Südsteiermark Wine Travel Guide Wine Region Guide

Discover Südsteiermark: Austria's Wine Paradise

Südsteiermark, nestled in the heart of Styria, Austria, is a picturesque wine region known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and world-class wines. This guide will help you explore the best of Südsteiermark's wine culture and local attractions.

Towns and Villages

The region boasts several quaint towns and villages worth visiting:

• Gamlitz: Known as the "capital" of Südsteiermark, it's home to numerous wineries and the annual Gamlitz Wine Week.
• Ehrenhausen: Famous for its mausoleum and beautiful castle ruins.
• Leutschach: A charming village surrounded by vineyards and hiking trails.
• Kitzeck im Sausal: Europe's highest wine-growing community, offering breathtaking views.

Wine Producers

Südsteiermark is home to numerous exceptional wineries. Here are some top producers to visit:

• Weingut Tement: Renowned for their Sauvignon Blanc and modern tasting room.
• Weingut Sattlerhof: Family-run winery producing excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Morillon.
• Weingut Frauwallner: Known for their Gelber Muskateller and stunning views.
• Weingut Polz: Offers a wide range of wines and a beautiful tasting area.

Accommodations

Stay in wine-themed accommodations for a unique experience:

• Weingut Lackner-Tinnacher: Modern rooms with vineyard views.
• Hotel & Spa Der Winzerhof: Luxury spa hotel in the heart of wine country.
• Genusshotel Riegersburg: Charming hotel with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
• Weinrefugium Brolli: Cozy guesthouse with a focus on local wines and cuisine.

Dining

Indulge in local cuisine paired with regional wines at these restaurants:

• Kogel 3: Fine dining with breathtaking views of the vineyards.
• Buschenschank Schusterhansl: Traditional Styrian tavern serving local specialties.
• Restaurant Ratscher Landhaus: Gourmet restaurant with an extensive wine list.
• Weingut Erich & Walter Polz: On-site restaurant offering seasonal dishes and wine pairings.

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore Südsteiermark's wine culture at these local shops and bars:

• Vinofaktur Genussregal: A vast wine shop showcasing over 1,000 regional wines.
• Weinbank Ehrenhausen: Historic wine cellar turned into a stylish tasting room.
• Weinothek Brolli: Cozy wine bar offering a curated selection of local wines.

• Vinothek Leutschach: Centrally located shop with an extensive range of Südsteiermark wines.

Other Shops

Discover local products and souvenirs at these unique shops:

• Kürbiskernhaus: Specializes in pumpkin seed products, a regional delicacy.
• Berghofer's Genusswelt: Gourmet shop offering local cheeses, meats, and preserves.
• Ölmühle Hartlieb: Family-run mill producing high-quality pumpkin seed oil.
• Genussquelle Strohmaier: Artisanal food shop featuring regional specialties.

Attractions

Explore these must-see attractions in Südsteiermark:

• Südsteirische Weinstraße: Scenic wine route connecting charming villages and vineyards.
• Schloss Seggau: Historic castle with a wine cellar housing over 50,000 bottles.
• Erzherzog Johann Gedächtnisweg: Panoramic hiking trail offering stunning views of the region.
• Klapotetz: Traditional wooden windmills scattered throughout the vineyards.

Events

Experience Südsteiermark's vibrant wine culture at these annual events:

• Steirische Weinwoche (Styrian Wine Week): Showcases regional wines in Gamlitz every September.
• Festspiele Südsteiermark: Classical music festival held in various vineyard locations during summer.
• Lange Tafel der Südsteiermark: Gourmet food and wine event featuring a 100-meter-long table in August.
• Spring Wine Festival: Celebrates the new vintage release in various locations throughout May.

Appellations

Südsteiermark's wine-growing areas are divided into distinct appellations:

• Südsteiermark DAC: The main appellation, known for aromatic white wines.
• Sausal: Sub-region famous for its steep slopes and mineral-rich Sauvignon Blancs.
• Kitzeck-Sausal: Europe's highest wine-growing area, producing complex, age-worthy wines.
• Gamlitz: Known for full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc and Morillon (Chardonnay).

Grape Varieties

Südsteiermark excels in white wine production. Sauvignon Blanc thrives here, producing world-class wines.

Other notable varieties include:

• Welschriesling
• Morillon (Chardonnay)

• Gelber Muskateller
• Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc)

Main Wine Styles

Südsteiermark wines are known for their freshness and minerality. The region's cool climate produces vibrant, aromatic whites.

Key styles include:

• Crisp, herbaceous Sauvignon Blancs
• Fruity, light-bodied Welschrieslings
• Elegant, mineral-driven Morillons
• Aromatic, floral Gelber Muskatellers

Food Specialties

Südsteiermark's cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Kürbiskernöl (pumpkin seed oil) is a local delicacy.

Must-try dishes:

• Backhendl (fried chicken)
• Kürbissuppe (pumpkin soup)
• Kernöl-Eierspeise (scrambled eggs with pumpkin seed oil)
• Steirisches Wurzelfleisch (pork with root vegetables)

Drives & Walks

The South Styrian Wine Road offers breathtaking views of vineyards and rolling hills. It's perfect for driving or cycling.

Recommended routes:

• Gamlitz to Leutschach (20 km)
• Ehrenhausen to Spielfeld (15 km)
• Kitzeck circular walk (5 km)

Itineraries

A 3-day wine tour allows you to experience Südsteiermark's best offerings.

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore Gamlitz, visit Sattlerhof winery
• Day 2: Drive the South Styrian Wine Road, stop at Tement winery
• Day 3: Hike in Kitzeck, enjoy a wine tasting at Wohlmuth

Getting There & Around

The nearest major airport is Graz Airport, about 45 minutes from Südsteiermark. Rent a car for easy exploration of the wine region.

Transportation options:

• Car rental: Available at Graz Airport
• Bus: Limited services between towns
• Taxi: Convenient but pricey
• Bicycle rental: Perfect for short trips

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall offers the best weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities.

Key seasons:

• May-June: Mild weather, fewer crowds
• July-August: Peak season, lively atmosphere
• September-October: Harvest season, wine festivals

Sustainability Efforts

Südsteiermark emphasizes eco-friendly winemaking. Many wineries practice organic or biodynamic viticulture.

Sustainable initiatives:

• Solar-powered wineries
• Water conservation techniques
• Biodiversity promotion in vineyards
• Local, seasonal ingredients in restaurants

Language Tips

German is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Useful wine-related phrases:

• "Prost!" - Cheers!
• "Weingut" - Winery
• "Weinprobe" - Wine tasting
• "Trockener Wein" - Dry wine

Further Resources

For more information on Südsteiermark wines and tourism, visit these websites:

• Südsteirische Weinstraße
• Steiermark Tourism
• Austrian Wine