wine tours in austria

20 Best Wine Tasting in Vienna + Wine Tasting Tours

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by gregor

 Are you looking for the Best Wine Tasting in Vienna? I have got you covered.

I have been fortunate enough to have taken several wine-tasting tours in Vienna and Vienna is definitely one of my favorite places to experience some of the best wines Europe has to offer. The romantic atmosphere and stunning views make it the perfect destination not only for wine connoisseurs. I can honestly say that these experiences foster a real love and appreciation for the world of wines. In addition, you can also check the 15 Best Food Tours in Vienna here

So if you’re looking for the best wine tasting in Vienna – look no further!

Here are the 20 of my favorite Wine tours in Vienna, guaranteed to make your visit even more special

Vienna: hidden wine cellars tasting experience (2 hours).

• Join a guided tour of Vienna and enjoy tasting 3 local wines of the area
• Gain access to historic, hidden, and non-public wine cellars of the city
• Try the authentic local delicacies of Vienna at almost every stop
• Learn about the history of Viennese wine while exploring the cellars
• Discover the underground of Vienna with a small group

 Take a guided wine tour of Vienna and explore the hidden gems of the city, including its historic and non-public wine cellars. On this tour, you will have access to some of the finest local wines Vienna has to offer while learning about its rich history of winemaking. As you explore the cellars with a small group, you will also be able to try some authentic Viennese delicacies at almost every stop. This is an amazing opportunity to discover the underground wonders of Vienna while tasting some amazing wines and enjoying delicious food.

I really recommend this Wine Tasting Tour in Vienna. Check availability and Pricing here

Grape Grazing: Wachau Valley Winery Biking Tour (9.5 hours)

• Bike through the Wachau Valley
• Visit small family-owned wineries and the famous Domäne Wachau
• Learn about the region’s fascinating history and culture from your guide
• Explore Dürnstein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or hike up to the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned
• Cool off in the River Danube

Experience the beauty of the Wachau Valley with a biking tour from a local winery. You’ll get to explore some of the small family-owned wineries and the famous Domäne Wachau, learning about the region’s fascinating history and culture from your guide. Dürnstein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also part of the tour, as well as an optional hike up to the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. The Grape Grazing Wachau Valley Winery Biking Tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience Austria’s unique wine culture while soaking up some gorgeous scenery and heritage sites.

I love this Wachau Valley Winery Tour. Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Guided Wine Tasting Tour in a Private Wine Cellar  (1 hour)

• Taste 3 typical Viennese and Austrian wines in a family atmosphere
• Learn all about Viennese wines and local culture from a private wine expert
• Get access to a hidden non-public wine cellar and hear about Roman history
• Top it off with a tasting of Austrian delicacies made by regional producers

Experience a unique guided wine tasting in a private wine cellar in Vienna. Enjoy the family atmosphere and taste 3 typical Viennese and Austrian wines with an expert from the area who will explain all about their history, culture, and production processes. Discover the hidden secrets of a non-public wine cellar and hear fascinating stories about its Roman history. To top it off, savor delicious Austrian delicacies made by local producers. This is an extraordinary way to experience the city’s culture and learn more about its wines.

Family Atmosphere & Exclusive Private Wine Tasting Tour in Vienna. Check availability and Pricing here

From Vienna: Half-day Countryside Wine Guided Tour in Vienna with Meal (5.5 hours)

Experience the beautiful countryside surrounding Vienna on a half-day wine tour with a friendly, English-speaking host. Visit two or three of the family-owned wineries in the Weinviertel Wine Region and enjoy the ambiance as you taste 4 glasses of quality wine at each location (for a total of 8 to 12 glasses). Meet with the local winemakers and learn about their history before completing your experience with a traditional lunch or dinner. Travel in small groups for an intimate and enjoyable experience that will make for perfect memories along with some delicious Austrian wines.

• Visit 2 or 3 family-owned wineries in the Weinviertel Wine Region, near Vienna
• Enjoy the countryside ambiance over 4 glasses of quality wine at each location (8 or 12 glasses total)
• Meet with the local winemakers, learn about their history
• Complete your experience with a traditional dinner or lunch
• Travel in small groups with your friendly, English-speaking host

Beautiful Countryside ambiance visiting Family Owned wineries Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Schlumberger Wine Cellar Guided or Self-Guided Tour

The Vienna Schlumberger Wine Cellar Guided or Self-Guided Tour is a unique opportunity to explore the secrets of winemaking and champagne production. Visitors get the chance to take a look behind the scenes and experience the art of making bubbly drinks. They will discover the cellar and uncover its history, which dates back to 1842 when it was founded by Johann Jakob Schlumberger. During the tour, visitors also get the chance to “hand-riddle” some of the precious bottles in order to unravel its secret and learn more about their contents. After finishing their exploration, they can choose between three different tasting sets depending on their preferences. Therefore, this tour provides an amazing insight into the wonderful world of winemaking.

• Take a look behind the scenes and experience the art of making champagne
• Discover the cellar and the history of Schlumberger which dates back to 1842
• Get the chance to “hand-riddle” the precious bottles and unravel their secret
• Choose between three different tasting sets after the tour

Discover the secrets of wine and Champaign production. Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar (40 min)

Exploring the traditional Viennese culture and its wines is an absolute must when visiting Vienna. If you are looking for a unique experience, why not try wine tasting at a traditional cellar? You will get to taste three fine Austrian wines in a cozy ambiance of an old-style Viennese cellar. What’s more, you will be served delicious Viennese spreads and wine snacks, all while listening to live Austrian music starting at 7pm. This is the perfect way to get in touch with the culture of this amazing city and its wines. Whether you’re alone or with friends, it’s certain to be a memorable experience!

• Taste three fine Austrian wines
• Cozy ambiance of traditional Viennese cellar
• Delicious Viennese spreads and wine snack
• Live Austrian Music at 07:00 PM

Cozy ambiance with Live Austrian Music! Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna 4-Hour Food Guided Tour (4 hours)

The Vienna 4-Hour Food Tour is the perfect way to experience local specialties in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Start your day at a traditional Viennese coffee house, and enjoy an authentic cup of coffee with a pastry. Then head to the popular Naschmarkt to sample a variety of Austrian products, including cheese, bread, chocolate, and sausages. After working up your appetite, take a guided walk through Vienna and try some of the city’s best food and drinks like a local. Along the way you’ll visit some of Vienna’s iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and many other hidden gems. The tour includes stops at several restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes prepared by top chefs using only fresh ingredients from local producers. Whether you’re looking for an adventure into Viennese cuisine or simply want to enjoy some quality time with friends or family, the Vienna 4-Hour Food Tour is the perfect way to do it!

• Start the day at a traditional Viennese coffee house
• Visit the popular Naschmarkt to sample a variety of Austrian products
• Eat and drink like a local on a guided walk through Vienna

Eat and drink like a Local! You will love it! Check availability and Pricing here

Premium Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting (9 hours)

The Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting is a great way to experience the beauty of Vienna. One of the highlights of this tour is visiting the town of Dürnstein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Enjoy a cruise along the Danube River from Spitz to Melk, and have lunch at a typical wine tavern (at your expense). Sample local Wachau Valley wines at family-owned wineries, and try other local delicacies such as apricot jams and liqueurs. This day tour provides an incredible opportunity for travelers to experience Vienna’s culture and history in an up close and personal setting. Whether you are looking for an educational experience or just want to relax with some wine tasting, this tour is sure to provide you with all that you need!

