The Wachau and wine
All about wineThe Wachau looks back on a long history of wine-growing. The steeply terraced vineyards, where world-renowned vintage wines grow, dominate the impression of the visitor in the Danube valley. Wachaua wines benefit from ideal natural conditions such as the moderate climate and the temperature-regulating effects of the Danube.
Vinea Wachau – Wachau Wine with Origin and Integrity
Vinea Wachau was founded in 1983 by 24 dedicated winegrowers – including pioneers such as Wilhelm Schwengler (Domäne Wachau), Josef Jamek, Franz Prager, and Franz Hirtzberger. The impetus was a major wine scandal in Austria that plunged the region into a deep existential crisis. The vintners' response was resolute: to unite in preserving their unique cultural landscape and to establish Wachau wines as a benchmark for quality.
Since then, members of Vinea Wachau have voluntarily committed themselves to strict quality standards: exclusively grapes from the Wachau region, hand harvesting on the steep terraced vineyards, dry vinification – and meticulous archiving of all wines as a mark of transparency and control.
Wines of Vinea Wachau are classified into three distinct categories:
- Steinfeder – light, fresh and fruit-driven: the elegant introduction to Wachau wines, with a maximum of 11.5 % ABV.
- Federspiel – expressive and balanced: with power and finesse, ranging between 11.5% and 12.5 % ABV.
- Smaragd – full-bodied, complex and age-worthy: the Wachau’s grand reserve, with over 12.5 % ABV.
To this day, Vinea Wachau stands for uncompromising origin, a clear stylistic identity, and sustainable viticulture – a true commitment to the Wachau.
Wine Enjoyment in the Wachau
The Wachau is home to traditional grape varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Neuburger – true classics full of character. Whether enjoying a meal in a cozy restaurant, sipping a glass of wine outdoors, or visiting the very place where the wine is grown: the Wachau invites you to discover its fine wines in a truly special atmosphere.
One of the most distinctive features of Wachau wines is the unique soil. The Gföhler Gneis, also known as primary rock, not only shapes the landscape but also gives the wines their characteristic minerality and depth. This special terroir influence makes every sip a remarkable experience.
To make the most of your visit, we recommend the myWachau app, which provides helpful information on vineyards and wine-growing areas throughout the region.
Wine tasting
Domäne Wachau
In the winery "Domäne Wachau", guided tours of the cellar including a guided wine tasting takes place on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Visitors will be guided through the baroque vault and the renowned "wine cellar castle". In addition to information on the history of the Wachau and of winegrowing, the tour includes tastes of six classic wines.
Adventure Wine
Loisium
In the “Cellar World“ at Langenlois, visitors will be drawn into a mystical world of sensual experience as they can taste, smell, feel, see, and even hear wine.
Sandgrube 13 Wein.Sinn
Experience wine and all its different facets and find out more about its production, its history, its culture – and especially its taste! "SANDGRUBE 13 Wein.Sinn" – a sensual journey through the world of wine.
