Geographically, Austria is dominated by mountains and its major wine regions are located in the north of the country, bordering the Czech republic, and to the east, on the Pannonian Plain, neighbouring Hungary. With a long history, winemaking has been established in Austria since the Roman times over two thousand years' ago. Around two thirds of Austrian wines are made from white grape varieties with the peppery Gruner Veltliner being by far the most important, followed by steely Riesling. The stunning vineyard terraces of the Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal regions located along the Danube north-west of Vienna are good sources for these styles of wines. Other white varieties important in the country include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling, and Pinot Blanc (a.k.a Weissburgunder). Austria's red wines are made primarily from Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt, Saint-Laurent, and Pinot Noir (a.k.a Blauburgunder).
Austrian wines are mostly dry examples from the Grüner Veltliner, though they also produce some sweet, dessert styles from around the Neusiedler See region, south-east of Vienna, close to the Hungarian border, which are often affected by "Noble Rot" which develops due to the mist forming over the lake in the Autumn. These are excellent alternatives to similar wines made in Germany. Look out for the Ausbruch wines from the town of Rust, located on the western shore of the lake. There is also a tradition of Heurigen wines from vineyards in the suburbs of Vienna which have long supplied the local taverns in the city. Definitely one for the tourists!
