A Long Heuriger Tradition – A New Wine Culture
Is viticulture really possible in a capital city? In some parts of the world, vines are planted just for show, a mere tourist attraction. But Vienna is different. The 612 hectares of planted vines play a significant economical role, provide a sustainable amount of greenery around the city, and form the basis for high quality wines. Right up until the late Middle Ages, vineyards also flourished within the inner city walls of Vienna, in today's prestigious First District, yet nowadays, vines are cultivated in the outer districts and the outskirts of Vienna. Wine producers from the northern wine-growing villages of Strebersdorf, Stammersdorf and Jedlersdorf also have vineyards planted on the Bisamberg, north of the Danube, with its favourable conditions for the Pinot varieties.
Virtually all Viennese producers cultivate grapes for the traditional 'Gemischter Satz',
which is comprised of different varieties planted together in a vineyard and that are also harvested together all at one time and turned into wine. In particular, the rediscovered top vineyard site, the Nussberg, has attracted in an almost magical way so many young, creative winemakers from all corners of the wine capital.
The attraction of the traditional Viennese 'Heuriger' wine taverns is undiminished, and popular with local and tourists alike. There is no distinction between the larger, more prestigious examples with large buffets, that are open all year round, or the smaller, 'Buschenschank' versions, hidden amidst the vineyards and only serving food and wine for a few weeks per year; they are always full. Even the most discerning patron is likely to be satisfied with the wide selection of top class wines served by the glass.
