Austria’s winemaking heritage is deeply intertwined with the history and geography of Central Europe and the Habsburg Empire, which once connected its vineyards to markets across the continent.
Viticulture here, as elsewhere in Central Europe, dates back to Celtic and Roman times, with the Danube River and its tributaries shaping many of the country’s prime wine regions. Today, Austria’s marquee wine regions include the Wachau, Kamptal, and Burgenland, where diverse terroirs foster distinctive styles.
Grüner Veltliner, a relatively new grape in Austria’s ampelographic heritage, has emerged as the flagship white variety in the post-war period. While Riesling and Blaufränkisch have achieved great renown internationally as well. Besides the big three, there are many indigenous grape varieties in Austria that are less well known abroad, and you’ll also find many grapes that also appear in Hungary, Slovenia, Czechia, Slovakia, and Germany.
Steeped in tradition but embracing innovation, Austria’s winemaking culture reflects meticulous care and sustainability, positioning it as a definitive leader in the Central European wine landscape.
