Wine in Durnstein, Wachau

Domäne Wachau ★ 4.6

Wachau's largest estate, representing around 250 vintner families across 440 hectares. Founded 1938 as Winzergenossenschaft Wachau, renamed Domäne Wachau in 2008. Roman Horvath MW oversees the range alongside Heinz Frischengruber.

Tasting: Vinothek in Dürnstein open to visitors; tastings and direct sales. The Kellerschlössel Baroque cellar palace hosts tours.

Signature wines: domaene-wachau-achleiten-gruner-smaragd, domaene-wachau-kellerberg-riesling-smaragd, domaene-wachau-terrasen-federspiel-gruner

Tip: The Achleiten and Kellerberg Smaragd bottlings compete directly with the great single-estate wines at a more accessible price.

Weingut Konrad ★ 4.0

Dürnstein estate below the famous blue Baroque church tower and castle ruins. Works Loibenberg and Hollerin parcels producing Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

Tasting: Direct cellar sales; by appointment.

Tip: Buy a bottle and walk up to the castle ruins for a Wachau picnic with an exceptional Danube view.

Domäne Wachau Vinothek ★ 4.7

The modernly designed vinotheque beneath the baroque Kellerschlössel in Dürnstein stocks the complete Domäne Wachau range. Guided cellar tours run Fridays at 14:00 and Saturdays at 11:00 from April to October.

Weingut Pichler-Krutzler Tasting Room ★ 4.7

State-of-the-art cellar embedded in a restored medieval estate at the entrance to the Wachau. Elisabeth Pichler-Krutzler's precise Smaragd whites from the Ried Ried Kellerberg and Loibenberg vineyards are poured in the quiet tasting room.

Domäne Wachau Kellerschlössl Heuriger ★ 4.6

The pop-up Heuriger tavern in the baroque Kellerschlössel garden, open on select summer weekends. Guests enjoy the full Domäne Wachau portfolio alongside regional charcuterie with a view over the iconic Kellerberg Riesling terraces.

Alter Klosterkeller ★ 4.3

A Heuriger wine tavern nestled against the medieval city walls of Dürnstein, open from the afternoon until midnight. The garden garden overlooks the vineyard terraces and the Danube, with a traditional cold-platter menu alongside regional wines.

The list: Wachau-focused wine list heavy on regional Grüner Veltliner and Riesling producers. Garden terrace with Danube views for warm-weather sipping.

Pours: Dürnstein Grüner Veltliner, Wachau Riesling Federspiel, local Zweigelt

Schloss Dürnstein Bar & Wine Cellar ★ 4.7

The historic wine cellar bar of the only 5-star hotel in Lower Austria, housed in a 17th-century castle overlooking the Danube. Over 400 years of accumulated Wachau bottles available in the cellar bar, which is accessible to day visitors.

The list: 400-year-old historic cellar showcasing hundreds of Wachau bottles. Bar list spotlights Vinea Wachau Smaragd producers alongside a curated international selection.

Pours: Dürnstein Grüner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau Riesling Smaragd, Loibenner Riesling

Restaurant Löwenherz Wine Bar - Hotel Richard Löwenherz ★ 4.5

The bar and restaurant of the 4-star Hotel Richard Löwenherz, occupying a former convent in the heart of Dürnstein. Third-generation Thiery family hospitality pairs fine Wachau wines with regional cuisine in a historic riverside setting.

The list: Focused Wachau and Austrian wine list served alongside Danube-view fine dining. Speciality in Riesling and Grüner Veltliner from Dürnstein and Loiben appellations.

Pours: Dürnstein Riesling Smaragd, Loibenner Grüner Veltliner, local Federspiel

Weingut Pfeffel Wine Parlours ★ 4.4

The intimate vine-room wine bars at Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel, a family wine estate hotel 900 metres west of Dürnstein. Own-estate Wachau wines pour alongside garden-to-table cuisine; the bar offers rare blind tastings of house apricot and pear spirits.

The list: Two cosy wine parlours in the hotel serving exclusively own-estate Wachau wines in all three classifications: Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd. Blind tastings of house spirits at the bar from 21:00 with 3-night stays.

Pours: Pfeffel Grüner Veltliner Smaragd, Pfeffel Riesling Federspiel, house Marillenbrand

Domäne Wachau Kellerschlössl Evening Heuriger ★ 4.7

The sought-after pop-up Heuriger in the baroque Kellerschlössel garden, open only two weekends each summer with views of the Ried Kellerberg terraces. A Wachau-bucket-list evening combining wine flights with traditional regional snacks.

The list: Full Domäne Wachau wine range served in the baroque garden. Specialist evenings focus on vertical Smaragd comparisons during the two dedicated summer weekends.

Pours: Domäne Wachau Ried Kellerberg Riesling Smaragd, Domäne Wachau Terrassen Grüner Veltliner, Wachauer Gemischter Satz

Restaurant Schloss Dürnstein ★ 4.7

The restaurant of the only 5-star hotel in Lower Austria, set in a 17th-century palace above the Danube. The terrace is open to non-hotel guests from late March. The historic cellar holds hundreds of different bottles with a strong Wachau focus.

