Krems
A 5-star hotel on a vineyard rise above Krems with panoramic Wachau UNESCO views. The Smaragd bar and vinotheque, sky terrace, own vineyard and curated producer tasting programme make this the most wine-integrated large hotel in the region.
Wine focus: Smaragd wine bar and vinotheque with roof terrace; own vineyard; torch-lit vineyard hikes for guests; Vinea Wachau producer tastings arranged
Tip: Ask for rooms facing the Danube valley. The hotel arranges vineyard picnics and torch-lit evening hikes in the estate vineyard for guests. Phone: +43 2732 71010.
Spitz
The estate hotel of Weingut Lagler in Spitz, combining a working wine estate with comfortable accommodation and an estate restaurant. The winery produces Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd whites from Spitz vineyards.
Wine focus: Estate winery; own-grown Wachau Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Zweigelt; wine shop with farm-gate sales
Tip: The wine shop sells own-estate wines and the restaurant pairs estate bottles with seasonal Austrian cuisine. Phone: +43 (0)2713 2939.
Unterloiben
A 400-year-old heuriger-restaurant in Unterloiben serving only wines from Weingut Emmerich Knoll, cousin of the owner. The Biedermeier interior and vine-fringed garden create one of the most atmospheric dining settings in the Wachau; accommodation available in season.
Wine focus: Exclusively Emmerich Knoll wines; 400-year-old vaulted inn setting; seasonal garden with Danube views
Tip: One of the most sought-after dinner reservations in the Wachau; reserve as far in advance as possible. Phone: +43 2732 82890.
Unterloiben
A wine-focused boutique guesthouse in the village of Unterloiben, within walking distance of Emmerich Knoll, Tegernseerhof and F.X. Pichler. An intimate base for serious wine touring in the Loiben cluster.
Wine focus: Wachau wine-focused guesthouse in the Loiben wine village; proximity to Knoll, Tegernseerhof and F.X. Pichler estates
Tip: Located in the village most associated with Wachau Riesling and Grüner Veltliner Smaragd production; book well in advance in the September harvest season.
Mautern
Guest accommodation at Austria's oldest biodynamic winery, the Nikolaihof in Mautern. Staying guests access the private Salon 77 tasting room, the Weinstube organic restaurant and guided cellar tours of the Roman foundations. The most immersive biodynamic wine estate stay in the Wachau.
Wine focus: Demeter-certified biodynamic estate stay; access to Salon 77 rare-vintage tasting and the Weinstube organic restaurant garden
Tip: Book accommodation with the Weinstube dinner combination for the full estate experience. Reservations via the estate office.
Unterloiben
A small number of rooms available at Weingut Emmerich Knoll in Unterloiben, allowing guests to stay at the heart of Wachau Riesling production. The family personally conducts tastings of Kellerberg and Schutt vineyard wines for estate guests.
Wine focus: On-estate accommodation at Weingut Emmerich Knoll; access to the private tasting room and cellar
Tip: Book directly via weingut@knoll.at or +43 2732 79355; availability is very limited and in high demand during the autumn harvest season.