Taste and Tour Small Organic Wineries with a Winemaker

If you’re a wine lover eager to see the craft behind Austria’s boutique wineries, this Taste and Tour Small Organic Wineries with a Winemaker experience promises an intimate journey into Austria’s winemaking scene. Guided by a passionate winemaker, this 3-hour adventure takes you through scenic Krems and surrounding regions, offering a rare chance to meet the people behind the bottles and learn their stories firsthand.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personal connection with the winemaker, who not only hosts you at multiple small wineries but also shares insights from his 25-year career, blending practical expertise with a genuine love for the craft. Second, the variety of wineries visited—from micro-productions experimenting with French grapes to long-standing organic family estates—ensures you’ll taste a wide range of authentic, handcrafted wines.

However, one consideration is the physical aspect of the tour. Some walking and gentle hiking are involved, and it’s not tailored for those who can’t comfortably walk into cellar spaces or prefer a more relaxed, seated experience. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, small-scale wine production and are enthusiastic about learning directly from the winemakers.

In short, if you’re seeking a hands-on, educational, and delightfully personalized wine experience in Austria, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Small-Scale Wineries: Visit boutique, organic wineries with direct insights from passionate winemakers.
• Educational Experience: Learn about winemaking from soil to bottle, with opportunities for hands-on involvement.
• Scenic Krems Region: Enjoy gorgeous river views and picturesque vineyard landscapes.
• Diverse Wineries: From experimental micro-winery to historic family estate, each stop offers a unique perspective.
• Leisurely Pace: About 2.5 hours on the road and visits, with 30 minutes of travel time between locations—perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon.
• Value for Money: At approximately $113, you get personalized, expert-led access to several wineries and regionally unique wines.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins in Krems, a charming town along the Danube, a perfect starting point for exploring Austria’s wine country. The first stop is Kapitel Zwei Wine in Kremsleithen, an experimental micro-winery that’s pushing boundaries with organic French varietals. You’ll find yourself ascending about 400 meters from sea level, winding along scenic vineyard roads to reach this tiny producer. The focus here is on organic and sustainable approaches, with grapes like Chenin Blanc and Sémillon grown on land that was abandoned decades ago and replanted just recently in 2022. The soils—loamy, sandy, and clay—offer a unique terroir for these experiments.

Guests often comment on how special it is to visit a vineyard that’s so newly reestablished, offering a glimpse into fresh techniques and innovative planting. The tasting experience here is more than just sampling; it’s about understanding the challenges and rewards of small-scale, organic grape growing. Since admission is free, it’s a testament to the welcoming nature of these boutique wineries, where the focus is on quality and authenticity, not profit.

Next, the tour moves to Gedersdorf, home of Weingut Mantlerhof, a family-run estate with roots dating back to 1365. Here, the emphasis is on long-lasting organic wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Roter Veltliner. The estate’s history and dedication to sustainable practices shine through, and you’ll have the chance to see the vineyards that produce these wines. The old manor and the village setting add a charming, timeless quality. Guests rave about the long heritage and the opportunity to taste organic wines that reflect generations of care.

The third stop takes you to Weingut Feldtheorie in Schoenberg am Kamp. Owned by Ulrike and Robert, who both studied natural sciences, this couple’s journey into winemaking was sparked during a trip to New Zealand. Their focus is on natural wines—aiming to highlight the distinctiveness of Kamptal soil and climate. They are passionate about passion-driven winemaking, and their wines often intrigue visitors with their purity and terroir expression. According to reviews, chatting with the owners provides a heartfelt glimpse into their philosophy and methods.

The final winery is WeinSchach in Langenlois, renowned for its biological approach to sparkling wine production. They challenge the notion that sparkling wine must be produced in a traditional way, experimenting with Pet Nat (pétillant naturel) styles, which are bottled before fermentation completes. Visitors enjoy the hands-on nature and the experimental spirit—believing that nature offers everything a great wine needs, and sometimes you need to work with it rather than against it. Guests often describe their sparkling wines as having “full aroma” and “balance,” thanks to the meticulous, biological methods used.

To conclude the tour, a brief walk to a scenic viewing point offers sweeping views of the vineyards, illustrating the region’s natural beauty and its importance for the winemakers’ craft.

Transportation and Timing

The tour is designed to be leisurely, with about 30 minutes of driving between stops and roughly 2.5 hours on site. The pickup is offered from a central location in Krems, and the small group setup ensures personalized attention. The total duration—around three hours—means you get a good taste of the region without feeling rushed.

What You’ll Take Home

Most guests leave with a deeper understanding of organic and sustainable winemaking. The chance to taste unique wines created on-site, often in small batches, offers excellent value—especially compared to larger commercial tours. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated the genuine insights from winemakers, which elevate this experience beyond just tasting.

The Value Proposition

For around $113, you’re paying for a trip that combines education, authenticity, and scenic beauty. The tour’s focus on small, organic producers means you’re likely to taste wines that are distinct from mass-produced varieties—wines that reflect the passion and terroir of each winery. The personal stories, the scenic drives, and the hands-on approach create a memorable experience that’s well worth the price—particularly for those who appreciate small-batch craftsmanship.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking authentic, behind-the-scenes access. If you enjoy learning about winemaking techniques and appreciate small, family-run wineries, you’ll find plenty to love here. It also suits travelers who want a scenic, relaxed outing with a focus on sustainability and organic practices.

While the tour involves some walking and minimal hiking, it’s not suitable for those who prefer to remain seated or have limited mobility. The intimate group setting guarantees personal interaction with the winemaker, making it perfect for curious travelers who thrive on connection and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

This small-group, hands-on winery tour offers a compelling look at Austria’s boutique wine scene. It’s a chance to meet passionate winemakers, sample unique organic wines, and enjoy beautiful views along the Danube. The tour masterfully balances education and enjoyment, making it ideal for those wanting to deepen their understanding of sustainable viticulture while tasting some of Austria’s finest craft wines.

The consistent 5-star reviews reflect the quality of the experience—guests praise the knowledgeable guides, the stunning scenery, and the excellent variety of wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply curious about organic winemaking, this tour promises a genuine, memorable taste of Austria.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes a pickup from a designated meeting point in Krems and transportation between stops, making it a convenient way to explore without driving.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 3 hours, with about 2.5 hours spent at the wineries and 30 minutes of driving between locations.

Are the winery visits free?
Admission to each winery is free. The cost covers the guide’s time, expert insights, and the opportunity to taste a variety of unique wines.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and some outdoor exposure. Be prepared for a bit of walking into cellar spaces and vineyards.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While not explicitly limited, the physical aspects—walking, some hiking—may not suit everyone. It’s best for those comfortable with moderate activity and small spaces.

Can I buy wines to take home?
While the tour itself does not specify wine purchases, many small wineries in the region offer bottles for sale, and the guide can likely direct you if you’re interested.

What makes this tour different from larger commercial wine tours?
Here, you’ll meet winemakers personally and visit small, organic producers—not mass-market wineries—offering a more authentic and educational experience.

This tour combines the best of Austria’s boutique wine scene with a personal touch, scenic beauty, and a focus on sustainability. Perfect for curious wine lovers eager to explore Austria beyond the typical vineyards—and a must-do for anyone wanting a deep, genuine connection to local winemakers.