Vienna Wine Region
Explore Vienna Wine Region: Sub-Regions, Grapes & Wines
Vienna, Austria is the only capital city in the world with significant vineyards inside its urban boundaries. Surrounded by the Vienna Woods and overlooking the Danube River, the city’s 600+ hectares of vineyards are part of daily life.
Vienna is most famous for its Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC, a traditional field blend made by planting and harvesting multiple grape varieties together, producing complex, balanced wines. Alongside this specialty, Vienna also produces elegant Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and red wines from Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. Visiting Vienna offers travelers the rare opportunity to enjoy world-class wine culture within a major European capital.
We’ve spent quite a bit of time in the Vienna wine region and plan to return in the future. To maximize our enjoyment, we thoroughly researched the local wines. Here’s a summary of what we discovered.
This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Sub-Regions of Vienna
Vienna’s vineyards are located on the hillsides surrounding the city, shaped by the Danube River, the Vienna Woods, and varied soils. The three main vineyard areas each produce distinctive expressions of the city’s wines.
Nussberg
Overlooking the city from the north, Nussberg is Vienna’s most famous vineyard area. Known for its limestone and chalk soils, it produces complex Wiener Gemischter Satz, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner. The vineyards here combine stunning city views with some of Austria’s top white wines.
Bisamberg
Located on the opposite side of the Danube, Bisamberg has sandy loess soils and a slightly warmer climate. The wines are typically fruit-driven and approachable, with Gemischter Satz and Grüner Veltliner especially prominent.
Mauer
In the southwest of Vienna, Mauer combines clay and limestone soils, producing balanced Gemischter Satz and red wines such as Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. This area also retains a traditional feel, with many family-run Heuriger (wine taverns).
Grape Varieties in Vienna
Vienna is best known for its Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC, a traditional field blend in which several grape varieties are planted together, harvested at the same time, and vinified as one wine. This practice creates balanced, complex wines that reflect the diversity of the vineyard.
White Grapes
Grüner Veltliner
Austria’s signature grape, producing fresh, peppery wines with citrus and mineral notes. A key component in Gemischter Satz.
Riesling
Grown mainly on limestone soils around Nussberg. Produces elegant, aromatic wines with stone fruit and floral character.
Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc)
Adds body and soft fruit character to blends, also bottled varietally.
Chardonnay (Morillon)
Contributes structure and roundness, especially in fuller-bodied styles of Gemischter Satz.
Welschriesling
Crisp, light-bodied, and refreshing, often blended in Gemischter Satz.
Other Aromatic Whites
Gelber Muskateller, Sauvignon Blanc, and Traminer are also present in small amounts, contributing floral and spicy notes.
Black (Red) Grapes
Zweigelt
Austria’s most widely planted red grape, producing fruity, medium-bodied reds and rosés in Vienna.
Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder)
Grown in cooler sites, producing elegant, light reds with cherry and earthy flavors.
Blauer Portugieser
A traditional central European variety, producing soft, approachable reds, though less common today.
Wines of Vienna
Vienna is best known for its Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC, but the city also produces varietal whites and elegant reds. The wines reflect the diversity of grape varieties grown within its unique urban vineyards.
Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC
Vienna is most famous for its Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC, a traditional field blend made by planting and harvesting multiple grape varieties together. For full background see the Vienna Tourist Board’s article on Gemischter Satz.
White Wines
Grüner Veltliner
Fresh, peppery wines with citrus, apple, and mineral character.
Riesling
Elegant, aromatic wines with stone fruit, floral notes, and bright acidity.
Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) & Chardonnay
Medium-bodied whites, sometimes with oak aging for richness.
Gelber Muskateller & Traminer
Aromatic wines with floral and spicy notes, adding diversity to Vienna’s white wine offerings.
Red Wines
Zweigelt
Fruity, medium-bodied reds and rosés, often easy-drinking and versatile with food.
Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder)
Light, elegant reds with cherry, earthy notes, and good acidity.
Blauer Portugieser
Softer, approachable reds, traditional but less common today.
FAQs About Alsace Wine
What wine is Vienna known for?
Vienna is best known for Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC, a traditional field blend of at least three grape varieties grown and harvested together. It produces wines that are fresh, balanced, and uniquely tied to the city’s vineyard heritage.
Is Vienna wine good?
Yes. Vienna’s wines are highly regarded, particularly its Sauvignon Blancs and Wiener Gemischter Satz, which has gained international recognition. The city’s combination of limestone soils, Danube influences, and traditional vineyard practices produce wines with both freshness and complexity.
What is Austria’s most famous wine?
Austria’s most famous grape is Grüner Veltliner, grown mainly in Lower Austria. In Vienna, however, the flagship wine is Gemischter Satz, alongside respected Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and red wines like Zweigelt.
Which wine to buy in Vienna?
Travelers should look for Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC, available in both light, everyday styles and more structured, premium versions. For varietal wines, Riesling from Nussberg and Grüner Veltliner from Bisamberg are excellent choices, while Zweigelt offers a local red option.
Can you visit vineyards in Vienna?
Yes. Vienna is the only capital city in the world with vineyards within its limits. Visitors can hike or bike through vineyard trails, stop at Heuriger wine taverns, and taste wines directly from local producers in areas such as Nussberg, Grinzing, and Mauer.
What food pairs best with Vienna wines?
Gemischter Satz – Excellent with Austrian classics like Wiener Schnitzel, potato salad, and seasonal vegetable dishes.
Riesling – Perfect with fish, seafood, and lighter fare.
Grüner Veltliner – Pairs with poultry, salads, and spicy Asian dishes.
Zweigelt – Works well with sausages, roast meats, and hearty stews.
When is the best time to visit Vienna’s vineyards?
Autumn (September–October) is the most festive time, with the grape harvest and local wine festivals. Spring (April–June) offers mild weather and blossoming vineyards, while summer evenings are ideal for enjoying wine outdoors at Heuriger taverns.