• Visit the town of Durnstein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Enjoy a cruise along the Danube River from Spitz to Melk
• Have lunch at a typical wine tavern (at your expense)
• Sample Wachau Valley wines at family-owned wineries
• Try other local delicacies such as apricot jams and liqueurs

Beautiful Wachau Valley with boat tour included. Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Winery and Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert (2-3 Hours)

A private wine-tasting tour in Vienna with a 5-star wine expert is the perfect way to experience some of the best wines Austria has to offer. On this tour, you’ll learn all about Austrian wine and Viennese vineyards, visiting two stylish wine bars or wineries in the Old Town. The 2-hour option includes tasting four original Austrian wines, including red and white, while the 3-hour option adds five glasses of wine with appetizers as well as an Old Town tour. With these tours, you can fulfill your ultimate dream of being a sommelier for an afternoon!

• Go on a private wine-tasting tour in Vienna with a 5-star wine expert
• Learn all about Austrian wine and Viennese vineyards
• Visit 2 stylish wine bars or wineries in the Old Town
• Taste 4 original Austrian wines, including red and white on the 2-hour option
• Enjoy 5 glasses of wine with appetizers and an Old Town tour on the 3-hour option

5-Star Wine Expert Tour! Be a sommelier for an afternoon! Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music (1 hour)

A Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music experience is the perfect way to discover the flavors of old Viennese Cuisine. The dinner takes place in a traditional Vienna Wine Cellar and includes a 3-course tasting menu accompanied by an aperitif and a glass of local fine wine, draught beer, or soft drink. As part of the experience, there will be a traditional Austrian folk music performance during the dinner. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere of Austria while enjoying some delicious cuisine and drinks. For those looking for something unique and special, this is definitely an experience to consider!

• Have a tasting menu in a traditional Vienna Wine Cellar
• Discover the flavors of the old Viennese Cuisine
• 3-course tasting menu accompanied with aperitif and glass of a local fine wine/ draught beer or soft drink
• Traditional Austrian folk music performance during the dinner

Austrian Folk Music during the dinner! Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour (4 Hours)

Experience Vienna in a whole new way with a wine-tasting e-bike tour! Explore the beautiful banks and rolling hills along the Danube River, immersing yourself in the romance of the local wine region while learning about its rich history. Visit the 900-year-old Klosterneuburg Abbey and enjoy a guided tour of its stunning grounds before sampling Viennese wines directly from producers in its rustic wine cellar. Complete your day with a leisurely ride on an e-bike along Danube Island, taking in spectacular views of this unique natural area. With this fantastic guided tour, you’ll be able to explore Vienna’s hidden gems, learn about its rich history, and sample some of its delicious wines – all on two wheels!

• Explore the beautiful banks and rolling hills along the Danube River in Vienna
• Immerse yourself in the romance of the local wine region and learn about its wine
• Visit the 900-year-old Klosterneuburg Abbey and enjoy a guided tour
• Sample Viennese wines directly from producers in the abbey’s rustic wine cellar
• Discover the scenic Danube Island by e-bike to complete your day

Rich History Tour with delicious wines! Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket with Wine Tasting ( 1 Day)

A Vienna hop-on hop-off bus ticket with wine tasting is the perfect way to see the city’s most important sights in a short amount of time. With lots of stations to choose from, you can get on or off whenever you please and personalize your tour. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the cozy ambiance of a traditional Viennese cellar while tasting three fine Austrian wines. It’s an experience like no other – one that will let you explore Vienna from a unique perspective and leave you with wonderful memories.

• See Vienna’s most important sights in a short time
• Get on or off whenever you want – there are lots of stations to choose from!
• Personalize your tour
• Cozy ambience of the traditional Viennese cellar

Sightseeing and Wine Tasting! A perfect combination! Check availability and Pricing here

Premium Tour! Romantic Old Vienna City Walk and Wine Tasting (3 Hours)

Join us on a romantic old Vienna City Walk and Wine Tasting tour to discover the picturesque parts of the city. Our expert guide will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets, allowing you to explore Austria’s largest capital city in peace. With Vienna having been named as having the highest quality of living worldwide, this promises to be an unforgettable experience. During your tour, you can also enjoy an exclusive and private tasting of three different wines at a medieval wine cellar! It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Viennese history and culture whilst sampling delicious local wines. Make sure not to miss out on this unique opportunity!

• Discover various scenic parts of the romantic old heart of Vienna
• Be guided away from the crowds in the city with the highest quality of living worldwide
• Enjoy an exclusive and private tasting of 3 different wines at a medieval wine cellar

Exclusive Private Tasting in the Old Heart of Vienna. Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Private Evening Discovery Tour with Dinner (4 Hours)

Discover Vienna by night and explore the city like a local on an evening discovery tour. See where the locals go for a night out and taste fine Viennese wines as well as an unforgettable cocktail made by one of the city’s top mixologists. Indulge in traditional and delicious local cuisine, as you take in the sights and sounds of Vienna’s vibrant nightlife. This private tour is carbon-neutral, organized and led by an eco-certified tour operator so you can rest easy knowing that your experience is sustainable. Whether you’re visiting Vienna for the first time or have been before, this unique evening tour offers a special way to explore the city after dark!

• Discover Vienna by night with a local guide
• See where locals go for a night out in the city
• Taste fine Viennese wines and the cocktail of a lifetime made by a mixologist
• Dive into local flavors and indulge in traditional and delicious local cuisine
• Join a carbon-neutral tour, organized and led by an eco-certified tour operator

Fine Viennese wines Tour at nighttime. Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Full-Day Vienna Woods Wine Tasting Tour (8.5 hours)

Join the Vienna Woods Wine Tasting Tour and experience the beauty of one of Austria’s most famous wine regions! Our dedicated, English-speaking hiking and wine guide will take you on a 9km journey through gorgeous landscapes, giving you 360-degree views over the Vienna Basin (summer tour). Along the way, we’ll visit a local winery to experience extensive and intimate wine tasting. You’ll discover unique, indigenous grape varieties and wines that are only found in this region. Whether you’re an experienced taster or simply curious about local wines, this tour is sure to impress!

• Travel with a dedicated, English-speaking hiking and wine guide
• Visit a local winery and experience an extensive and intimate wine tasting
• Walk 9 km and enjoy 360-degree views over the Vienna Basin (summer tour)
• Discover gorgeous landscapes and unique, indigenous grape varieties and wines

Gorgeous landscapes and intimate wine tasting. Check availability and Pricing here

Premium Tour! Culinary Sightseeing Tour in an Electric Vintage Car (1.5 Hours)

The Vienna Culinary Sightseeing Tour in an Electric Vintage Car is a truly unique experience! Admire the sights of the city from the comfort of a classic electric car and taste the flavors of Vienna with a delicious 3-course meal. Your friendly driver will provide you with interesting facts and stories about the city, its culture, and its past throughout your tour. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Vienna in a special way, through food and sightseeing. With this tour, you will be able to enjoy both traditional Viennese cuisine and cultural highlights in one unforgettable experience!

• Admire the sights of Vienna from the comfort of an electric vintage car
• Taste the flavors of Vienna during a delicious 3-course meal
• Learn about the city and its culture from your friendly driver
• Enjoy a truly unique experience

Funny tour with a 3-course meal! Check availability and Pricing here

Premium Tour! Full-Day Kickbike Tour through Wachau Valley (7 hours)

Experience Vienna in an exciting and unique way with a full-day Kickbike Tour through Wachau! This tour will take you on a drive with a high-tech scooter for the whole day, allowing you to explore the beautiful scenery of the region. You will visit Stift Melk and take a short walk through its grounds before continuing your journey to see the old castle ruin Aggstein. To make your adventure even more memorable, participate in a traditional wine tasting and get a taste of Austrian wine. This one-of-a-kind tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget!

