Vienna

Vienna, wine - if there are only a few letter twisted between a metropolis and the drink of the gods, Vienna can probably be called the capital of wine. This is no coincidence; after all, Vienna is the only capital city with significant viticulture. And it does so in its very own way. Come with us to the Heuriger and drink a Viennese speciality: Gemischter Satz.

Vienna and wine - that must be a piece of heaven

It has been over 2,500 years since the first vines in the Vienna basin enjoyed the Pannonian climate. Even today, it is hard to imagine the Austrian capital without wine. It grows on the outskirts of the city, it grows in housing estates, it grows in the middle of the city on Schwarzenbergplatz. The Viennese are closely connected to wine, as about three quarters of the wine from Vienna is kept in the "Buschenschänke". But the high quality now also makes international connoisseurs sit up and take notice - quite rightly.

To a wine in Vienna

Lively, uncomplicated enjoyment is the motto of Viennese wine, and usually in white splendour. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, often all together, can be found in the list of grape varieties. Thanks to the Pannonian climate, red wines also shine with an inimitable complexity and well-structured body. For tasting you can visit one of the countless "Buschenschänke", where Beethoven also went in and out, or you can order fine Viennese wines from VINELLO. 

Viennese wine: Gemischter Satz DAC

The Gemischter Satz is a wine from Vienna made from different grape varieties. Unlike a cuvée, the different grapes are vinified together. They even grow alongside each other in the vineyard. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Traminer and other varieties side by side. They are harvested and macerated and fermented together. No single grape variety may account for more than 50% of the Gemischter Satz, the third largest share not less than 10%. A composition of this kind offers surprises vintage after vintage, but mostly refreshing, light wine with smooth acidity. 

In the past, this practice was carried out to protect against uneven harvesting conditions and diseases. Today, the Gemischter Satz is a Viennese speciality and true winemaker's craft, which today, under the label DAC - Districtus Austriae Controllatus - promises the highest level of enjoyment.

Heuriger Culture

Where to go if you want to drink a wine in Vienna? Of course to the Heuriger - the wine taverns owned by the winery to sell the wine produced on the estate. Heuriger means something like "this year" or young wine. Because that is what you find in Heuriger; the current young wine. But also fresh juice or a spritzer is served here with hearty and seasonal dishes. Around 150 wine growers, including the Zahel winery in Maurer, maintain a Heuriger in Vienna and welcome guests. A cosy get-together with music and singing over a fresh glass of wine - that is the Heuriger culture in Vienna. So the next time you visit Vienna, keep an eye out for the "Buschenschänke", recognisable by the pine trees above the house gate.

Vienna climate & soils

Vienna's city limits comprise about 700 hectares of vineyard area, although at times only about 620 hectares are under vines. The soils are characterised by Stone Age rock layers. Individual sites, on the other hand, offer a variety of soils such as limestone rock, slate, gravel and loess soil. The climatic influences are also present in Vienna in a variety of forms. Three climatic influences meet at this junction: the continental-Pannonian climate, Mediterranean climate from the south and cool winds from the north. Depending on the location, whether Nussberg, Maurerberg or Bisamberg, the various conditions create their own characteristics and strengths. Not only wonderful white wines thrive, but also complex red wines from Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch.

Grape varieties in Vienna

The white grape varieties dominate the grape variety range of the Vienna wine region. These are:

• Grüner Veltliner
• Welschriesling
• Riesling
• Pinot Blanc
• Chardonnay 
• Müller-Thurgau
• Traminer
• Muscatel
• Orange grape (autochthonous) 

The red grape varieties are in the minority, but they also have some tasty wines to offer. The most common ones grow in Vienna:

• Zweigelt
• Blue Portuguese
• Blaufränkisch
• Saint Laurent 

Vienna Winery Zahel Mauer

In a small suburb of Vienna, only a few minutes away from the city centre, you will find the Zahel winery. The family estate maintains vineyards in two of Vienna's best large sites: the Nussberg and Maurerberg. The typical grape varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Zweigelt, but also Chardonnay, thrive there. In addition to velvety red wines from Saint Laurent and varietal white wines from the autochthonous grape variety Orangetraube, the Viennese tradition of the Gemischter Satz is also upheld here. This sparkling wine is an ideal accompaniment to light meals or simply enjoyed solo on the terrace. Discover the Zahel winery from Vienna with its exquisite vineyards around the city.

Buy wine from Vienna online

Would you like to put together your own discovery tour of Vienna? Just browse through our assortment - VINELLO has excellent wines from Vienna and Austria in its range. Discover the variety of wines and also benefit from our sommelier advice. Secure purchasing and guaranteed prompt delivery ensure that your pleasure trip can begin quickly and takes you straight to the wine pleasure.