Südsteiermark Wine Travel Guide (Steiermark, Austria)

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: