Discovering Burgenland’s Wine Paradise
Burgenland, Austria’s easternmost state, is a wine lover’s dream. This sunny region boasts a rich viticultural history and diverse terroir, producing some of the country’s finest wines.
From the shores of Lake Neusiedl to the rolling hills of Eisenberg, Burgenland offers an array of experiences for oenophiles and casual travelers alike.
Towns and Villages
Burgenland’s charming towns and villages each offer unique wine experiences:
- Rust: Known for its sweet Ruster Ausbruch wines and stork-topped roofs
- Gols: Home to numerous organic wineries and the DAC Neusiedlersee
- Eisenstadt: The capital city, featuring the Esterházy Palace and its historic wine cellars
- Mörbisch: A picturesque lakeside village famous for its operetta festival
Wine Producers
Burgenland boasts a mix of traditional family-run estates and innovative winemakers:
- Weingut Juris (Gols): Renowned for its Pinot Noir and St. Laurent wines
- Weingut Umathum (Frauenkirchen): Produces exceptional red blends and rare varietals
- Weinlaubenhof Kracher (Illmitz): World-famous for its sweet wines
- Gut Oggau (Oggau): Biodynamic winery with unique, character-driven labels
Accommodations
Stay close to the vineyards with these wine-focused accommodations:
- Weinrefugium Brolli (Mörbisch): Luxury rooms with vineyard views and wine tastings
- Hotel & Restaurant Taubenkobel (Schützen am Gebirge): Michelin-starred dining and stylish rooms
- Weingut MAD – Haus Marienberg (Oggau): Cozy guesthouse on a family-run winery
- Pension Gabriele (Rust): Charming B&B in the heart of the historic town
Dining
Savor Burgenland’s culinary delights at these wine-friendly restaurants:
- Nyikospark (Neusiedl am See): Modern Austrian cuisine with an extensive wine list
- Zur Dankbarkeit (Podersdorf am See): Traditional dishes and local wines in a historic setting
- Gut Purbach (Purbach): Farm-to-table cuisine and an impressive wine cellar
- Mole West (Neusiedl am See): Lakeside dining with panoramic views and regional specialties
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore Burgenland’s wine scene at these local establishments:
- Vinothek Burgenland (Eisenstadt): Showcases wines from over 70 local producers
- Weinwerk (Neusiedl am See): Wine bar and shop featuring regional specialties
- Vinatrium (Deutschkreutz): Extensive selection of Blaufränkisch wines
- Weinbar am Kellerplatz (Purbach): Cozy wine bar in a historic cellar row
Other Shops
Complement your wine experience with local products:
- Zotter Schokoladen Manufaktur (Riegersburg): Artisanal chocolate factory and shop
- Gölles Manufaktur (Riegersburg): High-quality vinegars and spirits
- Esterházy Genusseck (Eisenstadt): Gourmet shop featuring regional delicacies
- Pannoneum (Neusiedl am See): Local crafts and souvenirs
Attractions
Beyond wine, Burgenland offers diverse attractions:
- Esterházy Palace (Eisenstadt): Baroque masterpiece with guided tours and concerts
- Nationalpark Neusiedler See-Seewinkel: Birdwatching paradise and UNESCO World Heritage site
- Familypark (St. Margarethen): Austria’s largest theme park
- Schloss Halbturn: 18th-century palace with art exhibitions and wine tastings
Events
Time your visit with these wine-centric events:
- Ruster Storch (May): Wine festival celebrating the return of storks to Rust
- Martiniloben (November): Region-wide celebration of the new wine vintage
- Burgenland Weinwoche (August): Week-long wine festival in Eisenstadt
- Seewinkler Genusstage (October): Food and wine festival around Lake Neusiedl
Appellations
Understand Burgenland’s wine regions:
- Neusiedlersee DAC: Known for Zweigelt and sweet wines
- Leithaberg DAC: Produces mineral-driven whites and reds
- Mittelburgenland DAC: The home of Blaufränkisch
- Eisenberg DAC: Elegant, spicy Blaufränkisch wines
Grape Varieties
Burgenland’s diverse terroir supports a wide range of grape varieties. Red grapes dominate, with Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt leading the pack.
- Blaufränkisch: The region’s flagship red variety, producing spicy, full-bodied wines
- Zweigelt: A cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, known for fruity, easy-drinking reds
- St. Laurent: Produces elegant, Pinot Noir-like wines
- Welschriesling: The most common white variety, used for dry and sweet wines
- Chardonnay: Thrives in the limestone soils of Leithaberg
- Grüner Veltliner: Austria’s signature white grape, also found in Burgenland
Main Wine Styles
Burgenland’s winemaking history dates back to the Celts and Romans. The region is known for its diverse wine styles, from robust reds to lusciously sweet whites.
- Full-bodied reds: Primarily from Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt
- Botrytized sweet wines: Including Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese from Neusiedlersee
- Crisp, mineral-driven whites: Particularly from the Leithaberg DAC
- Rosé: Refreshing wines made from red grape varieties
- Natural wines: An emerging trend among some innovative producers
Food Specialties
Burgenland’s cuisine reflects its multicultural heritage and agricultural abundance. Local dishes pair beautifully with the region’s wines.
