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.
Spitz
Self-catering holiday apartments at Weingut Donabaum in Spitz, adjacent to the estate's 5-hectare Strawanzer vineyard. A flexible alternative to the boutique hotel, allowing independent wine-touring from the estate base with access to the vinotheque for purchases.
Wine focus: Self-catering apartments in the Donabaum wine estate; access to vinotheque and vineyard
Tip: The urlaubambauernhof (farm stay) format; contact weingut@donabaum.at for availability. Situated 300 m from the Danube in Spitz town centre.
Dürnstein
The only 5-star hotel in Lower Austria, housed in a 17th-century palace above the Danube in Dürnstein. The 400-year-old wine cellar anchors an exceptional Wachau-focused bottle list. The terrace restaurant opens to non-guests from late March.
Wine focus: 400-year-old wine cellar; extensive Wachau and international bottle list; terrace restaurant open to non-guests
Tip: Book the terrace table for sunset river views; the cellar bar is accessible to day visitors for a glass.