Saturday, September 27, 2014

Wiener Wienwandertag


Not widely known outside Austria, its wines are actually one of the best things you’ll discover about the country. In fact, Vienna itself is surrounded by several wine-growing areas. This is THE place to go during late September and October to catch the last days of Indian summer and try some Sturm (i.e. first very young wine with a low alcohol content) accompanied by local Schmankerl (i.e. delicacies).  Get comfortable in any Heurige* you find on your way or right on the grass and enjoy the views of the vineyards and the panorama of Vienna.

Cultural note: when clinking glasses with Sturm, remember to say “Malzeit!”. But mind you, that’s only the case with Sturm, with other alcoholic beverages the usual toast is “Prost!”

* Heurige is a typical Eastern-Austrian wine tavern and an essential part of Viennese social life.