Vienna: Austrian Wine Tasting with Sommelier & Local Pairings

Summary

Vienna’s historic district flavors six Austrian wines and local bites

You’ll sip six different Austrian wines in Vienna’s historic second district, guided by a friendly sommelier who brings each region to life. Expect local cheeses, cured meats, and bread alongside honest conversation—plus plenty of time to ask questions or just enjoy the flavors. It’s relaxed, curious, and quietly memorable.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the old Wilhelminian building in Vienna’s 2nd district to smell faintly of bread and wood polish when we walked in. There was this easy warmth, not fancy or stiff—just a handful of us around a big table, glasses catching the afternoon light. Our guide, Anna (she’s an actual sommelier, but laughs like your cousin), started us off with Grüner Veltliner. She told us to swirl it and sniff for “white pepper”—I tried, but mostly got green apple and something floral I couldn’t quite name. Anna grinned and said that counts too.

The tasting moved through six Austrian wines—each from a different region—and honestly, I lost track of which was which after the third one because the cheese plate arrived. The Emmental had this nutty bite that made the Riesling taste sharper somehow. Someone asked about the climate in Burgenland, and Anna explained how it shapes the reds there—her hands waving as she talked about hot summers and lake breezes. I liked that she didn’t make anyone feel dumb for asking basic stuff; even when I mixed up Styria and Wachau (still not sure I get it).

By the end, we were comparing notes on which wine tasted “like spring rain” or “like apricots left in the sun.” Someone tried to pronounce Zweigelt properly—Li laughed at my attempt (I definitely butchered it). The whole thing felt more like hanging out than a class. Walking back out into Vienna’s dusk, I kept thinking about how those flavors lingered—especially that peppery white one—and how sharing stories over wine makes strangers feel less strange.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting in Vienna's historic district

• Meet certified sommelier guide
• Learn about Austria's wine history
• Taste six renowned Austrian wines
• Enjoy local cheese and cured meats
• Discuss wine regions and grape varieties
• Explore wine production methods
• Ask questions and engage in discussion

Top questions

How many wines do you taste during this Vienna wine tour?

You’ll taste six different Austrian wines during the session.

Is food included with the Austrian wine tasting?

Yes, you get locally sourced cheeses, cured meats, and bread along with your wine.

Where does the wine tasting take place in Vienna?

The tasting is held in a restored Wilhelminian-era building in Vienna’s 2nd district.

Who leads the wine tasting experience?

A certified sommelier guides you through all tastings and discussions.

Is this Vienna wine tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s relaxed and approachable—no prior wine knowledge needed.

How long does the Austrian wine tasting last?

The session lasts about two hours.

Is water provided during the tasting?

Yes, still water is included alongside your wines.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The experience is led in English by your sommelier guide.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided tastings of six Austrian wines from different regions with a certified sommelier in Vienna’s historic second district. You’ll also enjoy a cold plate of locally sourced cheese, cured meats, fresh bread, plus still water—all set up for you so you can just show up and relax into it.