• Drive with a high-tech scooter for the whole day
• Visit the beautiful Stift Melk and take a short walkthrough
• See the old castle ruin Aggstein
• Participate in a traditional wine tasting and get a taste of Austrian wine

Culture, Nature, and Wine Tasting! Check availability and Pricing here

From Vienna: Explore the Tastes of Bratislava on a Day Trip (7 hours)

Explore the tastes of Bratislava on a day trip from Vienna! Start your journey by experiencing what it’s like to eat and drink like a local in the capital of Slovakia. Then find out about local wines with a wine tasting in a stylish wine cellar. Sample rich goose pate at the historic Café Stefanka, while you have a traditional Bratislava pastry paired with a hot cup of coffee. Discover local beer customs as you try specialty beers in a local microbrewery. You can also explore the beautiful city’s landmarks and churches and take in its vibrant culture as you savor unique flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds!

• Experience eating and drinking like a local in the capital of Slovakia
• Find out about local wines with a wine tasting in a stylish wine cellar
• Sample rich a goose pate at the historic Café Stefanka
• Have a traditional Bratislava pastry paired with a hot cup of coffee
• Discover local beer customs as you try specialty beers in a local microbrewery

Explore the tastes of Bratislava & Wine Tasting. Check availability and Pricing here

Vienna: Street Food and Craft Beer Small Group (2.5 hours)

Tasting Tour If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Vienna, consider taking the Vienna: Street Food and Craft Beer Small-Group Tasting Tour. Not only will you get to taste a range of delicious local food and drinks, but you’ll also get off the beaten path to discover Vienna’s hidden corners and street art passageways. With an expert guide at your side, you’ll learn all about the Viennese lifestyle – from its culture to its cuisine – plus, it’s a great way to meet new people! Whether you’re a foodie or beer enthusiast, this tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

• Taste a range of delicious local food and drinks
• Go off the beaten path to discover Vienna’s hidden corners and street art passageways
• Learn all about the Viennese lifestyle from your expert guide

Street Food Tours with Expert Guide: Check availability and Pricing here

Sweet Vienna Tour: Home of Cakes and Café Culture (2 hours)

The Sweet Vienna Tour is a unique experience for all those looking to explore the city’s rich coffeehouse culture. On this tour, visitors can learn about the history and etiquette of Viennese coffeehouses, as well as see some of the most beautiful and prominent ones. Furthermore, you will get to hear stories about the origins of delicious pastries and tips for the best confectioneries in town. Of course, you’ll also learn the difference between the “original” and the “real” Sachertorte (Sacher Cake). Finally, you will be entertained by funny anecdotes and exciting stories from your local guide – making this a truly memorable experience!

• Learn about the history behind the Viennese coffee culture
• See the most prominent and beautiful coffeehouses in Vienna
• Get to know the etiquette and characteristics of a Viennese coffeehouse
• Listen in as the origin stories of delicious pastries are revealed
• Get tips for the best confectioneries in the city
• Learn the difference between the “original” and the “real” Sachertorte (Sacher Cake)
• Hear funny and exciting anecdotes and stories

Learn Viennese Coffee house culture: Check availability and Pricing here

Why couples should consider wine tasting tours in Vienna?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for couples, and one of the most romantic activities you can do together is a wine tasting tour. Not only will you learn about the history of Austrian winemaking, but you’ll also sample some of the finest wines from this region. Wine tasting tours in Vienna provide a unique opportunity to explore the culture and cuisine of Austria in a way that many other cities cannot match. With so many vineyards located in and around Vienna, couples will be able to taste wines from all over Europe, as well as some local favorites. Additionally, there are often special offers available on tours which include food tastings or visits to traditional Austrian wineries. With so much to do and see while tasting delicious wines, this is the perfect way for couples to spend quality time together while discovering something new and exciting at the same time!

Summary of Vienna’s Top wine tasting Guided Tours

Vienna is a great destination for couples to explore and sample some of the finest wines around. 20 Best Wine Tasting in Vienna for Couples 2023 offers couples an amazing opportunity to experience the best in Viennese wine tasting. Each event will be hosted by a local wine expert who will take you on a journey through the country’s rich viticulture history, as well as share their expertise about Austrian wines. The tastings will include a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines from different regions around Vienna. Couples can also expect to learn about food pairings and tips on how to choose the best bottles for any occasion. With its charming architecture, historic vineyards, and welcoming locals, Vienna is sure to be an unforgettable wine-tasting experience for couples in 2023.

Vienna Guided Tours – Related articles to read

• A comprehensive Guide to Vienna Sightseeing Tours
• Ride Through History: The Best Vienna Guided Bike Tours
• Best Vienna Hop on hop off bus tours – Sightseeing Bus Tours
• 15 Best Food Tours in Vienna, Austria – Updated 2023

Viennese Coffee house culture – Why is Vienna famous for Coffee?

Vienna skip the lines: 6 best ways to skip the lines in vienna and not waste time.

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Wine Tours in Austria

Gemütlichkeit, grüner veltliner, monasteries & castles.

Wine tours in Austria. Fresh air, fresh air and more fresh air – Austria is the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts. But Austria isn’t just about the Alps, skiing and hiking. The wooded foothills, gently rolling farmland and flowering meadows in Austria’s lowlands provide equally enchanting vistas. Austrians cherish Gemütlichkeit, which means comfort and coziness, where life is experienced more slowly and comfortably.

So if you’re looking for a ‘slower’ adventure but with just as much beauty, Austria is your place for a wine tour. Austria may be small but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to wine. While it has made its name with a fresh-faced, white grape variety called Grüner Veltliner, there is plenty more to discover .

Austria’s wine regions might not be household names just yet but Austria is punching far above its weight when it comes to producing top-notch wines at very reasonable prices.

The Wachau wine region is hard to beat. It’s packed with secluded wine-producing villages with pastel-coloured houses scattered among rolling hills clad with vineyards, wild forests and apricot orchards. This beautifully meandering stretch of the Danube is a hidden gem, full of imposing fortresses, monasteries and abbeys. You will discover an enchanting river valley landscape, lush vineyards and countless cultural sites. The wines of the Wachau Valley will delight and surprise you.

Discover more about Austria

Main regions.

Based around the capital itself, Wien with its numerous heurigen (local wine taverns), has a thriving wine culture. South-East towards the border with Hungary lies Leithaberg, Burgenland and Steiermark, which, as a relatively warm region, produces wonderful, opulent reds. North-West of the capital is Neiderosterreich including Wagram, Wachau and Kremstal where elegant, whites abound.

MAIN GRAPES

Austria’s king of whites, its calling card, Gruner Veltliner, with its distinctive stone-fruit, herbaceous and white pepper character. Other local whites include Neuberger, Muskateller and Rotgipfler, and ‘international’ varieties are represented by Riesling, Sauvignon and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc). Main local reds are Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch and Sankt Laurent; and ‘international’ varieties Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder), Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

Nikolaihof winery can trace their history back 2000 years to Romain times. It was also one of the very first wineries in the world to be certified as Biodynamic by Demeter Association.

PAST TOURS IN AUSTRIA

For our first vinous adventure to Central Europe we headed to Austria where we were introduced to the delights of indigenous grapes like Gruner Veltliner, Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt. After an excellent presentation at the Wine Academy we visited several high quality boutique producers in the regions of Neusiedlersee, Kremstal and Wachau. We stayed in the pretty towns of Rust and Krems. And we visited the baroque marvel Ersteharzy Palace and its Wine Museum, enjoyed the Erste Lage tasting in the fabulous surroundings of Grafenegg Castle, and a took a boat ride on the River Danube marvelling at the terraced vineyards. What an exceptionally interesting and varied tour!

