Discover much more than just great wines from steep-terraced vineyards. Jason Turner takes the short trip from Vienna to explore this stunning riverside region. Read his Wachau travel guide here.
Wachau: Six of the best wineries to visit
☆ Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein
The co-op accounts for a third of the Wachau’s total wine production and is managed by Roman Horvath MW and Heinz Frischengruber. The Baroque Kellerschlössl, the full programme of events and modern shop offer an experience for every discerning wine tourist.
domaene-wachau.at
☆ FX Pichler, Dürnstein
Franz-Xavier Pichler was a driving force behind the recognition of Wachau Grüner Veltliner and Riesling across the world. His son Lucas is now in charge of winemaking. Visit their ultra-modern winery, built beneath the legendary Kellerberg vineyard.
fx-pichler.at
☆ Emmerich Knoll, Dürnstein
Knoll’s wine label depicts St-Urban, the patron saint of wine-growing. The 15ha estate is famous for its mineral-rich Rieslings, yet also produces specialities from Gelber Traminer and Muskateller. Enjoy its wines in the Loibnerhof restaurant, just off the cycle route.
loibnerhof.at
☆ Franz Hirtzberger, Spitz
Franz Hirtzberger produces worldclass wines and is renowned for handpicking his Honivogl Grüner Veltliner and Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd wines as late as possible, often in December, when all the leaves have dropped. hirtzberger.at
☆ Peter Veyder-Malberg, Spitz
Veyder-Malberg founded his winery in Spitz in 2008, and has already been acclaimed for his organic Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners. His 30- to 50-yearold vines are grown according to old, labour-intensive Wachau traditions. Highly drinkable, ageworthy wines.
veyder.malberg.at
☆ Salomon-Undhof, Stein
Strictly speaking, this winery lies in neighbouring Kremstal, but was once part of the Wachau. Bertold and Gertrud Salomon offer a bespoke wine cellar tour. Try their old-vine Riesling Reserve from the Steiner Pfaffenberg, said to be one of Austria’s best sites.
salomonwines.com
