Heurigen in Vienna

Just how closely Vienna and wine are linked is evident from the name. The city has around 400 winegrowers: no other metropolis has so many vineyards and such a vibrant wine culture. An integral part: the Heurigen. Traditional wine taverns, often located in the centre of wine-growing areas. They have been sung about in songs, served as the backdrop for romantic films and are a popular destination for excursions for young and old.

Heurige and Buschenschänke (the latter only serve cold dishes) are an elementary part of Austrian culture and contribute to Austria's reputation as a country of cosiness and slowing down. Some Heurigen are open all year round. Others only when it's "aus'gsteckt".

The name goes back to the twig that used to be placed above the entrance to indicate that the bar was open. The Heurigen culture was founded by none other than the Emperor. Joseph II, who in 1784 granted winegrowers the right to sell their own wine on their own land without a special licence.

However, the word "Heuriger" not only refers to the tavern but also to the wine of the current vintage. This is "baptised" every year on Martini, 11 November. Reason enough to stop by the Heuriger for a cosy glass of wine and enjoy the warm autumn days. And when it gets cooler? Then the Heurigen beckon with rustic parlours and often a warm and cosy fireplace.

We have compiled a small but fine selection of Vienna's most beautiful wine taverns. For all those who like to combine enjoyment with a walk, we also recommend the Vienna Wine Hiking Days, which take place every year at the end of September and where many wine taverns are represented with a stop.