- Goulash: A hearty beef stew with Hungarian roots
- Paprika chicken: A spicy dish showcasing the region’s love for paprika
- Krautfleckerl: A pasta dish with cabbage, perfect with Blaufränkisch
- Lake Neusiedl fish: Fresh fish dishes, ideal with local white wines
- Esterhazy torte: A layered cake named after the noble Esterhazy family
Drives & Walks
Exploring Burgenland’s picturesque landscapes offers a perfect blend of wine, nature, and culture. The region boasts scenic routes for both driving and walking enthusiasts.
Scenic Drives
- Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park: Drive around Lake Neusiedl, stopping at wineries and bird-watching spots
- Rosalia Wine Road: A 40km route through the Rosalia mountains, featuring quaint wine villages
- Leithaberg Wine Road: Explore the limestone hills and vineyards of the Leithaberg DAC
Walking Trails
- Naturpark Landseer Berge: Hike through forests and vineyards, with views of Burg Landsee ruins
- Lake Neusiedl Cycle Path: A 133km route around the lake, perfect for cycling or walking segments
- Blaufränkischland Wine Trail: A 35km path connecting wine villages in Mittelburgenland
Itineraries
Plan your Burgenland wine adventure with these curated itineraries. Each route offers a unique perspective on the region’s wine culture and attractions.
3-Day Wine Explorer
- Day 1: Explore Rust and its Ausbruch wines, visit Mörbisch am See
- Day 2: Tour wineries in Mittelburgenland, focusing on Blaufränkisch
- Day 3: Discover Eisenstadt, visit Esterházy Palace and local wine bars
5-Day Burgenland Immersion
- Days 1-2: Neusiedlersee region, including Illmitz and Apetlon for sweet wines
- Day 3: Leithaberg DAC, focusing on mineral-driven whites and reds
- Day 4: Mittelburgenland’s Blaufrän
Getting There & Around
Burgenland is easily accessible from major Austrian cities and neighboring countries. The region’s well-developed infrastructure makes exploring its wine regions a breeze.
By Air
- Vienna International Airport: The closest major airport, about 30-60 minutes drive to various parts of Burgenland
- Bratislava Airport: An alternative option, especially convenient for northern Burgenland
By Train
- ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways): Regular connections from Vienna to major Burgenland towns like Eisenstadt and Neusiedl am See
- Raaberbahn: Operates trains between Vienna and southern Burgenland
By Car
- A3 Autobahn: Main highway connecting Vienna to Eisenstadt
- B50: Scenic route along Lake Neusiedl, perfect for wine touring
Local Transportation
- Rental cars: Recommended for flexibility in exploring remote wineries
- Buses: Connect major towns and villages, but less frequent in rural areas
- Bicycles: Many wineries offer bike rentals for eco-friendly exploration
Best Time to Visit
Burgenland’s continental climate offers distinct seasons, each with its own charm for wine enthusiasts.
Spring (April-May)
- Mild weather: Perfect for outdoor activities and vineyard walks
- Fewer tourists: Enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at wineries
Summer (June-August)
- Warm temperatures: Ideal for lake activities and outdoor wine tastings
- Festivals: Numerous wine and cultural events throughout the region
Autumn (September-November)
- Harvest season: Experience the excitement of grape picking and wine production
- Fall colors: Stunning vineyard landscapes
Winter (December-March)
- Cozy wine taverns: Perfect for enjoying hearty local cuisine and robust red wines
- Christmas markets: Festive atmosphere in towns like Rust and Eisenstadt
Sustainability Efforts
Burgenland leads Austria in sustainable and organic wine production. Many wineries embrace eco-friendly practices to preserve the region’s unique terroir.
Organic Viticulture
- Certified organic wineries: Over 13% of Burgenland’s vineyards are organic
- Biodynamic practices: Some producers follow Rudolf Steiner’s holistic approach
Energy Efficiency
- Solar power: Many wineries use solar panels for energy production
- Geothermal heating: Innovative cellars utilize underground temperature regulation
Water Conservation
- Drip irrigation: Efficient water use in drier subregions
- Rainwater collection: Systems for natural vineyard irrigation
Language Tips
While German is the official language, Burgenland’s proximity to Hungary and Slovakia influences local dialects. Basic wine-related phrases can enhance your tasting experiences.
Useful Wine Terms
- Wein: Wine
- Weingut: Winery
- Verkostung: Tasting
- Prost: Cheers
- Trocken/Süß: Dry/Sweet
Common Phrases
- Grüß Gott: Hello (formal)
- Auf Wiedersehen: Goodbye
- Danke/Bitte: Thank you/Please
- Sprechen Sie Englisch?: Do you speak English?
Further Resources
Enhance your Burgenland wine journey with these additional resources and helpful links.
Official Websites
- Burgenland Tourism: