Wiener Weinwandertag. Vienna Winewalk Day.

Vineyard with central Vienna in the distance

Here am I with a nice glass of 'Sturm'.

The other day, 28 September, we went for a  wine wander on the outskirts of Vienna.

This is an annual event ‘Der Wiener Weinwandertag’ 'Vienna Winewalk Day' when it is possible to walk on private land where the grapes are grown and drink the wine. 

Many people were drinking ‘Sturm’ or freshly made wine, which is a half-way drink between grape juice and wine and is cloudy (stormy hence the name ‘Sturm’) and tastes of yeast. It is drunk in half-pint glasses and is perhaps an acquired taste. There were many Heurigen or country wine pubs open just for this time of year, where the fresh wine can be tasted.

Heuriger, or country wine pub.

There are three routes to the North East, North and East of the city, between 6 and 12 kilometres. We chose the new route from Ottakring (where we live) and Dornbach (the end of the 44 tram route), to the west of the city. We also chose the shortest route, mindful of what wine can do to one’s hiking legs.

One of many vineyards on the outskirts of Vienna

 The route was extremely enjoyable. We saw Vienna from the hills just outside; we saw the Viennese at play, and we learned a bit about Wienerweinkultur.

Heuriger garden

Some people dressed up for the Wine Walk.