Now and then, Vienna’s neighbours like to drop in with a bottle of wine, a bite to eat and a tune or two. Like at the open-air Weinviertel-Fest.
- Neighbouring region known for its vineyards and wineries
- About 30 stands
- Chance to taste some rural tradition (and quality wine)
- Next dates: TBA (if it repeats)
- Book a food or drink experience* in Vienna
- See also:
A wine & a welcome
(Raising of the traditional Buschenschank sprig sign at a previous Weinviertel-Fest; press photo courtesy of and © www.seidl.photo)
The Weinviertel is part of the province of Lower Austria and borders Vienna to the north and east. The literal translation of the name is “Wine Quarter,” which is a remarkably apt description when you know the area.
Small towns, estates, and plenty of nature make for a popular tourist destination, especially for excursions from Vienna.
But, most importantly, the Weinviertel represents the spiritual centre of Austria’s large and long winemaking tradition. Vineyards and wineries dominate significant parts of the landscape.
(Venison and wild boar snacks at the Weinviertelfest)
Occasionally, you have the chance to sample the tourist destinations, food, products and culture of the region without actually leaving Vienna. For example at the open-air Weinviertel-Fest, which dropped into town in 2024.
The culture part, for example, came from a series of events on the stage, with music a significant component.
The rest came via numerous booths lining the centre of Am Hof square. Just over 30 of them, whereby around half were wine-flavoured one way or another: mostly producers offering a sample of their products, but also wine-themed travel opportunities.
When a booth bears the title Weinbauverein Hohenruppersdorf, then you know you’re deep into traditional viticultural territory. This group of wineries from close to the Slovakian border, for example, has a local winemaking tradition that dates back at least 800 years.
No surprise, then, that most of the many tables available to stand or sit around carried glasses of wine.
The Viennese are no slouches themselves when it comes to wine production. But if the Weinviertel comes calling, a wine lover answers.
(I liked the bottles of berry-flavoured beverages at the Biobeerengarten Hummel booth)
Other beverages made appearances, too, like poppies in a sea of wheat. For example, homegrown beer at Kührer Brauwerk, colourful bottles of schnapps from Zeindler Edelbrände, or berry-flavoured alternatives from Biobeerengarten Hummel.
Plenty of places offered snacks, baked items and local fare like sausages or Leberkäse to go with your beverage of choice, but with a noble or novel twist now and again. Perhaps a traditional Käsekrainer, but made from wild boar rather than everyday pork.
I was tempted, for example, by the strawberry croissants at the Geier stand: a traditional Weinviertel bakery that now has branches in Vienna, too. Alas, a diet is a diet. But we are regular buyers of their organic crusty bread.
Since Am Hof is right in the centre, it made a nice way to enjoy a glass of Austrian rural tradition without having to leave town.
Dates, tickets & tips
I don’t have details for any planned return to Vienna with the event. For the record, the Weinviertel-Fest took place from May 15th to 17th. Daily opening times were 10am to 7.30pm. Entry was free.
For a year-round wine experience, find your way to the U4 and get out at Spittelau. You’re then close to the Schlumberger sparkling wine cellars, who do regular self-guided cellar tours and tastings.
How to get to Am Hof
Just use the info at the bottom of the Am Hof article. Basically, you’re going to walk through it as you wander around the old town.
Address: Am Hof, 1010 Vienna