Kremstal: Austria’s Hidden Wine Gem
Nestled along the Danube River in Lower Austria, Kremstal offers a captivating blend of rich wine heritage and stunning landscapes. This picturesque region, known for its crisp Grüner Veltliner and elegant Riesling wines, invites visitors to explore charming towns, historic vineyards, and unique culinary experiences.
Towns and Villages
Krems an der Donau serves as the gateway to Kremstal, boasting a well-preserved old town and numerous wine taverns. Nearby, Senftenberg charms visitors with its hilltop castle ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
- Krems an der Donau: Visit the Weinstadt Museum and stroll through the medieval Steiner Tor
- Senftenberg: Hike to Burgruine Senftenberg for breathtaking valley views
- Rohrendorf: Explore the Wine Experience Path and enjoy local Heurigen (wine taverns)
Wine Producers
Kremstal boasts a diverse array of wineries, from small family-run estates to larger, innovative producers. Many offer tastings and cellar tours, providing insight into the region’s winemaking traditions.
- Weingut Stadt Krems: One of Austria’s oldest wineries, producing exceptional Grüner Veltliner
- Weingut Nigl: Renowned for high-quality Riesling and unique terroir-driven wines
- Weingut Salomon Undhof: Family-run since 1792, offering guided tastings and vineyard tours
- Winzer Krems: A cooperative winery with a modern visitor center and tasting room
Accommodations
Kremstal offers a range of lodging options, from boutique hotels in historic buildings to cozy guesthouses nestled among the vines. Many accommodations provide stunning views of the Danube Valley and surrounding vineyards.
- Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems: Luxurious rooms and a spa with panoramic views
- Winzerhaus Nigl: Charming guesthouse run by the Nigl winery, perfect for wine enthusiasts
- Hotel Unter den Linden: Centrally located in Krems with easy access to attractions
- Gasthof Klinglhuber: Traditional Austrian hospitality in a historic setting
Dining
Kremstal’s culinary scene showcases local ingredients and pairs perfectly with the region’s wines. From rustic taverns to fine dining establishments, visitors can savor authentic Austrian flavors and innovative cuisine.
- Restaurant Mörwald “Zur Traube”: Michelin-starred dining featuring regional specialties
- Landgasthof Bärenwirt: Traditional Austrian fare in a cozy, rustic setting
- Heurigenhof Bründlmayer: Seasonal wine tavern offering homemade dishes and local wines
- Restaurantwerkstatt: Modern cuisine with a focus on local, organic ingredients
Wine Shops & Bars
Kremstal offers numerous options for wine enthusiasts to explore local vintages. Many shops and bars showcase the region’s best offerings, providing opportunities for tasting and purchasing.
- Vinothek Krems: Extensive selection of local wines with expert advice
- Weinbar Römerstein: Cozy wine bar featuring Kremstal and Wachau wines
- Pulker’s Heuriger: Traditional wine tavern with a wide range of local wines
- Weingut Aigner: Family-run winery with a charming tasting room
Other Shops
Beyond wine, Kremstal boasts a variety of shops offering local products and souvenirs. Visitors can find artisanal goods, regional specialties, and unique gifts.
- Kremser Handwerksstube: Handcrafted items from local artisans
- Weinmanufaktur Krems: Wine-related products and gourmet foods
- Wachauer Manufaktur: Regional delicacies and crafts
- Buchhandlung Schmidl: Oldest bookstore in Austria, founded in 1610
Attractions
Kremstal offers a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Visitors can explore medieval architecture, enjoy outdoor activities, and immerse themselves in the region’s rich heritage.
- Gottweig Abbey: Benedictine monastery with stunning views and a wine cellar
- Kunsthalle Krems: Contemporary art museum in a former tobacco factory
- Krems Wine World: Interactive exhibition on winemaking history and techniques
- Wachau Valley Bike Trail: Scenic cycling route along the Danube
Events
Kremstal hosts various events throughout the year, celebrating wine, culture, and local traditions. These festivals offer unique experiences for visitors to engage with the community.
- Kremser Weinfrühling: Spring wine festival featuring tastings and cellar tours
- Wachau Gourmet Festival: Culinary event showcasing regional cuisine and wines
- Krems Stadt:Kultur: Summer cultural festival with music, art, and performances
- Weinherbst Niederösterreich: Autumn wine harvest celebrations across the region
Appellations
Kremstal DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) is the primary appellation for wines produced in the region. It focuses on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, with specific requirements for each style.
Kremstal DAC Categories:
- Klassik: Fresh, fruity wines with typical regional character
- Reserve: Full-bodied, complex wines with aging potential
- Kremstal DAC with vineyard designation: Single-vineyard wines showcasing terroir
Grape Varieties
The Kremstal region is known for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines. These grape varieties thrive in the area’s unique terroir.
Other notable varieties include Chardonnay, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and Zweigelt for red wines.
Main Wine Styles
Kremstal produces crisp, mineral-driven white wines with vibrant acidity. The region’s Grüner Veltliner often exhibits notes of white pepper and citrus.
Rieslings from Kremstal tend to be dry and elegant, with pronounced stone fruit flavors and a distinctive mineral character.
Food Specialties
Local cuisine pairs perfectly with Kremstal wines. Try Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz (boiled beef) with a glass of Grüner Veltliner.
Don’t miss the Wachauer Marillenknödel, apricot dumplings that complement the region’s Rieslings beautifully.
Drives & Walks
Explore the Kremstal Wine Road, a scenic drive connecting charming wine villages and offering stunning vineyard views.
Hike the Weinbergwanderweg (vineyard hiking trail) for panoramic vistas of the Danube Valley and surrounding vineyards.
Itineraries
1-Day Wine Tour
- Morning: Visit Stift Göttweig for breathtaking views
- Afternoon: Wine tasting at Weingut Stadt Krems
- Evening: Dinner at Gasthaus Zur Fähre in Krems
3-Day Kremstal Experience
- Day 1: Explore Krems’ Old Town and visit Winzer Krems
- Day 2: Tour Schloss Gobelsburg and enjoy a wine picnic in the vineyards
- Day 3: Hike the Weinbergwanderweg and end with dinner at Landgasthof Zur Schönen Wienerin
Getting There & Around
The nearest airport is Vienna International Airport, about 80 km from Krems. From there, you can:
- Rent a car for flexibility in exploring the region
- Take a train to Krems (1.5 hours)
- Book a private transfer or shuttle service
Within Kremstal, consider renting bikes to explore the vineyards and wine villages. Many wineries offer bike rentals or guided cycling tours.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early fall offers the best weather for outdoor activities and vineyard tours. Visit during:
- May-June for blooming vineyards and mild temperatures
- September-October for harvest season and wine festivals
Winter visitors can enjoy cozy wine taverns and Christmas markets in Krems.
Sustainability Efforts
Kremstal wineries are increasingly adopting sustainable practices:
- Organic viticulture is on the rise, with many producers avoiding synthetic pesticides
- Some wineries use solar power and implement water conservation measures
Look for the “Sustainable Austria” certification when choosing wines or visiting producers.
Language Tips
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few German wine terms can enhance your experience:
- Weingut – winery
- Heuriger – wine tavern serving new wine
- Prost! – Cheers!
Don’t hesitate to ask locals for pronunciation help with wine names.
Further Resources
For more information on Kremstal wines and travel:
Consider downloading wine apps like Vivino or CellarTracker to log and learn about Kremstal wines during your visit.