Did you know that Vienna is the only capital city in the world that is directly within the urban areas wine is grown and cultivated? Here we tell you what Viennese wine is all about, which grape varieties are popular and where you can enjoy a wine tasting in Vienna!
Wine in Vienna back then: healthier than water
Viennese wine has been cultivated for thousands of years, on an area of almost 700 hectares. Viticulture has a long tradition in Vienna. The roots of Viennese viticulture go back to the Römer who populated the city 2000 years ago.
Fun Fact: In the Middle Ages, it was safer to drink wine instead of water for hygienic reasons.
Vienna's vineyards can only be traced back to the 12th century. In the Middle Ages, the center of Vienna was still completely surrounded by vineyards. It was only in the course of increasing urbanization that numerous vineyards were cleared. In 1784, Emperor Joseph II allowed winegrowers to sell food from their own vineyards together with Viennese wine. This laid the foundation for today's Viennese wine tavern culture and the preservation of the remaining vineyards was secured.
Wine in Vienna today: living tradition
It belongs to Vienna like the word "Leiwand": Vienna's wine. Since the 20th century, it has enjoyed great national and international popularity, which is also reflected in the corresponding mentions in wine guides.
At around 640 hectares is where wine is grown in Vienna. The cultivation areas serve to preserve the green belt on the one hand and are the basis for high wine quality on the other. The green belt around Vienna is therefore both a pleasure and recreation area! On one of the hiking trails through the vineyards, you can see the city from a new perspective and experience Vienna in a different way.
Wine in Vienna: Fun Facts
What is the most popular type of wine in Vienna? It's the Grüner Veltliner! The fact that wine in Vienna mostly means white wine is also reflected in the cultivation figures:
To about 80 percent of the areas are White wine, on 20 percent red wine varieties planted. In 2020, 25,252 hl of wine were harvested in Vienna, of which around 21,000 hl were white wine. Only one seventh of the wine in Vienna is red wine, and the trend is rising.
At a wine tasting in Vienna, you'll notice what characterizes the wine in Vienna: The freshness and effervescence!
Our tip: Enjoy the product directly at the source! The Viennese wine taverns in Döbling, Floridsdorf and Liesing offer products from their own production - in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
The most Viennese wine: the Gemischter Satz
A particular specialty of Viennese viticulture is the "Gemischter Satz". In contrast to the Cuveé, this is a blend of grapes selected by the winegrower. individually compiled A blend of different grape varieties that grow in the same vineyard and are harvested at the same time. The blend makes for a truly world-class wine from Vienna!
In 2013, Vienna's specialty, the Wiener Gemischte Satz into the Austrian DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus, i.e. quality wines typical of origin) family and has since become even more the epitome of wine in Vienna. The designation "Wiener Gemischte Satz" is now regulated by law and may only be used for wine from Vienna that is made from at least three grape varieties of a vineyard in Vienna.
Order wine in Vienna like the locals do
If you're sitting at a wine tavern, you like to order A splash please. A "spritzer" is the equivalent of the German "Weinschorle". The mixing ratio of water and wine is 1:1. 3 parts water to 1 part wine is fine for a "summer spritzer". Soda water is best for mixing, as it has little taste of its own, unlike mineral water. There are now lots of different types of spritz - from violet spritz to cucumber spritz. You can taste your way through the different varieties at a wine tasting in Vienna!
Where wine tastes best in Vienna
Viennese wine is traditionally enjoyed at Viennese Heurigen. In Austria, Heuriger refers to the place where wine is served. The word "Heuriger" is derived colloquially from "Heuer", meaning "this year". The classic Heuriger therefore serves wine from Vienna from this year, including cold dishes.
The best insider tips for hidden wine taverns
There are now plenty of Heurigen in Vienna, but only a few know the real insider Heurigen. Those who like to off the beaten track enjoys the Heurigen Karl Lentner and Fuchs Steinklammer.
The Karl Lentner Winery lies at the foot of the Bisamberg in the 21st district on the outskirts of Vienna. This wine-growing area offers a wonderful panoramic view over Vienna. In the Heurigen restaurant you can enjoy excellent Viennese wines and an extensive buffet in the beautiful garden or in the cozy dining room.
The Viennese Wine tavern Fuchs Steinklammer is located in the 23rd district and impresses with its genuine, unadulterated Viennese wine tavern atmosphere. The Fuchs-Steinklammer family has stood for traditional Viennese viticulture since 1697. Cultivated are 12 white wine and 21 red wine varieties. You can taste original Viennese dishes, freshly prepared dishes according to traditional recipes and excellent top Viennese wines.
Our tip: Viennese wine can also be tasted in Vienna's city center. Enjoy our Viennese wine tasting in the Roman cellar 3 traditional Viennese wines and regional delicacies. These entertaining tour is perfect for getting to know the wine from Vienna for the first time.
If a wine cellar is not enough for you, we recommend our Hidden wine cellar tour. Here you get exclusive access to three hidden wine cellars in the middle of Vienna's city center. Feast your way through the Viennese underworld. This experience is the Ideal prelude to your perfect evening in Vienna.
