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The Weinviertel is Austria's largest wine-growing region. It is located in the north-east of the country in the province of Lower Austria and borders the Czech Republic to the north and Slovakia to the east. It is bordered to the west by the Waldviertel and to the south - from west to east - by the wine-growing regions of Kamptal, Wagram, Vienna and Carnuntum. Around 13,350 hectares are planted with vines in the Weinviertel, almost half of them with Grüner Veltliner. The white grape can thus be considered the showcase grape variety of the region. In addition, Welschriesling, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Pinot Blanc as well as Zweigelt, Portugieser and Pinot Noir are cultivated.

General map of the Weinviertel (source: ÖWM)

Based on the climatic and geological conditions, the Weinviertel can be divided into three parts:

  • In the western part are the wine-growing villages of Retz, Röschitz and Mailberg as well as the Pulka valley with Jetzelsdorf and Haugsdorf. The climate is continental with dry summers and cold winters, the soils are dominated by loess. In the basin location of Mailberg and in the vineyards along the Pulkau, red grapes such as Zweigelt and Portugieser thrive in particular, while around Röschitz, white vines such as Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grow primarily on primary rock soils.
  • From the north-east around Poysdorf come Veltliner, Welschrieslinge and Burgunder, which are also characterised by loess soil and a continental climate. In the area around Staatz and Falkenstein, calcareous soils provide a mineral character to the wines. Herrnbaumgarten and Schrattenberg, with their basin location, are particularly suitable for red wine varieties.
  • In the southeast, the Weinviertel vineyards on the Bisamberg reach as far as the city limits of Vienna. Here, mainly Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, but also numerous other white and red varieties are grown on loess and clay soils. Other important wine-growing communities in the eastern Weinviertel are Wolkersdorf, Mannersdorf and Zistersdorf; south of Gänserndorf stretches the Marchfeld. On the border with Slovakia, the Pannonian climate with warm, dry summers and cold, equally dry winters is noticeable. The border river March provides a microclimate that allows bouquet varieties such as Traminer to ripen well alongside Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Burgundy grapes.

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"Weinviertel DAC" was the first controlled designation of origin for Austrian wines in 2002, followed by "Weinviertel DAC Reserve" for the region in 2009. Only dry Grüner Veltliner wines typical of the region are allowed to bear both designations. The classic variety is characterised by fruity, spicy and peppery aromas and must not show any botrytis or woody notes. Reserve wines are strong and spicy with at least 13 percent alcohol by volume and may have a delicate botrytis and/or wood note.

Vineyards at the foot of Falkenstein Castle (Photo: ÖWM / Gerhard Trumler)

The Weinviertel also offers numerous tourist and gastronomic opportunities to get to know the landscape and its wines. At the "Tafeln im Weinviertel" (Dining in the Weinviertel), for example, stylish tables are laid out in the open air at particularly scenic locations, and top-class regional cuisine is accompanied by local wines (dates at www.weinviertel.at). On 30 May, the "Long Night of the Cellar Lanes" invites you to a journey of discovery with torches and lanterns through the underground vaults and cellar tubes. After the nocturnal tour through the wine cellars, visitors can fortify themselves with tastings and snacks (dates at www.weinviertel.at).

Historical tasting tours in Korneuburg and Stockerau show the cultural-historical side of the Weinviertel. In June and September, interested visitors can be whisked away to the Baroque era, the Reformation period and a former shipyard (dates at www.weinviertel.at). In Eggenburg, a medieval guided tour of the town is offered in summer and autumn (dates at www.weinviertel.at). The time of the Celts around 2,500 years ago will be revived at the Celtic Festival on 24 and 25 May at Asparn an der Zaya Castle. The family programme ranges from handicraft and weapons presentations to camp life, sword painting and pottery to horse shows, spear throwing and archery (details at www.mamuz.at).

Cellar alley in the Weinviertel (Photo: ÖWM / Armin Faber)

Other attractions include the wine hiking park "Der Flug des Falken" in Falkenstein(www.falkenflug.at), the "Wolfs Science Center" in the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park(www.wolfscience.at), the "NostalgieExpress Leiser Berge" from Vienna via Korneuburg to Erbstbrunn(www.erlebnisbahn.co.at) and the "Wein+Trauben Welt" in Poysdorf(www.vinoversum.at). An overview of all excursion possibilities and events can be found on the website www.weinviertel.at.

All recommended producers from the Weinviertel in the wine guide

All currently tasted Weinviertel DAC in the wine guide

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