Restaurant Löwenherz - Hotel Richard Löwenherz ★ 4.5

The restaurant of the 4-star Hotel Richard Löwenherz in a former convent on the Danube bank in Dürnstein. Third-generation Thiery family hospitality pairs carefully sourced regional produce with a Wachau-forward wine list.

Gartenhotel Pfeffel Genuss-Restaurant ★ 4.4

The gourmet restaurant of the family-run Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel, open daily March to December. Own-garden and own-vineyard produce drives the kitchen; wine list drawn exclusively from the estate's Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd range.

Restaurant Sänger Blondel ★ 4.3

The garden restaurant of Hotel Sänger Blondel in Dürnstein, named for the troubadour who found Richard the Lionheart imprisoned in the hilltop fortress. Seasonal specialties include rostbraten, apricot dumplings and strudel, with a Wachau-dominant wine list.

Domäne Wachau Vinothek Shop ★ 4.6

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

Domäne Wachau Guided Cellar Tour & Tasting ★ 4.6

Guided tours of the baroque cellar vaults beneath the Kellerschlössel at Domäne Wachau. Visitors taste the three Vinea Wachau classifications (Steinfeder, Federspiel, Smaragd) in a comparative vertical format; English-language tours run Fridays at 15:00.

Tip: Tours run Friday at 14:00 and Saturday at 11:00, April-October; English on Friday at 15:00. Year-round custom bookings via.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.Hike ★ 4.8

A guided hike through the Ried single-vineyard terraces between Dürnstein and Spitz, led by a Domäne Wachau winemaker. The route crosses the UNESCO World Heritage stone terraces with stops to taste Smaragd and Federspiel whites in the vineyard itself.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.Ship ★ 4.7

A private Danube charter aboard the MS Mariandl from Dürnstein to Spitz, combining on-board wine tastings with the UNESCO heritage landscape viewed from the river. Guides explain the terraced Riesling vineyards, apricot orchards and historic villages from the water.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.Flight - Helicopter Tour ★ 4.9

An aerial helicopter tour over the UNESCO World Heritage vineyard terraces of the Wachau, followed by an exclusive Smaragd tasting at the Domäne Wachau cellars. An extraordinary perspective on the region's steep-slope viticulture only reachable from the air.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.Segway ★ 4.6

A Segway-guided exploration of the Domäne Wachau's steep vineyard terraces between Dürnstein and Spitz, including Segway training, a guided ride through the UNESCO vines, and a cellar visit with tasting at the Kellerschlössel.

Domäne Wachau - Wachauer Marillenbrand ★ 4.5

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.

Bailoni Shop Dürnstein ★ 4.2

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.

Wieser Wachau - Dürnstein Shop ★ 4.2

One of two Dürnstein retail outlets of Wieser Wachau, the Wösendorf farm distillery. Sells the full range of Wieser apricot spirits, preserves, single-origin coffee and natural cosmetics. Convenient walk-in retail during the Dürnstein visitor season.

Tip: A second Dürnstein location exists; both are part of the Wieser Wachau network with headquarters at Hauptstraße 13, Wösendorf. Phone: +43 2715 2544.

Hotel Schloss Dürnstein ★ 4.8

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.

Hotel Richard Löwenherz ★ 4.6

A former Augustinian convent on the Danube bank in Dürnstein, operated by the third-generation Thiery family. The riverside setting, regional Austrian menu and Wachau-dominant wine list make this the classic mid-range base for wine touring.

Wine focus: Wachau-forward wine list at Restaurant Löwenherz; in-depth Vinea Wachau wine education programme for guests

Tip: The hotel offers a dedicated viticulture webpage covering Wachau wine classification; ask reception for recommended cellar visits.

Hotel Sänger Blondel ★ 4.3

A charming hotel a few steps from the Danube in Dürnstein, named for the troubadour of the Lionheart legend. The garden restaurant serves Wachau wines alongside traditional Austrian apricot and regional dishes.

Wine focus: Wachau wine list; apricot specialties; garden restaurant open to non-guests

Tip: The garden restaurant opens Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00; kitchen closes at 15:00 Saturday. Reserve at saengerblondel@aon.at or +43 2711 253.

Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel ★ 4.6

A family-run 4-star estate hotel 900 metres west of Dürnstein combining a working winery with a penthouse spa, vineyard-view rooms and a gourmet garden restaurant. Guests can taste all three classifications of own-estate Wachau whites.

