Catching Breath in the Austrian countryside | TRAVEL DIARY

Langenlois is a versatile region, with a range of terroirs and microclimates, with great temperature differences between day and night. It houses top vineyards, such as the Käferberg that result in wines of high ripeness and power, due to the clay and loess soil, or the Heiligenstein, which has a unique geological formation of lime-rich clay that imparts intensity and body to the wines and is one of Austria’s most renowned vineyards. All in all, the interplay between the Pannonian climate and a unique diversity of soils produces some of the world’s finest white wines: Over half of all production in Kamp Valley is the rich and spicy Grüner Veltliner; 30% is flinty Riesling. The other varieties grown are a hodge-podge of experiments (Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay), fashionable varietals (Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc), and exciting local types (St. Laurent, Zweigelt). Some wineries also produce ice wines in appropriate vintages.

Within the Kamp Valley, they have their own Quality system, known as Kamptal DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus), set as the law only recently in 2008. It is similar to the French AOC and the Italian DOCG systems in terms that it outlines where the wine comes from, the minimum alcohol, maximum yields, and the allowed grape varieties. It, however, also indicates the style and how typical a bottle of wine is compared to the type of the region, as we know it from the German Prädikat system.

Residing in the heart of the vineyards: The Accommodation

For our first hotel stay in 18 months (if you don’t count our little ocean getaway), we chose the Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel in Langenlois, which was advertised as a popular getaway for wine lovers. While I was not particularly happy with the service and the accommodation itself, the environment, ambiance, and views were absolutely stunning and exactly what I needed after two long years in a concrete-shiny jungle. Spending sunny afternoons in between the vineyards, refreshing in the natural pond with a glass of regional wine at hand, was absolutely terrific and met my needs for some days in nature.

What we would do in Kamp Valley

Since the last couple of weeks had been incredibly stressful and eventful for us, we were primarily looking for some relaxing days. But, at the same time, in order to embrace our newly won-back freedom, we were looking for activities to celebrate and enjoy ourselves as much as possible. Having said that, if you like spending time in nature, appreciate good and regional food, and have a soft spot for wine, the region Kamptal will offer the perfect little getaway for you. Below are a few things we have done and very much enjoyed:

Visiting The wineries

When we arrived in Langenlois, we were surprised that we were not welcomed with a glass of wine (or bubbles) and some information from the so-called “wine” hotel. We would have appreciated a few valuable insights and tips on how to spend the next couple of days. Since the only support, we would get was a brochure with a list of all wineries in town, we were finding ourselves calling the ones ourselves and asking if we could come by for a visit. Turns out, this was a blessing in disguise, as we ended up in two lovely family-run wineries where we would learn a lot about viticulture, the run of a family business in the third generation, and were able to reconnect with a like-minded society.

You can read more about the wineries we have visited here.

Weinweg Langenlois

The Weinweg (“Wine Trail”) Langenlois is an attraction offered by the town. It is an 8 kilometers long trail along and through the vineyards, with many places to rest and enjoy the views. It leads through the vineyard sites Dechant, Käferberg, Steinhaus, and Schenkenbichl and gives information here and then about the grapes and vineyard cultivation, most of them being presented by local farmers and vintners.

While the walk itself is probably about 2 hours, we have been told that on the weekends, some of those local farmers do have a stand along the trail and give out free wine, or offer tastings of their farmed products. A great opportunity to learn about the grapes and get to know local vintners. That sounds super fun to me, and I am therefore quite sad we didn’t happen to go on a weekend.

There is also the option to get a key that will give you access to a couple of wine safes placed along the trail and add to the overall experience. However, it is EUR 50 per person, which we found way too expensive. Instead, we would just take our own local bottle of wine with us in a backpack and have it here and there as a refresher.

Excellent food!

Heurigenhof Bründlmayer

Walterstraße 14, 3550 Langenlois, Austria

Heurigenhof at the famous Bründmayer winery turns into a hub for lovers of good food and wine in the evenings. While the word “Heurige” might make people expect a certain rusticity and lower prices, the Heurigenhof is undoubtedly a lot better than the average winery restaurant. In summer, the wonderfully preserved Renaissance vintner’s house enchants visitors with its charming, timeless courtyard, serving classic European cuisine that complements the winery’s elegant wines (that can be purchased at “cellar price”, btw!).

Mörwald Relais & Châteaux Gourmet Toni M.

Kleine Zeile 15, 3483 Feuersbrunn, Austria

In the heart of the Wagram wine-growing region, the village of Feuersbrunn is the place to enjoy Austrian “Art de Vivre”, as it is home to Toni Mörwald, a gourmet & award-winning chef and winning author of Austrian cookbooks. In the Relais & Châteaux, he acts as the grand chef and services classical haute cuisine with a modern, slightly Asian touch.