Nurture Your Body and Soul
When the sun casts its golden hue on the proud hills lined with vineyards and the unique fragrant scent of grapevine flowers hangs in the early summer air, you know that you’ve finally arrived.
You’ve arrived in the land of green hearts. Today, Styria is one of Austria’s most popular destinations for wine connoisseurs and food lovers. The steep hillsides are perfect for growing grapes. The vineyards produce distinctive, subtle wines of outstanding quality.
The local cuisine is of particular importance here. Be our guest and fall in love with the spectacular views, home-made delicacies and genuine hospitality in the local wine taverns called “Buschenschänken”.
A Place Steeped in History
Vulkanland & Spa Region
The wine region “Vulkanland Steiermark” stretches from the town of Bad Radkersburg via the village of Klöch to the province of Hartberg. It comprises 1,400 hectares under vine.
The majority of vineyards is scattered all across the wine region like small islands. The properties to which they belong are relatively small.
Around 1,900 winegrowers produce excellent white wines. Thanks to the mild climate, the amount of red wines is also significant. An unrivalled delicacy from the southern part of the wine region, around Klöch: Traminer, a top class dry white with a delightfully aromatic nose and hints of rose.
Wine Regions in Southern Styria
Southern & Western Styria
With 2,200 hectares under vine, Southern Styria is the largest continuous wine region in Styria and probably also the most famous one. Around 950 winegrowers work in their vineyards with great care. Since the hillsides are very steep (up to 26% incline), most of the work has to be done manually. It’s often not possibly to use machines to harvest the grapes.
The main villages in the wine region are Gamlitz, Leutschach and Kitzeck which is the highest wine-producing municipality in Austria. Rows of poplar and chestnut trees make for a Mediterranean flair. A very special characteristic of this region: the Klapotetz, a scarecrow that resembles a windmill.
A mild climate and steep, rocky slopes facing southwards are the ideal prerequisites for premium grape quality. The varieties Sauvignon blanc, Welschriesling, Pinot blanc and Chardonnay (or “Morillon”, as the locals call it) are the most significant ones here.
A Delight to All Your Senses
In the wine regions of Southern Styria, South-Eastern Styria and Western Styria, the mild climate has always been treating grapes and people with kindness. The Romans already knew how to make use of the fertile soils that produce wines of outstanding quality up to this day.
Here, traditions are kept alive and combined with state-of-the-art winemaking practices. Along the numerous wine roads, you can uncover the essence, the beauty and the culinary delicacies of this unique natural gem.
Collect unforgettable moments and enjoy the genuine hospitality of the Styrian winegrowers.
Traditional Architecture Meets Modern Winery Design
The historic architecture of “Kellerstöckl” and the innovative design of wineries both blend into the idyllic landscape. In Styria, buildings successfully combine traditional elements with modern architecture. Set in the heart of the vineyards, modern winery design often complements the original structures. When old and new architecture are joined in a thoughtful manner, the results can be dazzling.
“Kellerstöckl” were once used for storing and producing wine. Nestled in the vineyards, a lot of these traditional buildings have been carefully restored. A perfectly romantic retreat! Stay close to nature without missing out on modern home comforts.
A Selection of Premium Wines
Styria boasts a range of excellent wines to suit every taste. Southern Styria is known well across its borders for its fine, complex wines of premium quality. From crisp whites (Welschriesling, Chardonnay, Pinot blanc or Sauvignon blanc) to fruity whites and velvety reds, the vineyards up and down the province are producing award-winning wines.
The “Schilcher” is a local speciality from Western Styria, a wine with fresh and fruity flavours on the nose and palate. The south-eastern part of Styria is home to an unrivalled delicacy, crafted around Klöch: Traminer, a white wine with a delightfully aromatic nose and unrivalled hints of wild rose.
The Styrian “Klapotetz”
The “Klapotetz” is a large, wooden structure that resembles a windmill. Originally, it was used to scare birds away from the vineyards, thus protecting the winegrower’s precious harvest.
Five different types of wood were used to build a wind-driven wheel that made a clattering sound or “melody” while in action. The name of the structure is derived from this sound. Today, the “Klapotetz” symbolises the tradition of viticulture in Styria. Traditionally, there’s a celebration when the “Klapotetz” is erected in the vineyard in July.
A Tight Schedule for Food Lovers
Memories of a holiday are often inevitably linked to culinary experiences. A vineyard stay is an indulgent break for all your senses. The highlight of every holiday is, of course, a tasting session in the winegrower’s cellar. As you’re allowed to take a look behind the scenes, the fine wines taste even better. Enjoy a hearty snack platter with ham, smoked meat, spreads, horseradish and freshly baked bread with it.
There’s a great range of traditional festivities and celebrations throughout the year: wine festival in Spring (“Weinfrühling”) or in autumn (“Weinherbst”), wine tastings around St Martin’s Day (“Martiniloben”), celebrations in the cellar lanes (“Kellergassenfeste”), food festival “Genussmeile” or “Tafeln im Weingarten”, a fine dining experience in the vineyard. What do they all have in common?
Wine and indulgence are always at the centrepiece. And there’s a local wine tavern that opens its doors to guests at any time of the year.
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