Private Vienna Woods Wine Tour
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. We offer two different tours, depending on the season:
In summer (Apr-Oct), we hike through forested trails and lush green vineyards to appreciate the beautifully expansive views over the Vienna basin from above the canopy. We then continue to one of Austria's oldest wine villages for lunch and a winery visit to sample the very best the region has to offer.
In winter (Nov-Mar), instead of hiking, we focus on the past, present and future of Austrian wine by first visiting one of its oldest wine-making institutions dating back to 1141. We then meet one of the region's finest vintners for a wonderfully intimate wine tasting and Q&A to showcase all that the Thermal Region has to offer.
Options
Winter Itinerary
Duration: 7 hours: The winter schedule is shorter as there is no long hiking element. The day lasts around 7 hours.
Winter itinerary: In winter we walk for just 25 mins through vineyards between villages, as well as conducting one longer wine tasting.
What's included in Private Vienna Woods Wine Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Wien Mitte the MallPass-by Only
The tour meeting point is Vienna's 'Wien Mitte' railway station (09:10 Apr-Oct & 09:40 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.
Vienna Woods
Summer We begin our hike in the lovely spa town of Baden, once a favourite country retreat of Beethoven. We meander through the classic village centre 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. As reward for our efforts, we'll take a break sat among the vines for an open-air wine tasting. Winter Our train 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. We'll discover how the monastic orders became wine pioneers of their time, develop an understanding of what has shaped the Austrian wine landscape over time, and consider in what direction it may be moving forward...with a welcome glass of sekt in your hand, of course!
Gumpoldskirchen
Summer & Winter We then continue to the picturesque wine village of Gumpoldskirchen. On the summer itinerary we'll have lunch at one of its traditional Austrian wine taverns before our second wine tasting, while on the winter itinerary we do the wine tasting before lunch. The tasting is led by one of the region's finest winemakers. This allows for plenty of opportunities to ask diverse questions ranging from family background and history, to the impacts of climate change, to organic production methods! All of which give an intimate insight into the challenges facing modern day vintners in Austria. The tour ends with a short train ride back to the city centre. You'll arrive to your hotel in plenty of time to freshen up before dinner, the opera, the theatre, or the concert. Whichever it is, you'll sleep well that night!
Inclusions
- 9km guided forest & vineyard hike (summer)
- Live tour commentary provided in English by native speaker
- Wine tastings in vineyard and/or winery settings
- Lunch
- Gratuities for your guide
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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. While the majority of the winter itinerary is indoors, there is a gentle 20 minute walk through flat vineyards as we move between villages, so do dress warmly for that.
- Minimum age is 16 years old on the day of tour
- Use comfortable footwear in summer time - either trainers or sturdier hiking shoes
- To wear: Summer - shorts/light trousers, t-shirt, hat, extra layers/light rain jacket recommended for chillier conditions; Winter - check the weather forecast on the day of your tour and dress accordingly
- To bring: Summer - rucksack with drinking water, hat & sun cream, cash, fully charged camera; Winter - camera, cash & possibly an umbrella
- Go to the Venture Vienna website to read our FAQ and to learn more
- Please bring a mask for public transport as Vienna still has this requirement
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Meet outside Vienna's 'Wien Mitte' train station/shopping mall, next to the digital clock and temperature gauge. Walk here easily from anywhere in the center or come by taxi, tram or u-bahn (‘Landstraße’ u-bahn station on the U3 orange & U4 green lines). Look for the 'Landstraße Hauptstraße' exits.
