Founded 1872Krems-Stein
Austria's first Wachau apricot distillery, operating in Krems-Stein since 1872. Uses triple distillation of ripe Wachauer Marille apricots from 1,500 estate trees; awarded the Austrian State Coat of Arms in 1977. Tours available from 15 persons by appointment.
Tip: The Steinertor shop (Schwedengasse 2, Krems) offers walk-in tastings and the Apricot Lounge serving dumplings; the distillery in Krems-Stein runs guided production tours by appointment.
Wösendorf
A premium Wachau fruit distillery in Wösendorf producing Marille schnapps from locally sourced apricots in traditional copper stills. The extended product range includes apricot eau-de-vie, liqueurs, home-roasted single-origin coffee, jams and natural cosmetics from the apricot kernel.
Tip: Additional outlets in Dürnstein and Krems (Obere Landstraße 28) for walk-in retail; farm shop at Wösendorf headquarters. Phone: +43 2715 2544.
Mühldorf / Spitzer Graben
A farm distillery at the end of the Spitzer Graben where the Wachau World Heritage region borders the Waldviertel plateau. The entire Wachau apricot experience is offered on-site: jam, brandy, nectar, liqueur and frizzante in a guided farm tour.
Tip: Located on the old Roman road in Ötz, accessible on the Wachau heritage trail; one of the most authentic apricot-distillery farm visits in the region.
Founded 1994Kirchberg-Thening (Upper Austria, 45 min from Krems)
An artisan distillery founded by Hans Reisetbauer in 1994. The completely rebuilt 2019 facility near Linz is energy self-sufficient. Wachau apricots feature in the flagship eau-de-vie range alongside Williams pear and plum. Distillery open to visitors.
Tip: Located in Kirchberg-Thening, Upper Austria, about 45 minutes from Krems. Phone: +43 7221 63690. The full spirits portfolio includes Blue Gin, whisky and vodka alongside the acclaimed fruit brandies.
Founded 1938Dürnstein
The estate distillery of Domäne Wachau produces a noble, clear Marillenbrand distilled from sweet ripe Wachau apricots grown on the estate's south-bank orchards. The apricot brandy is available at the Vinothek shop alongside the estate wines.
Tip: The Marillenbrand can be purchased directly from the Vinothek shop at cellar-door prices; the apricot brandy pairs with a vineyard picnic from the estate's Wine.Vineyard.Picnic programme.
Fritzens (Tyrol, 3 hrs from Wachau)
An artisan family distillery in Fritzens, Tyrol, producing Wachau apricot eau-de-vie from apricots sourced on the Danube banks. The brandies age at least 4 years before release and are produced in four hand-hammered copper stills.
Tip: Rochelt brandies are distributed internationally as premium Austrian fruit eau-de-vie. The distillery is open to visitors and maintains a shop selling the full range.
Spitz
A Spitz winery estate with 7 hectares on steep terraces and a seasonal Heuriger run by Erika Gritsch. The estate produces Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd whites as well as apricot specialty products during the harvest season.
Tip: The Heuriger opens several times per year for traditional Wachau-style wine and food; holiday apartments available at the estate. Phone: +43 664 4287724.
Spitz
The collective of Wachau family farms producing apricot brandy and specialty products under the protected EU geographical indication 'Wachauer Marille' (protected since 1996). The Marillenfest in Spitz in July showcases multiple collective producers. Farm-gate sales across the valley.
Tip: The July Marillenkirtag (apricot festival) in Spitz brings all collective producers together on the market square; the best single opportunity to compare styles across multiple farmhouse distillers.
Founded 1872Dürnstein
The Dürnstein retail outlet of Bailoni, the first Wachau apricot distillery. Stocking the full Bailoni range of apricot liqueurs, brandies and frizzante products produced at the Krems-Stein distillery. Conveniently located in central Dürnstein for wine tourists.
Tip: One of two Dürnstein locations; stock matches the Steinertor flagship shop. The Wachauer Gold Marillenlikör (the Austrian state coat of arms holder) is a signature purchase.
Dürnstein
One of two Dürnstein retail outlets of Wieser Wachau, the Wösendorf farm distillery. Sells the full range of Wieser apricot spirits, preserves, single-origin coffee and natural cosmetics. Convenient walk-in retail during the Dürnstein visitor season.
Tip: A second Dürnstein location exists; both are part of the Wieser Wachau network with headquarters at Hauptstraße 13, Wösendorf. Phone: +43 2715 2544.