AUSTRIA WINE TOURS
Austria, a hidden gem for the wine connoisseur
Austria is a hidden gem for wine and food lovers. It’s become one of my favorite European destinations.
On arrival in Vienna, I’m always mesmerized by the spectacular monuments. This grandiose city was the seat of the Habsburg Dynasty, one of the largest, most influential, and culturally magnificent empires in European history.
After meeting in Vienna at a famous hotel, a palace, we drive just 60 minutes to the wine region, notably the Wachau Valley. This is the headquarters of fine white wine. You’ll find yourself looking up at the steep terraced vineyards, tasting over 80 of the finest wines, and eating at Michelin-starred restaurants.
The owners and winemakers greet us. Their electric Gruner Veltliners and racy Rieslings beguile the palate. The local Austrian Masters of Wine make rare appearances to welcome our fun-loving guests at their own estates.
After almost 4 days of immersion into the wine and food culture we return triumphant to Vienna, celebrating with yet another Michelin starred meal at a gastronomic shrine, home to the largest cellar in Austria. That night, you’ll rest your head at the 5-star hotel we met at, an old Viennese palace.
There are intriguing reds too, from indigenous varieties like Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt, and gorgeous sweeties. On the last day we discover theses, just a short drive from Vienna, in Burgenland. We finish with a visit to the famed dessert wine producer, Kracher. I’ve carefully designed every single moment of this tour to be as grand as a symphony by Haydn.
I invite you to join us.
JAMES CLUER, MASTER OF WINE
ABOUT THE TOUR & REGION
VIENNA: YOUR PALACE AWAITS
We meet in the heart of Vienna at The Imperial Hotel. This is a 5-star landmark, a former palace, where dignitaries and celebrities stay.
After a warm welcome, we head straight off to the vineyard area just 60 minutes away to stay for 3 nights at another luxurious hotel within easy striking distance of the wineries.
But on our return to Vienna, we will stay at The Imperial Hotel. Right outside the doors you can stroll through its cobblestone streets and marvel at the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg Palace.
WACHAU
The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Austria’s most celebrated wine region. The steep, terraced vineyards overlook the Danube River, famed for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
We visit several of the leading producers here, including F.X. Pichler, Knoll and Domaine Wachau. We enjoy exclusive access, welcomed by owners, winemakers and the Masters of Wine who run the estates.
BURGENLAND: AUSTRIA’S SUN-SOAKED WINE REGION
On the last day we discover Burgenland, just 60 minutes from Vienna, and bordering Hungary.
We start the day with a visit to the historic Esterházy Castle, where the composer Haydn lived. He was the “Father of the Symphony”. We spend a moment listening to his music in the chapel.
We then head off to visit at one of the greatest wineries in the world for dessert style wines. Kracher is nestled on the banks of Lake Neusiedl. Our lunch here will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
The tour is not only about visiting the famed wine producers, it is also a gastronomic journey.
In the Wachau we have dinner at The Landhaus Bacher. This is a 2-star Michelin shrine, and home to a chef who was recently crowned as the best in Austria.
Our hotel in the wine region has a Michelin restaurant. Here, we have a winemaker’s dinner with jaw-dropping vintages from the legendary producer Ott.
In Vienna we lunch at another 2-star gastronomic shrine, The Palais Coburg, we tour their impressive cellar which includes over 60,000 bottles.
A REGAL RETREAT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Experience the epitome of Viennese elegance at the Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Originally built in 1863 as the city palace for Duke Philipp of Württemberg and transformed into a hotel for the 1873 World’s Fair, this architectural masterpiece exudes 19th-century grandeur. Located on the prestigious Ringstrasse, the hotel is steps away from cultural landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein, home of the renowned New Year’s Concert.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Our Luxury Wine Tours in Austria are guided by James Cluer MW or Rod Smith MW and Katharina Leshikar.
ROD is currently Vice-Chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine (MW) and is one of only 416 people to hold the MW, the highest qualification in the field which he passed in 2006. He is a wine educator, marketer, and journalist, based in the South of France. With a client list that includes the world’s wealthiest, most discerning and demanding customers, Rod is the owner/director of the Riviera Wine Academy,
Prior to this, Rod worked for Vins Sans Frontières – the leading wine supplier to the superyacht industry in the South of France, and before that in the UK for a variety of fine wine importers and retailers, as well as being an established WSET educator. Rod has been extensively involved in judging wine competitions in London (Panel Chair, Decanter World Wine Awards, IWC), Shanghai (SIWC, Wine100), Guangzhou (Golden Bottle Awards), Dallas (TexSom), Sofia (Balkans International Wine Challenge), Moscow (Russian Wine Fair), and Sydney (Sydney Royal Wine Show).
Rod has travelled and presented about wine widely including many trips to China and the Far East.
Rod’s personal interests include cycling, running, travel, literature, card magic and film.
JAMES has 3 decades of experience in the wine trade and now spends his time running Fine Vintage which operates in 15 countries.
Since 2010, James has personally designed each Fine Vintage tour, paying meticulous attention to the smallest detail. He has hosted all of them for several years. Today, James oversees every tour, directing the itineraries and ensuring the quality standards are at the highest level on every single trip.
Hailing from the illustrious vineyards of Austria, Katharina’s lifelong passion for wine has been deeply rooted in her heritage. With extensive experience in both front and back of house roles, she has perfected her craft at some of the most esteemed restaurants in Austria and the Caribbean.
Katharina now lives in the Caribbean and is one of the most prominent educators in the region. She also works as a consultant to the hospitality
industry, advising on wine programs that elevate the overall guest experience. She also organizes luxury wine tours to Austria, aimed at sharing the wine culture of her homeland with connoisseurs from around the world.
Katharina has done all levels of the WSET including Diploma and is an aspiring Master of Wine. Her classes are not only educational but with a healthy dose of humor and entertainment.
UPCOMING AUSTRIA WINE TOUR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in the price is four nights’ accommodation, all meals during the tour (except for one free evening), all winery visits and tastings, all meals, all transport, hosts, all taxes and gratuities.
Basically, everything is included except your flights to Vienna, insurance, and any items of a personal nature.
PLANNING TIPS
Before the tour we will send you some useful pre-trip information to help you with your planning. Here you’ll find advice on how to get there, tips on what to wear, and details on the hotel.
WEATHER
We typically visit during the warm Austrian summer.
TESTIMONIALS
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