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Vienna Wine Tasting Tour

Wander through the Vienna vineyards and discover urban Austrian wine-making

The Vienna Wine Tour

Ah, Vienna. Famous for its classical music, apple strudel and its, er...grumpy waiters. But for those of you that didn't already know, Vienna is also the world's only capital city with its own wine industry, with almost 700 hectares of the city under vineyard cover. Wine-making in Vienna stretches back many centuries with traditional Heurigen (wine taverns) still dominating the urban wine scene. These days, many of these establishments are led by several young and dynamic Viennese wine makers that are helping to redefine outdated perceptions of the city's wine. Our Vienna wine tasting tour brings you right into the heart of the Vienna vineyards to experience the city's hugely important wine culture. A gentle afternoon and evening stroll through the Vienna vineyards is punctuated by a meeting with a local vintner to learn all about the work they do in the vine rows and cellars, while you get to sit back and taste their hard work during a detailed guided wine tasting.

Vienna Wine Tasting

Coming to Vienna and not visiting its vineyards and sampling its wines would be a great shame, as they play such a big role in the city's history and its modern-day culture. The wine tastings in Vienna that we organize are joined by the wine makers themselves, and they take place within their wineries, not some anonymous tasting room. So not only is behind the scenes access guaranteed, but also as much wine knowledge as you can handle! Wine tasting in Vienna has never been so real and authentic.

Discover the key to Vienna's quality of life

Heurigen culture is huge in Vienna, so to understand Viennese wine culture then you have to visit one of these traditional wine taverns. Heurigen are the secret behind Vienna's high quality of life, and the famous 'gemutlichkeit' or Viennese hospitality. Of course, on our Vienna winery tour you'll visit a traditional Heurige to see the role they play both past and present.

Gentle walk through the Vienna Vineyards

Our tour is accessible to most by combining a gentle walk through vineyards, interspersed with a wine tasting and breaks to appreciate the views. It is relaxed and easily manageable for the vast majority of people, regardless of age or fitness levels. Unfortunately though, due to some sections of uneven terrain in the vineyards, the Vienna wine tour isn't suitable for wheelchair users.

Vienna Winery Tour - Highlights & Pricing

• Experience an intimate wine tasting, led by a local wine maker and get behind the scenes access
• Enjoy Vienna's green side with a gentle walk through Vienna vineyards
• Sample a wide selection of Viennese wines including its most famous: the Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC
• Our Austrian wine expert and native English-speaking guide is on-hand throughout as you experience the Vienna Heurigen
• Return transportation from Vienna city center
• Expertly curated itineraries with your Austrian wine expert and native English-speaking guide on-hand throughout.
• Bespoke Vienna winery tours and tastings can be planned with us, with different routes and winery visits possible. Food can also be arranged according to client's wishes
• Witness both the traditional and modern sides of Viennese wine making as part of your private Vienna wine tour
• Enjoy a detailed Q&A with local vintners to really get under the skin of Viennese viticulture
• Get in touch with us directly to discuss options, including alternative start times and options for larger groups

Half-day Vienna Wine Tasting Tours - Itinerary

Summer (may - oct).

Vienna Wine Tasting Tour Booking Calendar

Take a look at our booking calendar below and choose which day you’d like to join one of our Vienna winery tours. Just get in touch via our contact page if you want to organize a private wine tour, and we’ll get straight back to you. To whet your appetite until our tour, or if you’re just a bit of a wine nerd, and you’re thirsty for more information about Viennese wines then do check out this link .

Vienna Wine Tour Meeting Point

The meeting point for both our private and small-group Vienna wine tasting tours is the front entrance to Vienna Praterstern railway station (the side with the McDonalds!). Praterstern station is very easy to get to as it is crossed by two different metro lines: the purple U2 line and the red U1 line, as well as several buses and trams. You can also walk there from the city center in around 25 minutes from St Stephen's cathedral. We'll meet you at the bottom of the tall column on the square in front of the station.

Full-Day Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Tour

We offer 24 hr free cancellation on most of our tours, winery visits and hotels. For more detail please see the individual cancellation policies on the tour, winery or hotel page.

Tour Overview

The Danube Valley between Krems and Melk, known as the Wachau, is as scenic and romantic as Austria gets, boasting famous white wines, ruined castles, charming old towns surrounded by steep vineyards, and the glorious Melk Abbey.

Explore this scenic wine producing region on this full-day, small group wine tasting tour from Vienna. Over the course of the day you will cover the most scenic 24 miles of the Wachau Valley and visit exclusive wineries.

Departing from Vienna, the first stop of the day is the town of Durnstein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting and have free time to wander around the town.

Next stop will be in Weissenkirchen where you can enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional family-owned wine tavern.

After lunch, continue to Spitz for another wine tasting and take the ferry to Melk.

End the day with a boat cruise on the Danube and a brief stop at Melk Abbey for photos.

Please note: From October 1 to April 30, the tour includes a 1-hour guided tour of Melk Abbey instead of the 1-hour Danube boat cruise.

What’s included

• 1-hour Danube Ferry ride (summer season only)
• 2 wine tastings
• Transport by Mercedes minivan to and from the Wachau
• Expert guide
• Lunch and drinks
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (optional 50€)

Meeting point

Vienna Explorer, Franz-Josefs-Kai 45, 1010, Vienna

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation less than 1 month before tour date: only 20% administration fees Cancellation less than 2 weeks before tour date: 50% of the total amount Cancellation less than 1 week prior to tour date: 100% of the total amount No show:  no restitution

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Home » Travel Guides » Austria » 15 Best Things to Do in Krems (Austria)

15 Best Things to Do in Krems (Austria)

With only 23,000 inhabitants, Krems an der Donau is a small town in Lower Austria that punches well above its weight in terms of sight-seeing and attractions.

Located in the Wachau valley and resting on the banks of the Danube, Krems holds an important position in the region and is only 70km from Vienna.

This historic city has a rich history of wine production, and also boasts great charm and character with its old architecture and favourable seat on the Danube.

The town has great transport links by rail to neighbouring places and also can be reached from Vienna in only an hour.

Lets explore the best things to do in Krems :

1. Winzer Krems (Wine tour)

The lower region of Austria where Krems is nestled is a famous wine region and Krems has a history of fine wine production.

Winzer Krems is an established winery and produces some of the finest bottles in Austria since 1938. You can take a tour around the estate and learn about the wine making process and the history of Winzer Krems and even have a sample or two of their fine produce.

With grape varieties including Chardonnay, Neuberger, Yellow Muscatel and Pinot Blanc there will be something to suit everyone’s taste.

2. Aggstein Castle

This iconic castle that looms high on an outcrop overlooking the Danube has stood the test of time since the 1200’s and now remains as an excellent ruins.

Often said to be impregnable, the castle has never been recorded to have been stormed by force, only conquered by starvation or other devious means.

Owing to its high location and great vantage point, the castle really stands out against the backdrop of the lower Austrian countryside.

Inside the castle you can experience a medieval atmosphere with several permanent exhibitions and also a restaurant.

3. Schonbuhel Castle

Another fine castle in the Wachau region located just below the town of Melk, the Schonbuhel Castle lies in a similar position to Aggstein castle high above the Danube on a rock over 40m above the river.

Possible remains of a Roman fortress lie here before the castle was constructed and it has had some form of fortification since the 12th century.

You can take audio tours around this fascinating structure and also enjoy the wonderful flower displays in the castle grounds.

4. Karikaturmuseum

This unique museum is one of the only Caricature museums in Austria and is located right in the centre of Krems.

The exhibitions here are ever changing so you will always find something new and interesting to admire.

The display mainly features different types of cartoon drawings and caricatures from artist including Manfred Dreix and Gerhard Haderer and is really fascinating.

The light-hearted and fun atmosphere of the museum makes it a memorable place to visit.

While there are no descriptions in English, the exhibitions are easy to follow.

5. Gottweig Abbey

This Benedictine monastery is an impressive sight with its dominating twin towers and colourful exterior design.

Just south of Krems, the Abbey complex is quite expansive and includes the main abbey, a walled courtyard and some gardens.

The red topped towers of the abbey stand out and the whole complex holds an imposing position in the Wachau valley.

