Wiener Weinwandertag (aka Vienna’s Wine Hiking Day)

“Wine Hiking” is a concept I can embrace. I’ve never been a fan of the kind of Wine Country day trip where you race your car from winery to winery, cramming in visits as the day grows long.

Somebody always loses, namely the  designated driver. But to hike through Alpine vineyards to each destination? That sounds like the sort of experience you remember for a lifetime.

And you can!…In Austria, at least.

Experience Wine Country on foot

I was tickled to discover that “Wine Hiking,” or Wiener Weinwandertag, is an annual event in the wine country surrounding Vienna. And this year’s Wiener Weinwandertag is nearly upon us.

This year’s event is scheduled for September 29-30, 2018. It will encompass three different hiking routes for different levels of fitness, (both the imbibing kind and level of cardiovascular strength).

Vienna’s wine hiking routes

The shortest wine hike route is just 2.7 miles, starting at Schloss Wilhelminenberg and ending in Neuwaldegg. (This route is circular so no need to arrange a pickup at the end.)

The medium-sized wine hike is 5.9 miles long, with what promises to be some of the region’s most charming scenery.

The longest trek is over 6 miles, although organizers promise it is not a strenuous trip. In fact, they mention that it takes visitors past many of the region’s historic “wine taverns,” which are perfect for refreshment.

Experience authentic, Austrian cuisine

What better time to indulge in traditional, Austrian cuisine then when you’re in the middle of a hike? Your taste buds have not truly come to life until they’ve tasted a gulasch prepared by an Austrian. And save room for the Kaiserschmarr’n,

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You can download maps of all three hikes from the Vienna Tourism website to start preparing your culinary odyssey.

Autumn is harvest season in Austria and it can be an exciting time to be in the vineyards. If Mother Nature cooperates, you may have a chance to see a bit of grape harvesting in action, or at least the robust grapes, finishing their life cycle as they grow sweeter on the vines. Although September in most Northern Hemisphere wine country can be hot, Vienna’s average temperatures run in the high 60s. That is what I call hiking weather.

Vienna – city of vines

While you might think of Vienna only as a city of music and art, over 190 vintners claim the Vienna area as home.

The suburbs of this legendary Austrian city are actually teaming with vines. And in fact, significant quantities of wine are produced within the city limits.

What kinds of wines are made in Vienna?

Most vintners concentrate on racy, white varietals, including Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc and Gelber Muskatteller. But you will also have the chance to try some reds, possibly from varietals you’ve never encountered before, like Zweigelt and St. Laurent. You also may come across a Pinot Noir or Syrah.

Plan your trip to Vienna’s wine country

To learn more about how you can participate in Vienna’s “wine hiking” days, visit https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/wine/wine-trail.

Photo courtesy of © WienTourismus / Lois Lammerhuber

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Amy Reiley

An award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks with an MA in Gastronomy, Amy Reiley has spent the past 18 years studying the history and science behind aphrodisiac foods. She speaks on aphrodisiacs globally and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac foods to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health writer and wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine. Most importantly, Amy is a mother to 2 human children and 1 standard poodle.

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