Wachau DACGrüner Veltliner, Riesling, Neuburger14 haFounded 1996Winemaker Johann DonabaumSpitz
Johann Donabaum junior took over in 1996 and tripled the vineyard area with a focus on quality. Working sites in the Spitzer Graben on gneiss and granite soils, producing expressive Smaragd from the Spitzer Punkt site.
Tasting: Direct sales and tastings from the estate; wine shop open.
Signature wines: donabaum-spitzer-punkt-riesling-smaragd, donabaum-mariental-gruner-smaragd
Tip: Spitzer Punkt Riesling Smaragd shows the granitic character of the western Wachau at its most precise.
Wachau DACGrüner Veltliner, Riesling15 haFounded 1835Spitz
Historic estate in central Spitz with 15 hectares across terraced sites including Singerriedel and Tausendeimerberg. The Mauritiushof visitor complex blends winery tourism with premium production.
Tasting: Wine experience world at Mauritiushof: tasting rooms, show cellar, event facilities, holiday apartments.
Signature wines: gritsch-singerriedel-riesling-smaragd, gritsch-tausendeimerberg-gruner-smaragd
Tip: The wine experience complex at Mauritiushof makes this one of the most visitor-friendly estates in Spitz.
Wachau DACGrüner Veltliner, Riesling25 haFounded 1912Familie Jamek-MaletaJoching
Joching estate founded in 1912. Josef Jamek was a pioneer of dry, varietal Wachau wines in the 1960s. The estate restaurant remains open on the Danube. Julia Jamek and Herwig Maleta run it today.
Tasting: Restaurant at the estate serving regional cuisine; wine flights available.
Signature wines: jamek-ried-Klaus-riesling-smaragd, jamek-hochrain-gruner-smaragd, jamek-ried-steinvordern-riesling-smaragd
Tip: Try the Klaus Riesling Smaragd from steep Weissenkirchen terraces alongside the restaurant pairing lunch.
Wachau DACGrüner Veltliner, Riesling10 haFounded 1870Joching
150-year-old family estate at Joching producing Höhereck Riesling Smaragd from the prized Dürnstein terraces. A well-regarded Vinea Wachau member with 10 hectares under vine.
Tasting: Direct sales; Buschenschank (seasonal wine tavern) at the estate.
Signature wines: schmelz-hoehereck-riesling-smaragd, schmelz-hochriesling-gruner-smaragd
Tip: Höhereck Riesling Smaragd is the estate's calling card; the Buschenschank offers seasonal tastings.
Wachau DACGrüner Veltliner, Riesling14 haFounded 1702Familie HolzapfelJoching
Estate housed in the Prandtauerhof, a Baroque jewel designed by Jakob Prandtauer. 14 hectares with traditional viticulture methods; boutique hotel and acclaimed restaurant on site.
Tasting: Boutique hotel and restaurant at Prandtauerhof; wine tastings available.
Signature wines: holzapfel-liebenberg-riesling-smaragd, holzapfel-achleiten-gruner-smaragd, holzapfel-achleiten-riesling-smaragd, holzapfel-gruner-smaragd-joching
Tip: Stay overnight at the Prandtauerhof and dine in the arcade courtyard for the full Wachau experience.
Wachau DACGrüner Veltliner, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc8 haFounded 1920Joching
Multi-generation Joching estate evolving from grape production to quality self-marketing. 8 hectares across terraced Wachau sites; the attached Heurigen is popular with locals.
Tasting: Wine tavern (Heurigen) attached to the estate; walk-ins welcome.
Signature wines: hoellmueller-ried-pichl-gruner-smaragd, hoellmueller-sauvignon-blanc-wachau
Tip: The Sauvignon Blanc is a rarity in the Wachau and worth seeking out.