Taste and Tour Small Organic Wineries with a Winemaker

Discover the Charm of Vienna’s Organic Wine Scene in Just 3 Hours

This small-group tour offers a unique chance to explore organic wineries in the Krems and Kamptal regions, guided by a seasoned winemaker with 25 years of experience. Priced at $112.65 per person, it lasts approximately three hours and includes visiting five distinct stops—from boutique micro-wineries to innovative sparkling producers. The tour is ideal for wine lovers interested in craft production and authentic tasting experiences, especially since it features curated visits to family-owned vineyards and hands-on insights into the winemaking process.

A standout feature is personalized guidance from the host, who combines his winemaking expertise with his international background, ensuring a friendly and informative experience. The tour offers pickup options and a mobile ticket, making logistics straightforward. While the tour involves some walking and hilly terrain, it’s accessible to those with moderate physical fitness who can handle brief walks or slight climbs.

Key Points

• Personalized experience led by a seasoned winemaker with international insight
• Visit five distinct locations, including micro-winery Kapitel Zwei and sparkling specialist WeinSchach
• Organic, sustainable practices are central to the wineries visited
• Tour duration of about 3 hours with free pickup and mobile ticket
• Ideal for wine enthusiasts interested in craft, small-batch production, and educational tastings
• Free cancellation available if canceled 24 hours in advance

The Starting Point in Krems and The Tour Duration

The tour departs from Bahnhofpl. 2, Krems an der Donau in Austria. It lasts approximately three hours, during which about 2.5 hours are spent visiting wineries and vineyards, while around 30 minutes are dedicated to driving between stops. The timing is designed to balance immersive experiences with manageable pacing, making it suitable for those who want an informative yet relaxed outing.

Having flexible timings, the tour runs every day from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, ensuring ample opportunity for travelers to fit it into their Vienna itinerary. The small group size guarantees a personalized feel with only your booked group participating, allowing for engaging conversations and tailored attention.

Exploring Kremsleithen: The Micro-Winery Kapitel Zwei

The first stop is at Kapitel Zwei, a micro-winery situated in Kremsleithen, a steep slope about 400 meters above sea level. This innovative winery experiments with organic and sustainable growth of French grape varietals such as Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, and Sémillon. These grapes are handpicked from a single vineyard that was replanted in May 2022 after being abandoned decades ago.

The Kremsleithen vineyard’s soil combines loamy, sandy soil with clay, and is located on a steep slope that historically dates back to 1266. At this winery, grapes are aged in amphora and steel tanks, showcasing a modern approach to traditional winemaking. Visitors get to see hands-on practices, with admission free and a focus on organic cultivation. This stop highlights how small producers innovate and prioritize sustainable practices.

Visiting Mantlerhof: A Long-Standing Family Winery

Next, the tour heads to Gedersdorf to visit Weingut Mantlerhof, a family-owned winery with roots extending back to 1365. This long-established estate covers 15 hectares of vineyards and is dedicated to producing organic wines known for their long-lasting quality.

The vines are primarily planted with Grüner Veltliner and Roter Veltliner, emphasizing the winery’s focus on well-known Austrian varieties. Travelers are greeted in the village of Brunn im Felde, where the Mantlerhof manor stands out with its classicist façade. The tour provides insights into heritage winemaking techniques, sustainable organic practices, and family tradition, making this stop particularly attractive for those interested in heritage wines.

Weingut Feldtheorie in Kamptal: Passion for Natural Wines

The third visit is to Weingut Feldtheorie in Schoenberg am Kamp, where Ulrike Filp and Robert Bormuth lead the charge. Inspired by a love for natural sciences and an experience in New Zealand, these winemakers focus on passion-driven, natural wine production. They completed internships in Germany, Australia, and Austria before settling in Wachau and Kamptal, where they now work together in the vineyard and cellar.

Their goal is to capture the uniqueness of Kamptal through their wines, emphasizing natural methods and minimal intervention. This stop offers a glimpse into authentic, small-batch winemaking from truly passionate producers, adding depth to the overall experience.

WeinSchach: Innovating Sparkling Wines in Langenlois

The fourth stop takes place at WeinSchach, a sparkling wine winery located in Langenlois. The team here believes in letting nature develop wines without interference, resulting in biodynamically produced sparkling wines. Their focus is on Pet Nat (Pétillant Naturel), aiming to match the quality of top sparkling wines globally.

Visitors learn about their experimental approach, which sometimes involves returning to basics to discover what truly makes a great sparkling wine. The winery’s commitment to biological and handcrafted methods ensures that each harvest is carefully handpicked and de-gorged naturally, emphasizing quality and authenticity.

Scenic Finale at Ausblick am Welterbesteig

The tour concludes with a short walk through vineyards to a viewing platform called Ausblick am Welterbesteig. This 20-minute stroll offers panoramic views of the region, providing a perfect backdrop for reflecting on the day. The vantage point allows a last look at the rolling landscapes and vine-covered slopes, rounding out the experience with spectacular scenery.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the tour is at Bahnhofpl. 2, Krems an der Donau, and the experience ends back at the same location. The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and hilly terrain are involved. It’s not recommended for individuals who cannot walk into a cellar or who are uncomfortable in small rooms.

The tour offers pickup options and uses a mobile ticket for convenience, making planning straightforward. It operates year-round daily, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, accommodating various schedules.

The Value of a Personalized, Expert-Led Tour

What sets this experience apart is the host’s extensive background—with 25 years at IBM and deep ties within the Austrian wine community. The personalized visits to family-run wineries provide an authentic insight into small-scale, organic winemaking. Visitors gain hands-on knowledge, from vineyard work to fermentation techniques, making this tour ideal for anyone eager to learn about craft wine from a knowledgeable guide.

The free cancellation policy adds flexibility, allowing you to cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The cost of $112.65 covers all stops, tastings, and transportation, offering excellent value for a curated wine experience in Austria.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This tour appeals most to wine enthusiasts who appreciate small producers and organic practices. It’s perfect for those who want an educational, personalized experience with a guide passionate about winemaking. The tour’s intimate setting suits curious travelers eager to explore Austria’s boutique wineries without large groups or commercialized tasting rooms.

Final Thoughts on the Krems Organic Winery Tour

The Taste and Tour Small Organic Wineries experience delivers a deeply personal journey into Austria’s craft wine scene. The diverse stops showcase innovative micro-wineries, heritage estates, and experimental sparkling producers, all led by a host with both industry expertise and international experience. The focus on organic, sustainable practices ensures that visitors see how small producers stay true to their environment and craft.

While the physical activity involved may challenge some, the overall pace remains manageable. This tour is ideal for wine lovers who enjoy small-batch, authentic wines and want to understand the people and stories behind Austria’s vineyards. Whether as a day trip from Vienna or part of a broader Austria trip, it offers a rich, educational, and flavorful taste of Austria’s wine culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
Some walking and steep terrain are involved, so it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness. It’s not recommended for travelers who cannot walk into a cellar or who prefer larger, more accessible venues.

Does the tour include tastings at every stop?
Yes, each of the five stops offers a tasting opportunity, with visits to micro-wineries, heritage estates, and innovative sparkling producers.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

What makes this tour stand out from other wine tours?
The personalized attention, the expert guidance, and the focus on small, organic producers distinguish this experience from more commercialized tours, providing an authentic and educational journey into Austrian wine.