WILKOMMEN

Welcome to Austria! Welcome to Austria! Arrivals and transfers from Vienna International Airport to our perfectly located and lovely hotel.

Welcome drink and orientation tasting

We’ll begin the evening with a welcome glass of Austrian sparkling wine, and an intimate orientation tasting. Guided by The Vines’ wine experts, this introduction will offer a rich overview of this often overlooked wine producing country and its exquisite terroirs. We’ll delve into Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal and Burgenland as we taste our way through the wine landscape.

Dinner at one of Vienna’s many Michelin-starred restaurants

To open our culinary adventure, we will dine at a vibrant, modern spot in the heart of Vienna, pairing inventive, seasonal cuisine with a beautifully curated wine list that celebrates Austrian gems.

VIENNESE TRADITIONS & THE WACHAU

Kaffee und Kuchen at the famous Demel

Coffee and cake is a true Austrian tradition – and this country is world renowned for the quality of both. We’ll get our fill at one of the most traditional Viennese patisseries, dating back to 1888. You can choose among the impressive array of gorgeous cakes and rich coffees.

Private highlight tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum

Widely considered to be one of the world’s greatest museums, the Kunsthistorisches contains its most extensive collection of works by Bruegel as well as a stunning collection of objets d’art from the Habsburg family. We’ll be guided through these highlights by a local art expert.

Visit to a local heurigen for wine tasting and lunch

Another must-do Viennese tradition is the heurigen, local wine taverns offering fresh young white and red wines from that year’s harvest along with local specialties served family style. We’ll visit one of Vienna’s best and do as the Viennese do – sharing a delicious authentic lunch at a long picnic table, and sipping on their delightful young wines.

Transfer to Austria’s famed Wachau region

We’ll take the scenic 1-hour drive to what is considered by some to be the world’s finest white wine region, where we’ll check into our hotel. The riverside Hotel Richard Lowenherz is set in the former residence of Richard the Lionheart, eight centuries ago.

Private tour and tasting at one of the Wachau icons

One of the Wachau’s most iconic producers, this family-run estate crafts profoundly expressive Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners, known for their precision, age-worthiness, and unmistakable sense of place.

Rest and relaxation

Return to the hotel for a refreshing rest or a riverside aperitif.

Dinner at Esslokal

We’ll visit the small town of Hadersdorf and this cozy bistro with a surprisingly high-level of cooking. From the first bite you’ll know a highly creative and skilled chef is behind this cooking, as you’re served modern dishes, with Asian touches, all of which will surprise and delight you. Tonight we’ll see a different side of Austrian wine, as we are joined by a highly regarded red wine-focused winemaker who will pour her masterfully made wines.

KREMSTAL & KAMPTAL GREATS

Private tour and tasting at a renowned Kremstal winery

We’ll visit a family-run estate perched on terraced slopes in the Kremstal and known for crafting elegant, mineral-driven wines with a focus on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Housed in a beautifully restored 12th-century monastery, the estate blends historical charm with a modern winemaking philosophy.

Lunch at a local favorite restaurant

We’ll sit down to a refined, wine-focused lunch at an elegant local restaurant known for its seasonal cuisine and deep cellar. Each course will be thoughtfully paired with standout wines from the surrounding vineyards – Grüner Veltliners, Rieslings and even some red wines that capture the purity and precision of this storied terroir. It’s a leisurely experience designed to showcase the best of Kamptal’s culinary and winemaking traditions.

Tasting at Kamptal’s most highly lauded winery

This renowned pioneering estate in the heart of Kamptal is celebrated for its refined and expressive Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and sparkling Sekt. With vineyards spread across some of the area’s most prestigious sites, the winery emphasizes organic farming and a deep respect for terroir. They’ll lead us through a tasting of their character-filled wines that balance tradition with forward-thinking techniques.

Rest and relaxation or optional activity

You may choose to curl up with a good book on the hotel terrace, or instead discover the historical aspects of Durstein on a guided walking tour of the old town.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Sitting under chestnut trees, we’ll dine on culinary delicacies and taste a selection of excellent wines from the Wachau and other Austrian regions – all while overlooking passing boats, the baroque tower of the monastery, and the ruins of the castle in Dürnstein.

MORE WACHAU EXPLORATION

Private tasting at a Wachau legend

We will visit a benchmark estate in the Wachau, a legendary producer known for crafting powerful, crystalline Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners that marry precision with intensity and set the standard for Austrian white wine on the world stage.

Lunch at Landhaus Bacher

Chef Thomas Dorfer masterfully navigates the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, crafting a menu designed to delight every palate, whether it be timeless classics or adventurous modern dishes. We’ll choose our wine pairing from the impressive list, curated by sommelier Ivana Kuspita to match the diverse flavors.

Vineyard tour and tasting at biodynamic winery Nikolaihof

We’ll enjoy a private tasting in the Salon of this soulful, centuries-old family estate in the Wachau, where biodynamic principles guide every step and the wines – pure, age-worthy, and deeply expressive – reflect both ancient tradition and a profound respect for nature.

Rest and relaxation

Enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the river or a refreshing nap at the hotel pool.

Farewell dinner at a culinary gem of the region

Celebrate our journey’s end with a memorable farewell dinner at one of the region’s most beloved dining spots. Savor a thoughtfully curated menu highlighting local flavors and seasonal ingredients, all in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Raise a glass of Austrian wine, share stories, and toast to new friendships and unforgettable moments as the perfect finale to your adventure.

TCHUSS!

Departures, or continue on for further exploration.