Spotlight on Austria: Bergland winegrowing area
We continue the Wines of the World Series with a spotlight on Austria. In June, we’ve been exploring key regions and wine styles with resources from Austrian Wine, who have generously agreed to share their content with the Berlin Wine School Community.
📖 Bergland key facts:
It has 243 ha under vine.*
It is a designated area spanning across five federal states, located outside Austria’s primary wine regions.
Wines are usually produced as Landwein (PGI).
Wines made from grapes originating from a single federal state can also be classified as Qualitӓtswein if specific conditions are met.
There is no DAC designation for Bergland wines.
Viticulture in the Bergland area has a long tradition and had its peak between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Due to the prevailing cool climate, viticulture almost disappeared and was only resumed in the 20th century.
The cool alpine climate and mountainous character result in expressive, fresh, and acidic wines.
Wineries are often family-run and nestled in the valleys and foothills of the Alps.
The most grown varieties are: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir.* *As of 2023/2024 Austria Wine Statistics Report.
📍Bergland regions and wines:
Bergland covers a vast area, spreading across five federal regions.
1.Kärnten (Carinthia)
Area concentrated around the regions of Feldkirchen and St. Veit and the city of Klagenfurt.
It has 125ha under vine.*
It’s mainly known for Pinot varieties, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Traminer are also grown.
2.Oberösterreich (Upper Austria)
91ha under vine on sunny areas around the Danube River, Linz area, and inland hilly areas.”
The most planted varieties are Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Zweigelt.*
3.Salzburg
Vineyards planted since 2001 - only 0.19h under vine.*
Grapes are grown on the slopes of the Mönchsberg mountain that overlooks the city of Salzburg.
The “Paris Lodron Zwinger” is the sole wine made here from Frühroter Veltliner.
4.Tirol
It has 16h under vine.*
Also known as “Northern Tyrol” to distinguish itself from the Italian region of South Tyrol/Alto Adige.
Haiming and Tarrenz have recently gained importance and become centers of viticulture.
Pinot varieties and Chardonnay are the most common.
5.Vorarlberg
Winegrowing resumed in the late 1990’s with the foundation of the Vorarlberg wine association.
It has 10 ha under vine.*
The most planted varieties are Müller-Thurgau, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot varieties.
*As of 2023/2024 Austria Wine Statistics Report.
🔎Did you know?
Apart from Bergland, Austrian wine law also identifies two additional PGIs/Landwein regions - Weinland and Steirerland.
One reason viticulture in Bergland was discontinued in the 15th century was the “Little Ice Age”, a period of extended regional cooling in Europe that lasted until the 19th century. The area became too cold and lacked sufficient sunlight for viticulture.
The Hochosterwitz Castle in Kärnten is an important viticultural center.
Wines from Tyrol were greatly appreciated by Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519).
All profits from the sale of Paris Lodron Zwinger wine in Salzburg are given to the local Scout association.
🎓Learn more
Read more about the Bergland winegrowing.
Browse the website of the regional wine associations of Kärnten, Oberösterreich, and Tirol.
Browse the list of Bergland wine producers.
💭Share your thoughts!
Have you ever visited any of the Bergland regions? Have you ever tried Bergland wines? How would you describe them? Do you know a place in Berlin where to try these wines? Share your thoughts and your travel experience with the Berlin Wineschool summer contest for a chance to win a 50 EUR voucher for future bookings. All resources, maps, images, and data courtesy of Austrian Wine.