Melk
Rudolf Gottwald's independent Vinothek at the western entrance to the Wachau in Melk, celebrating 25 years in 2024. Purchases exclusively from the immediate region; the ideal bottle shop for arriving visitors or departing wine tourists.
Wine focus: Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal independent producers; quality-and-regionality buying philosophy
Krems
The flagship shop of Winzer Krems, the largest wine cooperative in Lower Austria. Over 50 labels from the cooperative's member growers available to taste and buy, with the premium Sandgrube 13 quality-tier selections.
Wine focus: Kremstal and Wachau cooperative range; Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Zweigelt from member growers
Krems
The cellar shop of Weingut Stadt Krems, one of the oldest continuously active wineries in the world. Fritz Miesbauer focuses the range on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling; guided tastings are offered on selected weekday and Saturday slots.
Wine focus: Kremstal Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from the city-owned winery operating since 1452
Dürnstein
The farm-gate shop beneath the baroque Kellerschlössel at Domäne Wachau. Priced at cellar-door rates and stocking the complete estate range including premium single-vineyard Smaragd bottlings. EV charging and parking on site.
Wine focus: Full Domäne Wachau range: Grüner Veltliner and Riesling in all three Vinea Wachau classifications, plus apricot brandy and regional specialties at cellar-door prices
Krems
The Steinertor retail outlet of Bailoni, the first Wachau apricot distillery, founded 1872 in Krems-Stein. The full spirits, liqueur and frizzante range plus seasonal apricot dumplings and cake from the in-store Apricot Lounge.
Wine focus: Wachauer Marillenlikör, triple-distilled Marillenbrand, Marillenfrizzante and specialty apricot products from Austria's first apricot distillery
Wösendorf
The headquarters farm shop of Wieser Wachau GmbH in Wösendorf, with additional outlets in Dürnstein and Krems. The premium apricot distillate range and artisanal specialty products available at source; an essential Wachau apricot-culture stop.
Wine focus: Wachauer Marille schnapps, apricot eau-de-vie, liqueur, jams, roasted-apricot-kernel coffee and natural cosmetics direct from the farm distillery