This stunning example of baroque design features a museum which showcases parts of the Abbey interior like the striking grand staircase, an apricot orchard, and also gives jaw-dropping views of the Wachau Valley from its terraces.

6. Piaristenkirche

This Roman Catholic church is the oldest in Krems and was constructed around 1284, but official records show the church being consecrated in the 1500’s so the exact date is unknown.

The exterior of the church stands quite tall with a typical high reaching tiled roof that is similar in shape to that of St. Stephens in Vienna.

The bell tower has an ornate Romanesque dome and the huge copper bell housed inside weighs in at over 5000kg.

The interior features a Baroque design and has a highly decorated altar full of gold, and a beautiful organ that sits high above in one of the knaves.

This pretty church is a charming place to visit and ideally located for easy access.

7. Motorrad-Museum

For any motorbike enthusiast this museum will be like a goldmine.

Although located in the smaller village of Egelsee, the museum is still only a 10 minutes’ drive away and is certainly worth the effort.

For only 4 Euros admission fee, feast your eyes on over 170 different classic motorbikes including models from Bock & Hollender, Austria Alpha, Triumph, Harley Davidson and Indian.

The timeframe of the collection spans right from the early 1900’s through to the modern day and is a truly wonderful look at motor biking history.

8. Boat trip on the Danube to Melk

As the Danube is one of the most important rivers in Europe; it makes sense that you should enjoy a memorable boat trip on its waters during your stay in Krems.

The DDSG Company operate on this section of the river and provide boat trips from Krems to the enchanting town of Melk which is further west along the way.

The full route takes approximately 3 hours and there are options to stop off at some of the smaller town’s en-route.

On the way you can admire the splendid scenery and watch the world roll past.

9. Buy a local bottle of wine

As Krems boasts such a fine history of wine making, it stands to reason that there are many shops in the town centre where you can buy a souvenir bottle to either drink at your please in Krems, or take home for your family to partake in.

The Johann Strauss Winery has a great selection of varieties to purchase and sample, ringing the establishment beforehand is advised however to ensure they are open.

10. Krems old town/town walls

Much of Krems old town walls remain intact so walking around them and exploring the old town centre is a great way to see the town and experience the local culture.

Many shops and cafes are tucked away In the structure of some of the walls and many of the old buildings are now used as shopping areas.

Simply enjoy walking around the town and taking in its historic feel and pleasant atmosphere.

11. Glatt & Verkehrt Music Festival

The Glatt & Verkehrt Festival is a celebration of Latin American, African and Balkan Music all combined with a wondrous supply of fine wine made directly in the Wachau region and is usually held in July.

This lively festival promotes all things Krems and shows off the cities fabulous culinary delights, tasty wines and hosts many concerts and live shows throughout the month – The atmosphere is perfect and the musical styles are truly eclectic.

12. Kunsthalle

Housed in the stunning building of a former tobacco factory, the Kunsthalle is an exhibition centre in the middle of Krems near the river.

The main focus of the exhibitions in this hall has been 19th century conflicts and both classical and contemporary art.

Open since 1994 and containing a huge variety of displays over the years, the Kunsthalle draws in a large amount of visitors and is a definite must see in Krems.

13. Enjoy some excellent food at the Zum Kaiser

Traditional Austrian cuisine is something that should be sampled when in a town like Krems.

The country is known for such enjoyable dishes as Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz and Fledermaus as well as the Sachertorte pastry.

While Krems features a range of different restaurants and bars, catering for all kinds of cuisine, the Zum Kaiser is a highly regarded establishment and a first-class place to try some traditional food.

Set in a quiet location in Krems next to a small square, and featuring a cosy atmosphere with a limited amount of tables, the Zum Kaiser will provide you with a memorable dining experience.

14. Sample some Marillenschnaps (Apricot Brandy)

The Wachau region is not only famed for its high quality wine, but also as a producer of Marillenschnaps or Apricot Brandy.

The process turns apricots into liquor through fermentation and produces a brandy with approximately 40% alcohol content.

Many small orchards create this tantalizing drink and there are plenty of home-made varieties of Marillenschnaps available.

The Bailoni establishment in Krems is one such producer and has a great shop where you can buy different Apricot Brandy products including Jams, Syrups, Liquors and chocolate.

15. Visit the town of Melk

This inviting town which is situated further down the Danube from Krems has a wonderful charm and is easy to visit on a day trip or as part of a river cruise.

Enjoy walking through the streets of the town to admire the beautiful architecture or such sights as the old post office, house at the rock and the Rathausplatz.

Furthermore parts of the old town walls and round towers can be seen which add to the lure of Melk.

15 Best Things to Do in Krems (Austria):

• Winzer Krems (Wine tour)
• Aggstein Castle
• Schonbuhel Castle
• Karikaturmuseum
• Gottweig Abbey
• Piaristenkirche
• Motorrad-Museum
• Boat trip on the Danube to Melk
• Buy a local bottle of wine
• Krems old town/town walls
• Glatt & Verkehrt Music Festival
• Enjoy some excellent food at the Zum Kaiser
• Sample some Marillenschnaps (Apricot Brandy)
• Visit the town of Melk

The Best Way to Experience Austria's Wine Country Is By Bike

By Sebastian Modak

Rolling along, you spot the apricot trees before the grapes: tiny bursts of bright orange popping out of green orchards that stretch into the hillside. Passing country cottages, the smell of cinnamon wafts out of open windows, and then disappears into the air beyond. A church bell rings out the hour of the day, just arrhythmic enough for you to know it’s a person pulling the rope, and not a machine.

Of course, here in this region of Lower Austria, wine is the main attraction—and exploring by bicycle offers a whole new dimension through which to experience it, along with all the minute details you pick up along the way. You'll glide by small-scale vineyards, grown on steep, dry-stone terraces rolling into each other with nothing separating them but the owners’ knowledge of where one ends and the next one begins. And, on two wheels, you'll not only see the perfect rows of vines that blanket the hills framing the Danube, but the clusters of grapes, the footprints of harvesters, and the morning dew collecting on the leaves—all while still covering a whole a lot of ground.

The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO-designated region, because of its architectural and agricultural significance.

What to Know

Of the three distinct wine regions—Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal—that run into each other to form a fertile crescent beginning on the southern banks of the Danube, the Wachau Valley, just over 50 miles northwest of Vienna, attracts the most visitors. That’s in large part due to its UNESCO status , endowed upon the region in 2000 for its architectural and agricultural history. People come to try endless takes on the region-specific grüner ventliner, a bright and spicy white, or subtle riesling. They also come to see Melk, home to a Benedictine abbey established in the 18th century that more closely resembles a palace, and to take in the charms of Krems, Dürnstein, and the string of other fairytale medieval villages that line either side of the Danube .

The neighboring Kremstal Valley (if you go along the Danube on a bike, you won’t even notice when one becomes the other) is home to more of those villages, and if you follow the road up from the river into the hills you’ll also find legacy winemakers making award-winning wines. The almost-10,000 acres of vineyards that make up Kamptal, to the north, are famous for their variety of millennia-old terroir, ranging from gravel to loosely packed yellowish silt, known to produce rieslings that only get better with age.

Best of all, Kremstal, Wachau, and Kamptal are all connected (to each other and to Vienna, if your quads are up for it) by a network of rigorously maintained, well-marked bike trails that take you through the hills, into cobblestone streets, past thousand-year-old churches and castles, and even all the way up to Kamptal's Langenlois, the country’s largest wine-producing town. It’s slow travel while still covering a lot of ground; plus, armed with the knowledge that you biked 30 miles in a day, you’ll feel better about all the wine and schnitzel (more on that later).

Besides the terraced vineyards that make the region famous, you'll also pass through dozens of charming medieval villages.

