences:
- Visit Melk Abbey near Wachau.
- Explore Lake Neusiedl for birdwatching and sailing.
- Discover Graz, Austria’s culinary capital, in Styria.
Final Thoughts | wine regions of Austria
The wine regions of Austria offer far more than tastings; they’re an immersion into centuries-old traditions, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Grüner Veltliner overlooking the Danube or toasting with a glass of Blaufränkisch under the Burgenland sun, Austrian wine country promises an experience that’s as rich and authentic as the wines themselves.
1. What are the main wine regions of Austria?
Austria is home to several renowned wine-producing regions, each with its own distinct character. The four main wine regions of Austria are:
Wachau – Famous for world-class Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines.
Burgenland – Known for rich reds and dessert wines like Ruster Ausbruch.
Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) – The largest wine region, offering a wide variety of whites and reds.
Styria (Steiermark) – Celebrated for its Sauvignon Blanc and Schilcher rosé.
2. What is Austria’s most famous wine?
The most iconic Austrian wine is Grüner Veltliner, a crisp, aromatic white wine that’s light, peppery, and pairs beautifully with seafood and local dishes. It’s particularly associated with the Wachau and Kamptal regions.
3. When is the best time to visit the wine regions of Austria?
The best time to explore the wine regions of Austria is between May and October. During this period, vineyards are lush and active, and visitors can attend wine festivals, harvest celebrations, and tastings directly at the estates. The autumn harvest (September–October) is especially exciting.
4. Can I do wine tastings in the Austrian wine regions?
Absolutely! Most wineries across the wine regions of Austria welcome visitors for tastings. Some offer walk-in tastings, while others require appointments, especially at smaller family-run estates. Many also organize guided tours, where you can walk through the vineyards and learn about traditional winemaking methods.
5. Can visitors stay overnight in Austrian wine regions?
Yes! Many wineries across the wine regions of Austria offer charming guesthouses or vineyard stays, often surrounded by scenic countryside. You can wake up to vineyard views, enjoy tastings on-site, and dine on local farm-to-table cuisine. Wachau, Burgenland, and Styria are especially known for their wine hotels and boutique lodges.
6. Are there wine festivals in Austria?
Yes! Austria hosts numerous wine festivals throughout the year, celebrating local harvests and vintages. Some of the most famous include:
Wachau Wine Spring (Wachauer Weinfrühling) in May.
Sturm Season (New Wine Festivals) in autumn.
Burgenland Wine Festival near Lake Neusiedl.
These events offer tastings, live music, and regional food — a perfect way to experience Austrian hospitality.
