A shortish guide to help you navigate the great wine regions of Austria

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. While its western regions are known for alpine skiing, the eastern part of the country is home to some of Europe's most exciting wine regions. Austrian wines are characterised by their purity, freshness, and distinct terroir, with a strong focus on indigenous grape varieties and sustainable viticulture.

Austria's largest wine-producing region, Niederösterreich, covers approximately 28,145 hectares, encompassing diverse sub-regions with varied climates and soils. The Danube River significantly influences wine production, and loess soils dominate much of the landscape.

Zweigelt – Austria’s most planted red grape, known for its juicy fruit and soft tannins.

Pinot Noir – Elegant and Burgundian in style, with delicate red fruit and fine acidity.

Grüner Veltliner – The flagship white grape of Austria, producing wines with bright acidity, white pepper, and citrus notes.

Riesling – High-quality, mineral-driven wines with excellent aging potential.

 – Famous for its steep, terraced vineyards and structured, age-worthy whites.

Kremstal DAC – Offers elegant Grüner Veltliner and Riesling with freshness and minerality.

Kamptal DAC – Known for powerful yet balanced whites, especially from Heiligenstein and Lamm vineyards.

Weinviertel DAC – Austria’s largest wine-growing area, producing fresh, spicy Grüner Veltliner with a signature ‘Pfefferl’ (peppery note).

 crafts wines that hum with precision. Leo’s bottlings from Hollerin and Loibenberg balance citrus and herbal notes over a backbone of pure minerality—always taut, never overplayed.

 commands attention with a mastery of texture and depth. From the grandeur of Schutt to the poise of Pfaffenberg, Emmerich’s wines offer richness without excess, their structure holding everything in perfect harmony.

 defies convention with a style that favors restraint over opulence. Peter’s Rieslings, sourced from Bruck and Buschenberg, are taut, acid-driven, and crystalline—powerful yet weightless, challenging norms with every sip.

 approaches winemaking with fierce dedication, crafting wines that reflect both place and personality. His Spitzer Graben vineyards yield structured, mouth-filling expressions—bold yet deeply satisfying, much like their maker.

 speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression. Martin’s wines from Dornleiten, Höchacker, and Goldberg are studies in balance and finesse, where citrus, florals, and herbs glide over a persistent mineral core.

 brings a fresh perspective to Kremstal’s traditions. Their wines demand attention—bold yet finely tuned, with acidity that weaves through the structure like golden threads in a tapestry.

 embodies quiet excellence, crafting wines of deep transparency and precision. Their mineral-driven expressions whisper rather than shout, offering elegance that stands the test of time.

 leads with clarity and intent. Johannes crafts wines of crystalline precision—sharp at first sip, then unfolding into layers of fruit and florals. His Gaisberg and Heiligenstein bottlings set the benchmark for the region.

 embraces bold innovation while honoring tradition. Alwin’s Rieslings from Loiserberg and Heiligenstein crackle with electric intensity, cutting through the palate like lightning on a summer night. His Grüner Veltliners are equally compelling.

 carries Kamptal’s legacy with quiet confidence. Willi’s wines harness energy with elegance—never chaotic, always precise. His Heiligenstein and Steinmassel bottlings remain the gold standard, balancing power with effortless grace.

Located along Austria’s eastern border with Hungary, Burgenland is the country's premier region for red wines and also produces world-class sweet wines from the Neusiedlersee area.

Blaufränkisch – A structured, spicy red with dark fruit, high acidity, and excellent aging potential.

St. Laurent – Similar to Pinot Noir, offering soft tannins and vibrant red fruit.

Zweigelt – Fruity and approachable, often used in blends.

Chardonnay – Producing both fresh and oak-aged styles with richness and depth.

Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) – Elegant and textured, with floral and nutty notes.

Furmint – Primarily used for the region’s famous sweet wines.

 – The “Blaufränkisch land,” known for structured and tannic wines.

Leithaberg DAC – Produces both elegant whites and mineral-driven reds.

Neusiedlersee DAC – Renowned for luscious botrytized sweet wines.

 Weingut Hans Igler, Birgit Braunstein, Weingut Heinrich, Weingut Kracher.

The southernmost wine region of Austria, bordering Slovenia, Steiermark is known for its rolling hills and a cooler, more humid climate, ideal for aromatic whites.

Zweigelt – Lighter and fruitier than in Burgenland, often with vibrant acidity.

Blauer Wildbacher – Used to make Schilcher, a distinctive rosé with racy acidity.

Sauvignon Blanc – Highly aromatic, often displaying herbal and tropical fruit notes.

Welschriesling – Crisp and refreshing, with green apple and citrus flavors.

Morillon (Chardonnay) – Produced in both unoaked and oak-aged styles.

 – Produces some of Austria’s finest Sauvignon Blancs.

Weststeiermark DAC – Home to the unique Schilcher rosé.

Südoststeiermark DAC – A diverse region known for volcanic soils and expressive wines.

 Weingut Tement, Weingut Sattlerhof, Weingut Gross.

Vienna is the only capital city in the world with significant vineyards within its limits. The wines from Wien are known for their freshness and food-friendliness, with a strong focus on traditional field blends.

Zweigelt – Light and fruit-driven, perfect for early drinking.

Pinot Noir – Delicate and refined, with a mineral edge.

Wiener Gemischter Satz – A unique field blend of multiple white grape varieties, capturing the diverse terroir of Vienna’s vineyards.

Riesling – Elegant and floral, with bright acidity.

 Weingut Wieninger, Weingut Christ, Weingut Mayer am Pfarrplatz.

Intrigued by Austria's wine renaissance? Delve into Austria's wine heritage with 

 featuring selections from the country's most exciting producers. It's like discovering that the unassuming person at the party is a Nobel Laureate—sometimes there's far more depth and excitement than first appearances suggest.