Getting There

If you’re the planning type, it’s certainly possible to bike through Wachau and its surrounds solo; you’ll just need to have a good GPS and some solid logistical skills. If biking from Vienna , the EuroVelo 6 bike path (which, in total, runs a staggering 2,700 miles across Europe) heads straight along the Danube for about 55 miles before hitting the village of Dürnstein. If that sounds like too much of a slog, you can get to the comparatively large town of Krems in an hour by train or car from Vienna, and once there, easily rent a bike to get off the main roads and down the riverside cycle paths.

If route-mapping and panniers aren’t your thing, there are easier biking options—and some major benefits to cycling the Wachau region with an organized group. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co. , for example, passes through the region multiple times a year , on a trip that begins in Prague , traverses the Czech Highlands, and crosses what was once the Iron Curtain into Austria through historic Moravia, before ending in Wachau. Activities, like visits to a wine cellar or picnic lunch in the courtyard of a chateau, are pre-arranged, so you can focus on the vine-lined road ahead of you and the handlebars below you, instead of worrying about making (and keeping) reservations. A DuVine van also waits for bikers at checkpoints along the way, with platters full of refreshments, granola bars, and, of course, fresh apricots. Because of the multiple guides and the van, you can also roll at your own pace and still end up where you need to be.

The medieval village of Dürnstein in Wachau takes approximately six minutes to walk through, end to end, but that doesn't mean there isn’t a lot to see. Here, you'll find a smattering of wine bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops down tiny cobblestone streets, and looming above the town is Burgruine Dürnstein, the ruins of a 12th-century castle that once held Richard the Lionheart prisoner. A short—but close-to-vertical—hike will take you into the ruins, where you can climb what used to be a watchtower to take in views of the river valley below. If a hike isn't your idea of fun, it's worth mentioning the reward: the pale blue of Dürnstein’s church tower contrasting with the deep green of the Danube behind it, which makes for one hell of a photograph.

By Jessica Chapel

By Nora Biette-Timmons

By Juliana Shallcross

By Julia Eskins

A hike to the top of Burguine Dürnstein will give you stunning views of the valley below.

Spend at least two nights at the Hotel Richard Löwenherz , which is German for “Richard the Lionheart." The labyrinthine grounds remain largely unchanged from their origins as part of a convent, including a meticulously manicured garden that looks out over the river.

Most importantly, Dürnstein’s location just downriver from Krems, and right in front of one of the cross-river ferries, makes it ideal as a launching point to bike the Eurovelo 6 along the Danube or head north into the hills to find vineyards that are more isolated—and so less touristed—than the ones that hug the river.

Where to Taste

From Dürnstein, head east on the north bank of the river and turn away from the water just past Krems. Wind your way through a series of terraced vineyards, and, three miles later, reach the village of Rohrendorf. There, the Moser family, one of Austria’s most revered winemaking dynasties, dating back to 1848, has made its home in a grand estate decorated with Corinthian pillars and spacious stone balconies. While it might look old school, inside you’ll see an operation that was kickstarted into modernity in 1987 by Sepp Moser , who gives the wine label its current name and whose progeny now run the company.

In the 59 acres surrounding the building, the focus is on biodynamic whites, with riesling and grüner veltliner being the most popular varieties. You can book a wine tasting on the winery’s website, where while you sample the best of the bold whites Austria is so famous for, you’ll also get an education in biodynamic wine making. (The Moser family is committed to natural growing techniques and averse to any additives, even if they make the winemaking process easier.) Tours also will bring you into brick-built cellars filled with rare vintages and rooms stacked with oak barrels and giant metal vats, where the step-by-step process of back-to-basics winemaking is exhibited. The Atrium House, where the wine tastings are held, is open year-round, but can be closed when the family is on vacation—so it's best to get in touch before visiting.

At Sepp Moser, expect grand architecture—and a steadfast commitment to biodynamic processes.

If you're only hitting up one major vineyard, Sepp Moser is a great bet—but you're here to sample a variety, so there are other destinations worth plugging into your route map. In Langenlois, about five miles north of Sepp Moser, the LOISIUM WineExperience takes an innovative approach to showcasing the history—and future—of Austrian wine. Housed in the 900-year-old cellars beneath an ultra-modern, minimalist structure designed by American architect Steven Holl, 11 rooms combine exhibits on art, history, and technology, all related to the region's best wines. Vintners are often on-site in the summer months to walk you through what makes their wine special, and to offer tastings in an environment that gives you some useful context in the process. (Note that LOISIUM is only open between April and October.)

Looking to juxtapose the modernity of LOISIUM? Head to Nikolaihof , just three miles from Dürnstein on the southern banks of the Danube in the heart of Wachau. It's one of the oldest wineries in Austria, dating back some 2,000 years to its origins as a Roman fort. Besides producing an excellent range of whites, the farm also grows a variety of other fruits, which are turned into jams and schnapps that are also for sale. While tours of the cellar can be reserved in advance, if you come to eat at the on-site tavern and the dining room's not too busy, you might be invited for a spontaneous tour following your meal. Reservations for a meal and a tour of the cellars can be made online , but the vineyard is only open to visitors Wednesdays through Saturdays, from April 26 to November 10.

For something a little more homey, as you ride, keep your eyes peeled for heurigers , taverns run by small-scale vintners looking to serve their latest crop to passersby during the warmer months. There, often in open-air backyards, you can enjoy a bottle or two, fortified by some country fare—think sausages, dumplings, and other delectables seemingly designed to absorb booze. At heurigers , where the art of Gemütlichkeit (that’s German for “coziness, friendliness, and good cheer”) is perfected, you can’t really go wrong.

But if you’re into planning ahead, this is Austria, where the trains run on time, the bike lanes are well marked, and there’s a whole website devoted to Wachau’s heurigers , detailing their operating hours and locations. ( Alter Klosterkeller in Dürnstein, with a cavernous cellar and bright garden that runs straight into a vineyard, is a good place to start.)

With so many vineyards, and family-run heurigers, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to refueling stations.

Where to Refuel Between Sips

For quick stops, the aforementioned heurigers are your best bet—especially because the wine is guaranteed to be good as the food.

But for something special, book dinner at Landhaus Bacher , a family-run affair overseen for 30 years by matriarch-in-residence Lisl Wagner-Bacher. Her stepson, Thomas Dorfer, heads up the kitchen, with a seasonally rotating menu that relies on local ingredients to put modern spins on Austrian staples like veal and freshwater fish. Come in the summer, for example, and you might find dishes like parsley-marinated trout with pea mousse or homemade ice cream garnished with—what else?—fresh apricots. A little more than ten years ago Landhaus Bacher was awarded two Michelin stars, but they were removed when that ever-mysterious organization began only rating Austrian restaurants in Vienna and Salzburg. Their loss. The restaurant is only open Wednesdays to Sundays and reservations can be made online .

A little lighter on the wallet is Restaurant Heinzle in Weißenkirchen, a storybook village built around the 14th-century white church that gives it its name. At Heinzle, in an extensive, open-air eating area that hugs the Danube, the focus is on fish. Chef Gerhard Heinzle isn't afraid to get out of traditional Austrian territory by bringing in Mediterranean flair and East Asian spices, so don't expect the gravies you're used to at the area's heurigers . Besides the fish, all caught in the rivers and lakes that crisscross Lower Austria, you'll find wild game from the woods of Wachau. Before you know it, it will be time to get back on your bike, and start working off that boar you had for lunch.

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The best times to visit Austria

May 21, 2024 • 4 min read

Browsing Vienna’s annual Christmas market with a mulled wine is a quintessential Austria experience © posztos / Shutterstock © ©posztos/Shutterstock

Mountainous landscapes, legendary road trips and vibrant yet prestigious cities await in Austria , a landlocked country in the heart of Europe . For a relatively small nation, Austria offers so much, whether you're looking for great outdoor activities, immersive cultural experiences – or both.

