Mittelburgenland Wine Travel Guide (Burgenland, Austria)

Discover Mittelburgenland: Austria's Red Wine Haven

Nestled in the heart of Burgenland, Mittelburgenland is a wine lover's paradise. This region, known as "Blaufränkischland," is famous for its bold red wines and picturesque landscapes.

Towns and Villages

Explore charming towns like Deutschkreutz, the unofficial capital of Mittelburgenland. Horitschon and Neckenmarkt offer authentic Austrian experiences with their historic centers and wine taverns.

Must-Visit Locations:

Deutschkreutz Castle
Horitschon's Wine Educational Trail
Neckenmarkt's traditional Kellergasse (cellar lane)

Wine Producers

Mittelburgenland boasts numerous top-quality wineries. Visit family-run estates and large cooperatives to taste the region's signature Blaufränkisch wines.

Notable Wineries:

Weingut Gesellmann in Deutschkreutz
K+K Kirnbauer in Deutschkreutz
Weingut Kerschbaum in Horitschon
Weingut Iby in Horitschon

Many wineries offer tours and tastings, but it's best to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Accommodations

Stay close to the vineyards for an immersive wine experience. Choose from charming guesthouses, boutique hotels, or wine-themed accommodations.

Recommended Stays:

Weinhotel Kirchknopf in Gols
Hotel Das Eisenberg in Deutsch Schützen
Pension Vintner's Lodge in Deutschkreutz

Dining

Mittelburgenland's cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Try local specialties at traditional taverns or upscale restaurants.

Top Dining Spots:

Restaurant Zur Traube in Horitschon
Gasthaus Ochs in Deutschkreutz
Vinothek Kästle in Neckenmarkt

Don't miss the opportunity to try local dishes like Blaufränkisch-braised beef or Krautfleckerl (cabbage pasta) paired with regional wines.

Wine Shops & Bars

Mittelburgenland offers numerous options for wine enthusiasts to explore and purchase local wines. Many wineries have their own shops, but there are also dedicated wine stores and bars.

Recommended Spots:

Vinothek Mittelburgenland in Deutschkreutz: A cooperative wine shop featuring wines from multiple local producers
Weinbar Rotweinhaus in Horitschon: A cozy wine bar offering a wide selection of regional wines by the glass
Weinhandlung Schubert in Neckenmarkt: A family-run wine shop with an extensive collection of Mittelburgenland wines

Many shops offer shipping services, allowing you to send your favorite wines home.

Other Shops

While wine is the main attraction, Mittelburgenland also offers unique local products and souvenirs.

Local Specialties:

Kürbiskernöl (pumpkin seed oil) from local producers
Handmade chocolates at Confiserie Leschanz in Deutschkreutz
Artisanal cheeses from Käseladen Mittelburgenland in Horitschon

Attractions

Beyond wine, Mittelburgenland offers cultural and natural attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Must-See Sights:

Landesmuseum Burgenland in Eisenstadt: Learn about the region's history and culture
Naturpark Landseer Berge: Enjoy hiking trails and scenic views
Burg Lockenhaus: Explore a medieval castle with stunning architecture

Consider renting bikes to explore the region's beautiful landscapes and vineyards.

Events

Mittelburgenland hosts various wine-related events throughout the year, offering visitors unique experiences and tastings.

Annual Highlights:

Blaufränkisch Tage (June): A multi-day celebration of the region's signature grape variety
Mittelburgenland DAC Cup (November): A prestigious wine competition showcasing the best local wines
Advent in Mittelburgenland (December): Christmas markets featuring mulled wine and local specialties

Check local event calendars for specific dates and smaller wine festivals in individual villages.

Appellations

Understanding Mittelburgenland's wine appellations helps appreciate the region's diverse wine offerings.

Key Appellations:

Mittelburgenland DAC: Focuses on Blaufränkisch wines, with Classic and Reserve categories
Burgenland: A broader appellation allowing for various grape varieties and styles

Look for the DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) designation on labels for wines that meet strict quality standards.

Grape Varieties

Mittelburgenland is known for its red wines, particularly those made from Blaufränkisch. This grape variety thrives in the region's unique terroir.

Other important grape varieties include:

Zweigelt
St. Laurent
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot

White grape varieties, though less common, include Welschriesling and Chardonnay.

Main Wine Styles

Mittelburgenland produces bold, full-bodied red wines with rich tannins and deep color. Blaufränkisch wines are the stars of the region.

Key wine styles include:

Single-varietal Blaufränkisch
Red blends (often including Zweigelt and international varieties)
Rosé wines
Limited production of white wines

Food Specialties

Burgenland's cuisine pairs perfectly with its robust red wines. Local specialties include:

Paprikahendl: Chicken with paprika sauce
Krautfleckerl: Pasta with cabbage
Grenadiermarsch: Potatoes and pasta dish
Esterhazy Torte: Layered cake with buttercream

Many restaurants in the region offer wine-pairing menus featuring local dishes and wines.

Drives & Walks

Explore Mittelburgenland's picturesque landscapes and vineyards through scenic drives and walks.

Wine Roads

Blaufränkischland Wine Road: A 35-kilometer route connecting major wine towns
Burgenland Wine Road: A longer route covering the entire Burgenland region

Hiking Trails

Naturpark Landseer Berge: Offers various hiking trails with vineyard views
Geschriebenstein-Írottkő Nature Park: Cross-border park with hiking opportunities

Itineraries

Weekend Wine Getaway

A two-day itinerary focusing on Mittelburgenland's wine experience:

Day 1: Visit Deutschkreutz for winery tours and tastings
Day 2: Explore Horitschon and its surrounding vineyards

Week-long Burgenland Adventure

A comprehensive tour of the region:

Days 1-2: Mittelburgenland wine towns
Days 3-4: Lake Neusiedl area
Days 5-6: Southern Burgenland
Day 7: Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland

Getting There & Around

Mittelburgenland is easily accessible from major Austrian cities:

By Car: 1-hour drive from Vienna, 2 hours from Graz
By Train: Regular services to Deutschkreutz from Vienna (2 hours)
Nearest Airport: Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Renting a car is recommended for exploring the region's wineries and villages.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to visit Mittelburgenland are:

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds
Fall (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals

Summer can be hot, while winters are cold with occasional snow.

Sustainability Efforts

Mittelburgenland's wine industry is embracing sustainability:

Organic Viticulture: Many wineries use organic practices
Biodynamic Farming: Some producers follow biodynamic principles
Solar Energy: Increasing use of solar panels in wineries

Look for certified organic wines when tasting or purchasing.

Language Tips

While German is the official language, many in the wine industry speak English.

Useful wine-related phrases:

"Prost!" - Cheers!
"Weingut" - Winery
"Verkostung" - Tasting
"Rotwein/Weißwein" - Red wine/White wine

Further Resources

For more information on Mittelburgenland's wine scene:

Consider downloading wine apps like Vivino for on-the-go tasting notes and reviews.