Wine focus: Own-estate winery; Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd poured in two wine parlours; blind tastings of house spirits at the bar from 21:00 for staying guests

Tip: Wine Weekend packages include guided vineyard walks and blind tasting evenings at the bar. Phone: +43 2711 206.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.Flight - Helicopter over UNESCO Vines ★ 4.9

An aerial helicopter tour over the UNESCO World Heritage vineyard terraces of the Wachau, followed by a private tasting of Domäne Wachau's Smaragd Rieds at the Kellerschlössel. Reservations via the estate office.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.Yacht - Private Danube Tasting ★ 4.8

A private Danube cruise on the yacht 'Anatole' at 25 knots from Krems to Spitz, combining on-board tasting of Domäne Wachau's portfolio with views of the UNESCO vineyard terraces from the water. Reservations via the estate office.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.Picnic ★ 4.7

A self-guided Wachau vineyard picnic experience: collect a curated backpack of wines, regional snacks and a terrace blanket from the Vinothek and explore the Ried terraces between Dürnstein and Spitz at your own pace. Reservations via the estate office.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.Safari - Jeep Vineyard Exploration ★ 4.7

A naturalist-guided Jeep exploration of the steep UNESCO Wachau vineyard terraces, accessing areas unreachable on foot or bicycle. The tour combines geology, viticulture history and live tasting of single-vineyard wines with views across the Danube valley.

Domäne Wachau Wine.Vineyard.SUP - Stand-Up Paddleboard ★ 4.6

A stand-up paddleboard session on the Danube between Dürnstein and Spitz, with the UNESCO vineyard terraces rising on both banks, followed by a winery tour and tasting at the Domäne Wachau Kellerschlössel. Combine river and vine in a single afternoon.

Gartenhotel Pfeffel Wine Weekend Package ★ 4.6

A structured wine weekend package at Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel that combines guided vineyard walks among Dürnstein's terraces, evening blind tastings of house-made brandies at the bar and spa treatments, with own-estate Wachau wines at every meal.

Domane Wachau Heuriger ★ 4.2

Domane Wachau's Heuriger is the most accessible evening wine venue in Durnstein, with a generous courtyard and cooperative pricing. A starting point for evenings before or after dinner in the village.

The list: The Domane Wachau cooperative's Heuriger in Durnstein pours the full cooperative range: Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd across Gruner Veltliner and Riesling, making it the easiest no-appointment evening wine stop in the valley.

Hotel Richard Lowenherz Wine Bar ★ 4.5

The Richard Lowenherz hotel in Durnstein occupies a former monastery building and maintains an excellent wine collection. Their evening wine bar in the Gothic-influenced interior is one of the most atmospheric venues in the village.

The list: The Richard Lowenherz hotel in Durnstein maintains an exceptional wine cellar and serves Wachau wines by the glass in the hotel's vaulted bar until late evening.

Hotel Schloss Durnstein Cellar Evening ★ 4.7

The hotel Schloss Durnstein, occupying a 17th-century Renaissance castle on the Danube at Durnstein, offers cellar evening tastings in its original stone vault. One of the most atmospheric wine settings in the Wachau, available to hotel guests.

The list: The hotel's historic vaulted cellar hosts wine tasting evenings for house guests, featuring vertical flights of Wachau Smaragd wines poured by the sommelier in a Baroque stone cellar setting beneath the castle.

Hotel Richard Lowenherz Wine Dinner ★ 4.6

The Richard Lowenherz hotel in Durnstein occupies a former monastery building and maintains an exceptional wine cellar. Their dinner evenings in the Gothic vault are a benchmark Wachau wine-tourism experience.

The list: Wine dinners in the vaulted Gothic cellar of the Hotel Richard Lowenherz in Durnstein, pairing the hotel's extensive Wachau wine collection with regional cuisine menus.

Hotel Schloss Durnstein Terrace Lounge ★ 4.5

Open to non-staying guests during the day and early evening, the terrace lounge at Schloss Durnstein is the valley's most photographed wine-drinking setting: a Renaissance castle terrace looking west over the Danube curve with vineyard terraces on the opposite bank.

The list: The riverside terrace lounge at Schloss Durnstein serves Wachau wines by the glass looking directly over the Danube and the vineyard terraces. One of the most scenic outdoor wine-drinking spaces in the region.

Domane Wachau Harvest Season Tasting Evenings ★ 4.3

During harvest season (late September through October), Domane Wachau occasionally opens its Durnstein cellar in the evenings for informal tasting of wines in barrel or tank alongside the current release. An informal, seasonal complement to the daytime cellar-shop visits.

The list: Evening harvest tasting sessions at Domane Wachau during September and October, when the cooperative opens the cellar for informal pours of new-vintage wine in various stages of fermentation alongside the current release range.

Domane Wachau (organic vineyard programme) ★ 4.2

The Domane Wachau cooperative has been progressively converting member vineyard plots to certified organic management and producing specific cuvees from these plots under organic certification. Current certification body and specific cuvees should be confirmed on the estate website.

Domane Wachau (vegan winemaking on selected cuvees) ★ 4.1

Domane Wachau documents vegan-compatible fining agents (bentonite clay rather than animal-derived products) on selected cuvees. Specific bottles carrying the vegan indication are identified on the estate website. Verify the current cuvee list directly.