A farm-to-table day out in nature, exploring the beautiful Thermal Region
Lower Austria is the cradle of Austrian viticulture, so we want to take you to the beautiful forests & vineyards of the Thermal Region, just south of Vienna. Home to traditionally quaint wine villages and some unique local varietals, we showcase the finest in farm-to-table Austrian wine tours.
In summer, we’ll hike the foothills to the alps along forested trails, as well as through lush green vineyards on their southern facing slopes. We’ll stop en route to appreciate some beautifully expansive views over the forest canopy & the Vienna basin, before reaching one of Austria’s oldest wine villages for lunch and an afternoon winery visit.
In winter, instead of the hike, we visit two wineries to focus our attention more on the history of Thermal Region wine making, and on meeting a local vintner to learn about modern day wine production – all with glasses of the best the region has to offer in our hands, of course!
Highlights & Inclusions
- Guided 9 km hike through forested trails of the Vienna Woods & the vineyards of Lower Austria's Thermal Region
- Wonderful photo opportunities en route, encompassing expansive hilltop views, vineyards and picturesque spa/wine villages, and winery cellars
- Return train transportation from Vienna
- Native English-speaking guide and Austrian wine expert on-hand throughout
- Exclusive and extensive afternoon wine tasting and Q&A and winery visit, encompassing all indigenous and specialty wines unique to the Thermal Region
Vienna Wine Tour Itinerary
The tour meeting point is Vienna’s ‘Wien Mitte’ railway station (09:10 between Apr-Oct & 09:40 from Nov-Mar). Once we’ve met and introduced ourselves, we’ll board a train southwards (approx 30 minutes) to the heart of the Vienna Woods.
On the summer itinerary we begin our hike in the lovely spa town of Baden, once a favourite country retreat of Beethoven. We meander through the classic village center and its gorgeous parks before hiking along forest trails towards a magnificent elevated viewpoint which overlooks the Vienna basin & the Wienerwald in all directions. This spot alone is a photographer’s dream!
We then enter the vineyards, wandering through row upon row of lush green vines to the pretty village of Gumpoldskirchen.
In the winter itinerary (Nov-Mar) our train from Vienna brings us directly to the vineyards of the Thermal Region and to one of Austria’s oldest wine making institutions, steeped in middle-age tradition and history. Here we’ll discover how the monastic orders became wine pioneers, develop an understanding of what has shaped the Austrian wine landscape over time, and consider in what direction it may be moving forward…we’ll discuss this all during our first wine tasting of course!
After the morning activity, we’ll then go for lunch at a local ‘Heurige’ or wine tavern (lunch not included).
The highlight of the day is our visit to a local wine maker in Gumpoldskirchen to taste the full range of local varieties. This is a wonderfully intimate, unhurried experience, with plenty of opportunities to discuss all aspects of viticulture. This is a rare opportunity for an audience with a wine maker to ask questions on anything from how wine is produced to gaining insight into the challenges facing vintners today.
The tour ends with a short train ride back to the city, giving you plenty time to relax before your evening activities.
What to Know Before the Tour
- You don't need to be a wine expert to enjoy this tour - it is super relaxed and for everyone!
- To wear: Summer - shorts/light trousers, t-shirt, hat, extra layers/light rain jacket, comfortable footwear (trainers or hiking shoes). Winter - check the weather forecast on the day of your tour and dress accordingly
- The summer hike is accessible for most people, with regular breaks built into the itinerary. However, please note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues or those who are not able to walk for 2-3 hours
- To bring: Summer - rucksack with drinking water, hat & sun cream, cash, fully charged camera; Winter - camera, cash & possibly an umbrella if rain is forecast.
- This tour has a minimum number of participants to go ahead
- Minimum age is 18 years old on the day of tour
Vienna Woods Wine Tour Booking Calendars
Book either our small-group Vienna wine tour or a private experience using our booking calendars below. Tours start in the winter season (Nov – Mar) at 09:10, and in the summer season (Apr-Oct) at 09:40.
Small-group Tours
Private Tours
Directions and Tour Meeting Point
We meet outside the main entrance to Vienna’s ‘Wien Mitte’ train station, next to the digital clock and temperature gauge. The station is easy to reach on foot from practically anywhere in the city center, as it is centrally located. If you prefer to use other means of transport, then you can of course arrive via taxi or tram depending on where you are staying.
The easiest method is on the u-bahn (underground/metro). Just head to the u-bahn station ‘Landstraße’, which is on the U3 orange and the U4 green lines. Look for the ‘Landstraße Hauptstraße’ exits and you should then be at street level at the main entrance. We meet here at 09:10 in summer (Apr-Oct) and 09:40 in winter (Nov-Mar).
