Vienna’s 700 hectares of vineyards and 320 vintners in the areas around Kahlenberg, Nussberg, Bisamberg, and Mauer, where the Danube and the proximity of the Vienna Woods provide optimal climatic conditions, are unique among major cities.

The Vienna Wine Hiking Day is held each year in the autumn. The Vienna Wine Trail , which runs from Neustift am Walde to Nussdorf, is accessible on this weekend. In between are Sievering , the Wien Cobenzl winery , and Grinzing , all legendary locations in the Viennese wine and Heuriger tavern traditions. For those who prefer a small section as opposed to the full length of the Wine Trail, your walk can also start here. After all, a hike on the Wine Trail is not supposed to too strenuous – sipping outstanding wines and enjoying the breathtaking views are what it’s all about.

One possible stop is the Wien Cobenzl winery, which won two prizes at the 2008 Vienna Wine Awards , or one of the many heurige along the way. The heurige wine tavern is an important Viennese institution. Vintners serve their own wines in small – or sometimes large – restaurants. The wine is traditionally accompanied by cold dishes from the buffet. The heuriger combines the conviviality of the city with the rural ambiance of the vineyards.

The title of the Wine Trail’s best scenic view is hotly contested. The approximately 10 kilometer trail through the vineyards of the 19th district is dotted with scenic outlooks on the city and the Danube. Three lookout points are particular highlights: Bellevuestrasse, Muckenthal near the four chestnut trees, and Eichelhofstrasse, the last of which offers a panoramic view all the way to the Donau-Auen National Park.

Vienna Wine Hiking Day

25 and 26.09.2010

Vienna Wine Trail

19., Neustift am Walde to Nussdorf

Route Neustift - Nussdorf

Route Strebersdorf - Stammersdorf

Wien Cobenzl winery

19., Am Cobenzl 96
tel. 43–1–320 58 05
www.weingutcobenzl.at