Grape Harvest in Vienna 2024

Vienna has more vineyards within its boundaries than any other capital in the world

Best time: September–October

It's impossible to imagine Vienna without vineyards—they dominate the scenery as you reach the outskirts of the city. Vineyards occupy 700 hectares within the city boundaries, and they have become a major attraction for locals and tourists during autumn.

Several hundred vineyards invite visitors to participate in the harvest, find out about the history of wine-making in the region, taste excellent wines, and just spend a great day outside. Wine harvest usually runs in the autumn months, peaking in September and October.

Vienna is famous for its whites: Rheinriesling, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Weißburgunder. Gemischter Satz is also a local wine speciality which is getting more popular.

Don't forget to check out so-called Vienna "heurige"—wine taverns that have become a symbol of the city.

Practical info

When is the ideal time to explore Vienna's vineyards?

September and October are the ideal months to explore Vienna's vineyards. During these months, visitors can immerse themselves in the region's rich wine-making culture, participate in the grape harvest, enjoy wine tasting and enjoy the beautiful vineyard landscape where the leaves are changing to gold. This is a perfect time to have fun outside and experience the picturesque views of the vineyards surrounding Vienna.

Which vineyards offer grape harvest participation in Vienna?

Vienna boasts several hundred vineyards for visitors to participate in the grape harvest and engage in various wine-making activities. Mayer am Pfarrplatz, Schönbrunn Palace's vineyard and Cobenzl vineyard are possibly the most popular vineyards, each providing wine tasting, guided tours, grape picking and grape stomping. There is also an opportunity to learn about local wine-making culture and admire picturesque views of the city from these vineyards.

What types of white wines are prominent in Vienna?

Vienna is well known for its wine culture and is home to over 700 hectares of vineyards. The region is famous for several different white wines, including Rheinriesling, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Weißburgunder, among others. Grüner Veltliner is the most popular of these, and it has gained international recognition. Additionally, Gemischter Satz, a white wine produced from harvesting a variety of grapes grown together in one vineyard, is a local specialty that is gaining popularity worldwide.

What opportunities exist to learn about Vienna's winemaking history?

Guided tours led by local wine experts are an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about Vienna's winemaking history. The tours offer insights into the region's unique winemaking process, including the grape varieties grown and their distinctive characteristics. Many vineyards incorporate on-site wine museums and exhibitions where visitors can understand better the culture of winemaking in Vienna. Additionally, the guided tours provide information on the history of winemaking in the city and the region as a whole.

What are Vienna's 'heurige' and where are they located?

Vienna's 'heurige' are wine taverns serving locally produced wines and cuisine that are popular with tourists and locals alike. To experience authentic Viennese culture and sample local cuisine and wine, visitors can go to the outskirts of Vienna and the city's wine-growing villages like Neustift am Walde, Grinzing, and Sievering. Fuhrgassl-Huber and Sirbu are famous 'heurige' establishments among the locals and tourists, offering excellent wine and cuisine in a rustic environment.