Weather patterns are shifting, but April and November tend to be the wettest months, while temperatures are lowest in January and climb highest in July. May and September usually offer the most pleasant conditions.

Have skiing, hiking or a city trip in mind? Time your trip to Austria perfectly with our guide.

May to June and September to October are best for hiking

Looking to tackle a hiking adventure in the Austrian Alps? Plan your outdoorsy trip in May, June, September or October. Temperatures are modest, with a maximum of around 30°C (86°F) in the valley and cooler when you reach altitude. Another bonus is that the sun is up early and days on the trail can be longer. Some high-altitude regions may still/already be covered in snow, so check live cams where available. Find up-to-date weather information and warnings for several mountain regions in Austria at ZAMG (currently only available in German, but you can use the auto-translate tool in your browser).

During these months, you can expect to get good deals on hotels and alpine huts. But keep public holidays in mind, especially in May and on October 26 (Austria’s national holiday), when accommodations, highways and trains tend to fill up quickly.

July and August are best for swimming

Summers in Austria can be sweltering, and many flock to the lakes on the weekends – or even after work. Cooling off in the lakes or even in rivers like the Danube is a true delight in July and August. Water temperatures vary but you can expect pleasant dips in the likes of Wolfgangsee, Wörthersee and Attersee during the summer months.

It usually cools down at night, but there have been some pretty hot nights in recent years. Be aware that houses and apartments are not often equipped with AC, but most hotels usually are. Bear this in mind when choosing accommodation.

Avoid cities like Vienna and Salzburg in July and August

Plan any trips to major cities like Vienna , Salzburg and Innsbruck in the shoulder season. The sun and crowds become unbearable in these cities in summer, and tickets to major sites sell out quickly. You’ll experience a more authentic version of Austria and have a more enjoyable experience if you opt for April, May, September or October.

If you do happen to find yourself in the cities in summer, start your days early (before 8am) to wander empty streets without the crowds.

September and October are best for wine trips

When temperatures start to cool and the leaves shake off their bright green hue in favor of autumnal glory, it’s the best time to visit the wine regions of Austria. Head to Wachau in Lower Austria and the South of Styria to enjoy a savory Brettljause (platter of cold cuts of local meats and cheeses, served with farmhouse bread), wine and Sturm (seasonal fermenting grape juice) at a Heuriger or Buschenschank (small, locally-run restaurants or wine taverns).

Mid-December to mid-March is best for skiing and snow

Winter sports enthusiasts – particularly those into skiing and snowboarding – should plan their trip to the Alps for mid-December to mid-March. Accommodation prices skyrocket during the two-week Christmas holiday and school holidays in February. Go in mid-January or March instead and enjoy the ski resorts with fewer crowds in Salzburg, Tyrol , Carinthia, Vorarlberg or Styria. 

For a taste of winter outside of these months, check out the region's glaciers – including the one in Hintertux, which is open year-round. 

Mid-November till early January for Christmas markets

Traditionally, most Christmas markets in Austria open on the first weekend of Advent, which is usually early December. This has changed slightly in recent years. The Christkindlmarkt at Vienna’s City Hall opens in mid-November and closes after the Christmas holidays. Sternadvent in Salzburg is one of those that remain open the longest, until early January. Plan ahead and book your accommodation in advance to secure a good deal. Ideally, opt for Christmas markets that you can reach by public transportation, so you can enjoy a hot mug of mulled wine or two.

Experience Austria’s cultural side year-round

Austria is exciting every day of the year. Whether it's Easter processions in Tyrol or Styria, spring festivals like  Narzissenfest  or  Steiermark-Frühling , the world-renowned Salzburger Festspiele in summer, cattle processions in the Alps in autumn or unique and sometimes odd Christmas traditions such as Krampus or Perchten in December, you’ll be able to create an outstanding itinerary full of memorable moments – no matter when you decide to visit.

Planning a trip to Austria? Here's more of our expert advice:

• Read our best tips for getting around in Austria
• Don't miss the best things to do in Austria
• These destinations should be on your itinerary

This article was first published Oct 26, 2021 and updated May 21, 2024.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Beyond the tasting room: 10 best winery tours in the United States

Best Winery Tour (2023) July 21, 2023

There's nothing like getting a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process (while tasting along the way) to hone both your appreciation and your palate. To find the best experiences, we asked a panel of wine industry experts to nominate their preferred winery tours throughout the country, then readers voted for their favorites.

Here are the 10 best winery tours in the United States.

No. 10: The Donum Estate - Sonoma, California

A visually stunning property in Sonoma, the Donum Estate is part wine space, part experiential gallery featuring The Donum Collection, one of the world's largest accessible private sculpture collections. "The art tour plus wine tasting experience is really special and fun," says expert Amber Gibson. "They'll even take you on tour around the property on an ATV!"

No. 9: Archery Summit - Dayton, Oregon

Founded in 1993, this winery uses grapes grown in its six vineyards on 120 acres in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. You can sample their wines on their guided tours given daily of the vineyards, production facilities and  wine cave that's 42 feet below ground.

No. 8: Gundlach Bundschu Winery - Sonoma, California

Just five minutes from Sonoma Plaza, historic Gundlach Bundschu Winery at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains invites guests to tour the 320-acre property aboard a Pinzgauer – a Swiss Army vehicle capable of going off road. Visitors can also tour the vineyards and barrel caves on foot.

No. 7: Pine Ridge Vineyards - Napa, California

Pine Ridge Vineyards in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley offers an immersive tour and tasting experience within its European-inspired cave system. Several options, including the opportunity to book a private tour, are available. 

No. 6: Neal Family Vineyards - Angwin, California

Neal Family Vineyards, a third-generation family-owned estate, provides a private visit that includes a tour of the winery's caves and vineyard on stunning Howell Mountain. Guests take in an opportunity to learn about the estate's certified farming practices and taste four estate-grown wines. The lucky ones get to meet the winery dogs, too.

No. 5: Cline Family Cellars - Sonoma, California

Visitors to Cline Family Cellars on Saturdays and Sundays can enjoy a guided tour of the grounds and winery, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the sustainable winemaking process. The 30-minute tour includes a glass of wine to enjoy as you stroll the grounds.

No. 4: Merriam Vineyards - Healdsburg, California

There are high remarks for organically farmed, estate-centered Merriam Vineyards in Sonoma's Russian River Valley. Expert Ziggy Eschliman puts it this way: "I can’t say enough good things about this winery. There are lots of new options for touring and areas to hike too." A seated tasting with a selection of single-vineyard wines is offered daily.

No. 3: Benziger Family Winery - Glen Ellen, California

Visitors to Benziger Family Winery have five tour and tasting options to choose from. The exclusive Tribute Estate Tour takes visitors behind the scenes for a close-up look at the biodynamic vineyards and winemaking facilities. Visitors can also take a tractor tram tour of the vineyards to learn more about biodynamic farming.

No. 2: Eberle Winery - Paso Robles, California

Eberle is an essential part of Paso Robles wine history, says 10Best contributor Jill Barth. A tour of caves on the property has earned high recommendations from visitors. Offered along with seated tastings, this look at the 16,000-plus square feet of underground caves is a unique way to experience one of the pioneering producers of the region. 

No. 1: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery - Hammondsport, New York

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, located in the Finger Lakes wine region of New York, offers an 1886 Food and Wine Experience in which guests partake in a guided viticultural or cellar tour followed by a seated wine tasting.  This experience is available from May through October and is reservation only.  For a less in-depth endeavor, seated wine tastings are offered year-round.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Amber gibson.

