A Wine Lover's Guide to Vienna's Heuriger
Viennese wine is among the finest in Europe, with a vineyard culture no other capital city can rival and a legacy dating all the way to 1132AD. Heuriger (translating to mean ‘this year’s wine’) are cosy wine taverns run by local grape growers, offering guests the chance to sample some locally produced wines alongside traditional Austrian cuisine.
Brief History
Vienna’s relationship with wine began in the Middle Ages, when each individual district possessed its own vineyard – something which was discontinued as the city grew in size. Later on, in the 16th century, wine taverns emerged throughout the city, giving local growers the opportunity to serve their homemade wine with traditional Austrian cuisine and giving birth to the Viennese ‘Heurige’ tradition.
What To Expect
The food served, usually in buffet form, is generally fairly simple and homely – ordinarily including various meats, cheeses, salads and some desserts. Your choice of wine is obviously the most vital part of your visit. Grüner Veltliner is an absolute imperative; it is one of Austria’s best and most famous white wines, and is most likely to have been produced in the area. Alternatively, Sturm (partially fermented grape juice) is another speciality worth sampling, however it isn’t to everyone’s tastes.
Vienna Heurigen Express
There are around 180 Heurige in Vienna, therefore choosing just one can be a tricky process. The Vienna Heurigen Express alleviates anxiety over decision making, taking you on a hop-on hop-off tour of a few of the city’s wine taverns and through the picturesque Vienna Woods, known as the city’s ‘Green Lung’.
A Few Of The Best
Heuriger Stefan Wieselthaler
Located south of Vienna, this charming tavern has been producing wine since 1947 and has a proud heritage. Varieties include Grüner Veltliner, Weisser Burgunder, Welschriesling, Chardonnay and various red wine varieties.
Fuhrgassl-Huber
Living up to Heurige’s homely reputation, this charming tavern can be found on the outskirts of the vineyards, in the wine-growing village of Neustift.
Kierlinger Vineyards & Wine Tavern
The highlight of this truly authentic, rustic Heurige is the outdoor courtyard in which you can sip in the sunshine.
Bernreiter
With more of a local vibe than the aforementioned, this cosy restaurant has a charming garden and a great selection of cuisine to sample.
Wine Walk
Another way to become acquainted with Vienna’s Heuriger culture it to join in on the annual Autumn Wine Hiking Day, which offers you the chance to explore the city’s gorgeous, vineyard-covered countryside and sample a few glasses along the way.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
