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.