Amber Gibson spends  350 nights a year in hotels...   Read More

Amber Gibson spends  350 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Forbes ,  National Geographic Traveler , Departures ,  Four Seasons Magazine , Conde Nast Traveller ,  NPR , Saveur , Departures , Rhapsody , Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air,  and Serious Eats . She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are her biggest weaknesses.

Ava Roxanne Stritt

Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most...   Read More

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Austrian Wine Regions - Country Austria

Explore the best wineries in austria.

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in? Look through our collection of great wineries

Displaying 3 of 84 wineries

Fuhrgassl-Huber

The terroirs of Austria reflected in a bottle of Fuhrgassl Huber wine

Weingut & Heuriger Christ

Christ Winery Owns an Organically Cultivated Vineyard & Winery, Petershof

Weingut Gattinger

Young, Modern, and Innovative Winery

Austria Wine Country

Austria wine country has long traditions of winemaking. Viticulture is an absolute gem of Austria's millennia-old culture. At the same time, the country is a pioneer and a role model for modern and quality-oriented agriculture. With the help of a young, creative generation of winemakers, wines from Austria have made it to the international top.

Check out the list of the best wineries in Austria

About the Success of Austrian Wines

Austria's illustrious wine country, renowned for its quality wines and scenic landscapes, is segmented into three distinct regions, each offering its own unique charm and selection of wines. To the northeast, along the banks of the Danube River and encircling Vienna, lies Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), known for its exceptional Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Eastwards, you'll find the sun-soaked region of Burgenland, famed for its robust reds and world-class sweet wines. Further south lies the hilly, picturesque region of Steiermark (Styria), where conditions are ideal for cultivating an array of aromatic white wines. Each of these regions is a testament to Austria's rich winemaking tradition and commitment to quality, making Austria a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast.

Austria wine country advertises itself with the seven elements of successful winemaking: climate, landscape, grape varieties, culture, environment, value, and taste.

So, the particular geographical location is the most important factor for the production of excellent wines. Besides, Austria wine country also impresses with a beautiful landscape of mountains, lakes, lush green meadows, and great cities.

The range of grape varieties is made up of international varieties as well as indigenous ones. Furthermore, Austria wine country captivates with a culture that is thousands of years old and which has been passed down further and further. Medieval villages and baroque monasteries and castles characterize the landscape of Austrian wine regions. Environmental protection in viticulture is also very important in Austria wine country as well as the support of small production. That's the reason why family businesses dominate the wine scene instead of large mass businesses.

Wine Tourism in Austria Wineries from many Austrian wine regions have taken the way to wine tourism and offer a diversity of experiences from wine tastings and tours to packaged wine holidays. Austrian wine regions provide authentic wine experiences involving nature, local culture, heritage, and gastronomy. Discover Austrian wine regions with us and our local partner wineries.

Discover some of the best wine tasting tours in Austria

Due to the compact body of the wines and their climate-related freshness, Austrian wines are good companions of different cooking styles. 65% of the vineyrads is planted with white grape varieties such as Grüner Veltliner (Austria's most important white wine variety), Welschriesling, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc , and Pinot Blanc and 30% with red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot , Pinot Noir , and Blaufränkisch.

Austrian Wine Regions

Due to the suitable climate, viticulture is concentrated in the east of the country and where four major Austrian wine regions are located. Lower Austria , Burgenland , Styria , and Vienna are further divided into their generic wine-growing areas and combine 17 specific wine-growing areas. The wine with the indication of origin, which must come from these 1 7 growing areas to comply with the European law of designation of origin, is recognizable by the white and red striped banderole.

Lower Austria - Dominated by Grüner Veltliner

Lower Austria includes the smaller wine-growing regions of Weinviertel, Kamptal, Kremstal, Wachau, Wagram, Traisental, Carnuntum and the Thermenregion.

Lower Austria is the largest winemaking region in the country located on the banks of the Danube River. It is also home to the world-famous winemaking area of Wachau. Lower Austria is one of the most historical Austrian wine regions, in terms of the history of viticulture that extends back to the Bronze age. Visit Lower Austria, discover ancient wine traditions, cosy villages and local delights cooked from the finest fresh products.

Check out the list of Wine Tastings and Tours in Lower Austria to discover an authentic wine experiences.

The Grüner Veltliner dominates in the Weinviertel, which is slightly acidic and characteristic of spicy, peppery notes. In the Kamptal, Kremstal, Wachau and in the Traisental, Riesling is also grown in addition to the Grüner Veltliner. Carnuntum is more known for red wines from the Zweigelt (violet reflexes, strong tannins, sour cherry) and Blaufränkisch (forest berries, strong acid) varieties. And in the thermal region, you can find the Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, St. Laurent and Pinot Noir.

Burgenland - In the Land of the Red Wines

Burgenland is one of the most important Austrian wine regions in terms of producing red wines. The Zweigelt is particularly at home in Vienna's Neusiedlersee region. But in the areas of Leithaberg, Mittelburgenland, and Eisenberg the Blaufränkisch is mainly grown. The soils of this region (clay, sand, rubble) prove to be the ideal basis for the cultivation of the Blaufränkisch, not only because of their good water storage capacity in connection with the heat-regulating influence of the nearby Lake Neusiedlersee.

The region of Burgenland is one of the main Austrian wine regions. It is located approximately one hour away from the city of Vienna in the east part of Austria wine country and shares a border with Hungary . As a result of this, many of the Burgenland wines are similar to Hungarian wines. The wineries in this region are famous for their particular style of architecture known as ‘Wine Architecture’. Burgenland is not only a wine region, but also a wonderful holiday destination for all who visit.

Find out about  Wine Tasting and Tours in Burgenland   to enjoy your visit to the region.

The typical Blaufränkisch from Burgenland, which comes on the market under the name Mittelburgenland DAC, has a dark ruby ​​red color. The complex bouquet combines aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, and blackberries combined with spicy notes reminiscent of herbs and mint. Smoky notes of a barrel-aging are perfectly integrated by the density and aroma variety of the Blaufränkisch. The distinctive fruit is carried on the palate by a balanced acidity. In the finish, the Blaufränkisch presents itself with a juicy, distinctive tannin core.

Styria - Where the Schilcher Grows

Styria , which provides with its picture book landscape a perfect place for beautiful hikes, is as well famous for the blue Wildbacher. This variety grows in Schilcherland and is an old red wine variety from which the Rosé Schilcher is made, which is characterized by racy acidity and is also often drunk as an aperitif.

location of the region provides it with a wonderful Mediterranean climate that allows the production of unique Austrian wines. Along with excellent wine, Styria is also known for its wonderful and diverse gastronomy. Styria provides the perfect location for food and wine lovers from around the world.

Find out about  Wine tasting and Tours in Styria to enjoy your visit to the region.

In southern Styria , however, Sauvignon Blanc, Muskateller, and Pinot Blanc dominate, while it is the Welschriesling in the Styrian volcanic region.

Urban Wines of Vienna

Around the beautiful and picturesque city of Vienna ,  637 hectares of vineyards are an essential economic factor and serve to preserve the green belt and are the basis for high wine quality. The wine Wiener Gemischter Satz in particular is also internationally known. It is a wine that is produced from different grape varieties that are cultivated together in a vineyard and that are also harvested together and processed into wine. This wine must contain at least three different grape varieties that have been read and processed together so that it can bear the name Gemischter Satz.

Travel to Vienna, which is one of the few cities in Europe with vineyards still within the city limits. Discover an authentic Heurigen culture that has been a major part of life in Austria wine country. This culture sprang to life when law allowed the local wine growers and producers to serve food with their wine. Traditionally, wine taverns called Heuriger serve young wines from the same year with simple food in a lovely rustic atmosphere.

Find out about   Wine Tasting and Tours in Vienna to enjoy local wines in this wonderful city.

Frequently asked questions about Austria wine country

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Discover the locations of wineries in Austria

Wine regions in Austria

Lower Austria

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