Wine & Wine Taverns

As Austria's largest wine region, Lower Austria combines distinctive wines with an open, down-to-earth wine tavern culture. Quality, origin and personal interaction are the focus – from small family businesses to internationally renowned wineries.

First and foremost is the Grüner Veltliner, complemented by the Riesling and the Zweigelt. Also known for indigenous grape varieties such as Zierfandler and Rotgipfler in the Thermenregion. The diversity of soils and climate zones ensures clearly distinguishable styles.

All eight wine-growing regions – Weinviertel, Wachau, Krems Valley, Traisental, Carnuntum, Wagram and Thermenregion – are considered classic wine tavern regions. Here, wine can be tasted directly in the wine cellar lanes, in winegrowers' courtyards or in modern wine shops – often with a view of the vineyards.

What many people don't know is that the Heuriger tradition originated in the Thermenregion Vienna Woods. As early as 1380, Duke Albrecht III granted the citizens of Gumpoldskirchen the right to Leutgeben, i.e. to serve their own wine. The oldest surviving Leutgeb ordinance dates from 1459 and comes from Baden.

You can recognise good wine taverns by their clear opening hours (Ausg'steckt calendar), a selection of wines from their own production and regional dishes. Our wine tavern calendar and awards such as "Top Wine Tavern" or regional seals of quality provide guidance.

A Heuriger is open seasonally and not all year round. The dates vary depending on the establishment and region, often around harvest time, spring and summer. Current opening hours can be found on the winegrowers' websites, in Heuriger calendars or at local tourist information offices.

Typical regional white wines include Grüne Veltliner and Riesling, and depending on the region, red wines and specialities such as Sturm or grape juice, or indigenous grape varieties such as Zierfandler and Rotgipfler in the Thermenregion. 

These go well with cold and warm dishes from the buffet or from the kitchen – from spreads and bread to seasonal, vegetarian or vegan dishes. Vegan wine tavern am Wagram offers a large selection of vegan dishes.