As the Austrian capital, Vienna offers a wine culture that is unique among major European cities.
Until the late Middle Ages, vines even grew within the city walls, which today corresponds to the first district. Today, most of the vineyards are found in the outer districts of the city. About 700 hectares of the urban area are planted with vineyards - a global record - and many thousands of hectares more in the immediate surroundings.
The majority of the grapes are white varieties such as Rhine and Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Grüner Veltliner. When at least three of these varieties are grown, harvested and processed together, the result is a Wiener Gemischter Satz. This wine is the undisputed front-runner and represents the local winemaking tradition.
In addition to the choice of wine, the place where you drink is also important. Heurige, often temporarily open wine taverns, are particularly popular. Besides local wine, they also offer cold and warm dishes. A Heuriger is open when a bush of green branches hangs over the entrance gate, which is called "ausg'steckt". "Heuriger" refers to both the establishment and the wine of the current vintage, which is traditionally called that until 11 November (Martini). In addition to wholesome wine, Viennese Heurigen also offer exquisite bottled wines that reflect the diversity of varieties and the special Viennese climate. With a bit of luck, you can even still hear the "living music" in the cosy gardens or parlours. A visit is particularly worthwhile in spring and autumn.
Already in 1784, Emperor Joseph II declared that winegrowers had the right to sell their own wine on their property without special permission. Even today, there are numerous Heurige in Vienna and the surrounding area that offer the coveted "Sturm" in late summer and autumn.
For those who want to combine enjoyment and a walking tour, the Vienna Wine Walking Days are a recommendation. This event takes place annually at the end of September and many Heurige are represented with a stop.
We have put together an appealing selection of the most beautiful Heurigen and Buschenschänken in Vienna, which are definitely worth a visit:
Wieninger am Nussberg
Located on the Nussberg and thus directly on two Viennese city hiking trails, the Wieninger am Nussberg offers a spectacular view of the Danube and Vienna. Here you will not only find excellent white wine from organic cultivation, but also really tasty Heurigen cuisine. The Wieninger places great emphasis on regional and sustainable cuisine and offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes that incredibly enrich the classic Heurigen cuisine.
You can also reserve an outdoor table on the Wieninger's website.
The Heuriger is open on weekends, weather permitting.
Fuhrgassl-Huber
The Fuhrgassl-Huber is impressive above all for its enchanting inner courtyard. Three sides of the courtyard are framed by the Heuriger itself, while the open side offers a view of the vineyard and vines. As the courtyard is segmented by different levels, hedges and trees, the Fuhrgassl-Huber also offers the opportunity for a larger group to find a slightly more private area without missing out on the action. Due to the spaciousness of the rustic courtyard, the Fuhrgassl-Huber is also a good choice in less than ideal weather, as you can always find a dry spot inside in the Schmiede, the Press-Stüberl or the Stadl.
Mayer am Nussberg
Buschenschank Mayer am Nussberg, nestled in the Viennese vineyards, presents an exceptional combination of exquisite cuisine, award-winning wines and a breathtaking atmosphere. The seating is outdoors on the slope of the Nussberg. The view is comparable to the spectacular panoramic view enjoyed at Wieninger.
Heuriger Sirbu
Also on the beautiful Nussberg, the Sirbu wine tavern welcomes you with wine and delicacies. A romantic bench with a view over Vienna and the vineyards also makes Sirbu a good place to go for an outing in the countryside.
Weinhof Zimmermann
Weinhof Zimmermann is a picturesque wine tavern nestled in the vineyards of Neustift am Walde. Only wines from their own production are offered here, but the grape juice and schnapps from the in-house distillery are definitely worth a try. The place is also a paradise for children: They can spend an entire afternoon enjoying themselves in the playground, petting rabbits or feeding turtles.
10er Marie
The 10er Marie, one of the oldest Heurigen in Vienna, has been an integral part of the Ottakring district and beyond since 1740. The 10er Marie, located in the middle of the city, was actually named after a Maria, specifically the supposedly charming daughter Maria of the Haimböck family, who ran the Buschenschank in Alt-Ottakring number 10 at the time. The building is now a listed building and thus preserves a piece of old Ottakring in an otherwise densely built-up district. A glance at a random guidebook under "Wiener Heurigen" is very likely to provide a picture of the 10 Marie, and this is entirely justified!
In the courtyard under the wine arbour, the Viennese wine from the surrounding region is particularly tasty, especially the rather rare Rote Muskateller. But it's not just the wine that's first-class here, the dishes, both buffet and freshly prepared, are also highly recommended. Whether you prefer something hot or cold, a small delicacy or an extensive meal, you are guaranteed not to leave the 10er Marie hungry..
Weingut Wailand
Dr. Georg Wailand, editor-in-chief of the Kronenzeitung, entered viticulture as a career changer in 1996 and founded his Wailand Winery. The small Heuriger high up on the Nussberg offers a spectacular view over Vienna.
The main wine varieties grown on the five hectares of land are Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling and Zweigelt. In addition, typical cold Heurigen delicacies are offered at the buffet.
Die Hütte am Bellevue
A little hidden heaven on earth, in the middle of the Cobenzl vines. Every Sunday when the weather is fine, you can enjoy a panoramic view here with a glass of wine in your hand.
Kierlinger
The Heuriger Kierlinger strives to preserve the authenticity of the Viennese Heuriger and to convey a sense of conviviality and Viennese charm to its guests. The picturesque inner courtyard leads to the guest garden, which creates an inviting atmosphere. The culinary delicacies served here are based on recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Tell us how you enjoyed it and what other magical place you discovered in the middle of Vienna's vineyards! - (R)