Northern Burgenland Wine Regions

The largest wine region in Burgenland in terms of area is dominated by Lake Neusiedl, an incomparable steppe lake. The northern part, adjacent to the gentle slopes of the Parndorf Plain, is all about rich white wines and full-bodied reds. The Zweigelt dominates, but sublime red wines characterized by cuvées with a complex character generally thrive on the stony sandy loam soils. The highest quality single variety red wines are also pressed here. Neusiedlersee DAC was founded in 2012 with the Zweigelt variety.

The grape varieties Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir, and Merlot round off the range of red wines. The towns of Winden am See, Jois, Neusiedl am See, Gols, Mönchhof, Halbturn, and Frauenkirchen offer a unique variety of excellent red and white wines.

The high quality standards are primarily shaped by the committed young winegrowers and can be seen from afar thanks to the impressive cellars.

The microclimate and sandy soils in Seewinkel, the triangle between Podersdorf - Illmitz - Apetlon, favor sweet wine production. Due to the large number of ponds and the proximity to Lake Neusiedl, in addition to red and white wines, continuous production of Prädikatswein (superior quality wine) is also possible - from late harvest and dry berry selection to the highest Prädikat “Eiswein” (ice wine). 

Interesting fact: Most of the vineyards are located in the heart of the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park. The World Heritage Site brings together harmony, lifestyle, and enjoyment in a wonderfully unique way.

And on the subject of enjoyment: The Lake Neusiedl tourism region is the best place to taste sensational wines from Northern Burgenland. In addition to rustic wine cellars and state-of-the-art facilities - which are both worth a visit - the cuisine has something for everyone. There is a wide range of options: From the classic Heuriger (wine tavern) to traditional inns and guesthouses, and high-end restaurants.

The Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Welschriesling varieties of white wine have a mineral character and are pressed along the Leitha Mountains. These white wines are the stars of the Leithaberg DAC wine region from Purbach am Neusiedler See and Donnerskirchen to St. Margarethen, Rust, Schützen am Gebirge, Eisenstadt, and Großhöflein.

In the area along the Leitha Mountains, wine connoisseurs can look forward to fantastic views and ‘wine insights’, which are best enjoyed by bike.

But there is also plenty of culture on offer, such as the famous Esterhazy Palace in the state capital Eisenstadt, the Seefestspiele in Mörbisch am See, and the St. Margarethen Opera Festival in the Roman quarry. Not to forget the royal free city of Rust, known as the ‘city of storks’ and home to the Austrian Wine Academy, renowned worldwide due to the Ruster Ausbruch.