Photo: Ahmet Yüksek ✪ / PexelsSouth Styria Wine Regions Guide
South Styria wine guide: Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller, Welschriesling. Best in May–June. Wineries, tastings and travel guide for Austria.
South Styria is a continental wine region in Austria, celebrated for producing Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller, Welschriesling, Chardonnay. With a medium density of wineries, the region offers wine lovers an exceptional destination for exploration and discovery.
Wines & Grape Varieties
Vine Cycle — South Styria
Full calendar →South Styria is Austria's answer to Tuscany — steep vine-covered hills, Buschenschanken (farmhouse wine taverns), and world-class Sauvignon Blanc. The Sudsteirische Weinstrasse wine road is stunning in autumn. Pumpkin seed oil accompanies everything.
The dominant grape varieties grown in South Styria include Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller, Welschriesling, Chardonnay. The region specialises in crisp white, natural, orange styles, reflecting its unique terroir and winemaking traditions. Many wineries offer complimentary tastings, making it an accessible destination for all wine enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Climate — South Styria
Full explorer →The ideal months to visit South Styria are May, June, September, October. Harvest season runs from September, October, when the vineyards are at their most vibrant and many estates open their doors for harvest experiences. Peak tourist season falls in July, August, while the shoulder months of May, June, September, October offer a quieter, more relaxed visit.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Graz Airport (GRZ), approximately 45 minutes' drive from the region. South Styria has limited public transport options, so hiring a car is advisable. A minimum stay of 2 days is recommended to experience the region properly.
Travel Budget
Daily Costs — South Styria
Full calculator →💡 The Buschenschanken (taverns) serve cold platters and wine at farm-gate prices
Budget travellers can expect to spend around $70 per day in South Styria, while mid-range visitors typically spend $140 per day. A luxury trip can cost $320 or more per day. All figures are approximate and in EUR/local currency.
Getting There
GRZ — Graz
45min drive
2.5h train from Vienna to Leibnitz, then taxi/bus to wine villages
limitedCar rental recommended
Where to Eat
Austrian — Styrian
- €€€€
Saziani Stub'n — Weingut Winkler-Hermaden
fine dining
- €€€
Buschenschank Tement — Zieregg
winery restaurant
Where to Stay in South Styria
- Gamlitz€-€€
Wine village hub, many Buschenschanken nearby
- Leutschach€
Quieter southern village, Sauvignon Blanc focus
- Leibnitz€
Regional town, practical base with amenities
The 'Tuscany of Austria' — rolling green hills with outstanding value
Booking.com
Tours & Experiences
South Styria, Austria
South Styrian wine road tour
Drive the scenic Südsteirische Weinstraße visiting 3 winegrowers
Buschenschank traditional wine tavern tour
Visit traditional farm taverns with cold platters and Styrian wine
Wine Experiences
Visiting Wineries
South Styria Buschenschanken (farmhouse taverns) are a highlight and generally welcome walk-in visitors seasonally. Wine producers along the Südsteirische Weinstraße are accessible. Some top Sauvignon Blanc estates benefit from advance booking. The region is popular in autumn.
Book ahead: 1 week
Planning tools & local info
Getting There
GRZ — Graz
45min drive
2.5h train from Vienna to Leibnitz, then taxi/bus to wine villages
limitedCar rental recommended
Where to Eat
Austrian — Styrian
- €€€€
Saziani Stub'n — Weingut Winkler-Hermaden
fine dining
- €€€
Buschenschank Tement — Zieregg
winery restaurant
Where to Stay in South Styria
- Gamlitz€-€€
Wine village hub, many Buschenschanken nearby
- Leutschach€
Quieter southern village, Sauvignon Blanc focus
- Leibnitz€
Regional town, practical base with amenities
The 'Tuscany of Austria' — rolling green hills with outstanding value
Booking.com
Tours & Experiences
South Styria, Austria
South Styrian wine road tour
Drive the scenic Südsteirische Weinstraße visiting 3 winegrowers
Buschenschank traditional wine tavern tour
Visit traditional farm taverns with cold platters and Styrian wine
Wine Experiences
Visiting Wineries
South Styria Buschenschanken (farmhouse taverns) are a highlight and generally welcome walk-in visitors seasonally. Wine producers along the Südsteirische Weinstraße are accessible. Some top Sauvignon Blanc estates benefit from advance booking. The region is popular in autumn.
Book ahead: 1 week
Best Time to Visit South Styria
July-August
September-October
Low to moderate — a well-kept secret
Average Monthly High (°C)
Moderate (800mm/year)Wines of South Styria
Key grape varieties and wine styles produced in the region
Primary Grape Varieties
Wine Styles
Food & Dining in South Styria
Austrian — StyrianMust-Try Dishes
- Steirisches Kürbiskernöl (pumpkin seed oil over everything)
- Brettljause (wooden board of cold meats and cheese)
- Ganslbraten (roast goose)
Where to Eat
- €€€€
Saziani Stub'n — Weingut Winkler-Hermaden
Two Michelin stars at the Winkler-Hermaden estate in Kapfenstein, creative Styrian cuisine with estate wines
- €€€
Buschenschank Tement — Zieregg
Terrace Buschenschank above the Zieregg vineyard with panoramic South Styrian wine road views
Saziani Stub'n needs booking well in advance. Buschenschanken are seasonal — check opening days before visiting.
Upcoming Wine Festivals in Austria
See all festivalsHidden Gems Nearby
Discover more hidden gemsWeingut Nikolaihof
WTG PickWachau, Austria
Austria's first biodynamic winery on Roman foundations — producing Rieslings that age for decades in a cellar complex dating back 2,000 years.
Riesling · Grüner Veltliner
Weingut Rudi Pichler
WTG PickWachau, Austria
One of Wachau's most minerally precise Smaragd producers — tiny output, personal cellar visits, and wines that rarely leave Austria.
Gruner Veltliner · Riesling
Continue Exploring
Explore Nearby
Did You Know?
We’re still gathering facts about South Styria. Tell us what makes it special
Ready to visit South Styria?
Build your personalised day-by-day itinerary — choose your travel style and trip length, get accommodation and tour picks per day, and email it to yourself to take along.
Plan Your Visit to South Styria
Where to Stay in South Styria
Make the most of your South Styria wine trip by staying in the heart of wine country. From luxurious vineyard estates to cozy B&Bs, find the perfect accommodation near world-class wineries.
Top areas to stay
- Gamlitz€-€€
Wine village hub, many Buschenschanken nearby
- Leutschach€
Quieter southern village, Sauvignon Blanc focus
- Leibnitz€
Regional town, practical base with amenities
The 'Tuscany of Austria' — rolling green hills with outstanding value
Booking.com
Compare prices from 100+ accommodation sites
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.