The Wachau
and its wine

The Dürnstein Castle Vineyard looks back on an exceptionally long history. Its origins date back to the time of Charlemagne, when terraces were laid out on the steep castle hill for viticulture. Imposing drystone walls made of Gföhl gneiss still characterise its appearance today and make it a significant testament to the Wachau’s cultural landscape.

For centuries, the vineyard was closely linked to the history of Dürnstein – from Richard the Lionheart through the Kuenring family to Emperor Leopold I. Following extensive restoration, it is now once again home to more than 1,000 vines. The Riesling grapes produce mineral-rich, characterful wines, whose labels bear the knightly seal of Richard the Lionheart.

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Vinea Wachau was founded in 1983 by 24 dedicated winemakers – including pioneers such as Wilhelm Schwengler (Domäne Wachau), Josef Jamek, Franz Prager and Franz Hirtzberger. The catalyst was the wine scandal in Austria at the time, which plunged the entire region into an existential crisis. The winegrowers’ response was clear: to form an association to preserve their unique cultural landscape and to establish Wachau wines as an international quality brand.

Since then, the members of Vinea Wachau have voluntarily committed to strict quality criteria: grapes exclusively from the Wachau, hand-harvesting on the steep terraced slopes, dry vinification – and the comprehensive archiving of all wines as a sign of transparency and control. Vinea Wachau wines are divided into three categories:

Steinfeder – light, fresh and fruit-driven: the elegant entry-level wine with a maximum of 11.5 % ABV.
Federspiel – expressive and balanced: combining power and finesse, with an alcohol content between 11.5 % and 12.5 % ABV.
Smaragd – powerful, complex and suitable for ageing: the Wachau’s grand reserve, with an alcohol content of over 12.5 % Vol.

To this day, Vinea Wachau stands for uncompromising provenance, a distinct style and sustainable viticulture – a true commitment to the Wachau.

The Wachau is home to the traditional grape varieties Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Neuburger – true classics with character. Whether you’re visiting cosy restaurants, enjoying a glass of wine al fresco, or right where the wine is grown: the Wachau invites you to savour its fine wines in a truly special atmosphere.

A distinctive feature of Wachau wines is the unique soil. The Gföhl gneiss, also known as ‘Urgestein’ (primordial rock), not only shapes the landscape but also lends the wines their characteristic minerality and depth. This special terroir influence makes every sip a special treat.

Vinea Wachau Wineries

Domäne Wachau 

At the Domäne Wachau, cellar tours followed by a guided wine tasting take place every Friday and Saturday at 2 pm. You will be guided through the Baroque cellar vaults and the famous ‘Kellerschlössel’ (cellar castle). Alongside explanations of the history of the Wachau region, viticulture and the grape harvest, six classic wines are served during the wine tasting in Dürnstein.

Domäne Wachau