Kamptal Wine Region

Kamptal is a small and prestigious wine district located near Vienna, Austria. It is named after the river Kamp. The Kamptal is one of the most successful wine-growing regions in Austria and is well-known worldwide. There are around 3,600 hectares of vineyards, with numerous internationally renowned top companies. The stunning, sun-baked vineyards in the Kamp river valley produce wines of a high quality. These include spicy Grüner Veltliner and flinty Riesling. Immerse yourself into the rich wine culture of the region, taste delectable wines and tour established wineries.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Kamptal Wine Region

Where is the Kamptal Wine Region

Kamptal wine region in in Austria and lies in the Waldviertel. The town of Langenlois, which is important for the wines, is located to the north of Krems.

History of Kamptal Wine

The region of Kamptal is neighbouring to Wachau. They share a similar history in terms of winemaking. There is evidence that viticulture existed here over 4000 years ago. From this perspective, the country is one of the residual countries from the Old World. They used their knowledge of winemaking to instil a higher quality wine making, which was helped by the wine industry flourishing during Roman times. The Romans were reluctant to admit that better wines could come from outside of Austria, but they created a good space for selling and advertising Austrian wines at the time. All things must come to an end though, and so did the Roman Empire. After its fall the regions it once held in. Barbarian tribes and clans attacked Austria, stealing from the country and causing the wine industry to go into a dark age. It finally made a comeback again centuries later. Charlemagne was a viticultural pioneer. He fostered and supported the expansion of vineyards throughout all of Europe. He's achievements were instrumental in elevating his standing in society. In the 1980s, the whole of Austria was hit with a high-stakes scam. A scandal showed that winemakers had been adding toxins in wine to make them appear sweeter and richer. The motive was to be able to charge higher prices for the wine. They are still struggling in some sense with this scandal but their reputation is slowly getting back to being a force to be reckoned with in terms of quality of wine.

Terrior of Kamptal

Kamptal wine region features a cool, dry climate that's perfect for white varietals. The summer days can be scorching, though, and the soil retains heat from the day for distributing in the evening. The climate in Kamptal is really balanced, which means the grapes can grow in flavours and maintain their freshness over a longer period. Therefore, they can ripen at the perfect time during long growing seasons. The north of Kamptal has acidic, crystalline rock like in Wachau and such soil is good for vineyards. A very few and select winemakers use wine made from volcanic origins. Volcanoes erupting ages ago used to offer wine content. It tends to be quite bold, with a more intense richness.The largest and most common type of soil that can be seen throughout the vineyards is mostly loess.

Kamptal Wine Characteristics 

Kamptal shares a similar style to Kremstal as both regions are fitting for Riesling. However, Gruner-Veltliner is the most planted grape in Kamptal. The style of wines made in Kamptal are more bold and spicy than those found in Kremstal. The wines are fruity and light, with delicate flowers and nuanced apple aromas. This is owing to the many years of expertise that has gone into perfecting the region's viticultre.

Food to pair with Kamptal Wine

1. Faschierte Laibchen

A popular Austrian cuisine dish is called faschierte laibchen - it's made from a mixture of ground meat (typically beef and pork) with milk soaked bread, eggs, fried onions, fried garlic and spices. The ground meat mixture often has a handful of spices such as salt, pepper, marjoram, thyme and caraway added. Once shaped and seasoned, we usually dredge them in breadcrumbs before frying until nicely colored on both sides. In Austria, these fried meat patties are also known as fleischlaberl or fleischlaibchen, and they’re popular with children and adults. We recommend pairing this meat specialty with Kamptal wines.

2. Backhendl

The Austrian take on fried chicken came about around 18th century and was very popular throughout the Biedermeier. It includes a whole chicken which is generously coated in spices and lemon. These are then cut up into even pieces and dipped in egg wash. They are coated in flour, then breadcrumbs, before frying them until they are golden and crispy. Backhendl is traditionally made by deboning and stuffing a whole chicken, then cooking it. It is often accompanied by fried offal like chicken livers and hearts. Lately the dish appears often but rarely in its original form. These days, lemon wedges, fried parsley leaves, lettuce and potato salad are usually accompanied by it. This dish goes well with Kamptal wines.

Places to visit near Kamptal

1. Kreuzigungsgruppe

Just before the summit of the crucifixion group is reached, you will find the calvary complex of Schönberg am Kamp and Stiefern. Since everything has been restored to its former glory today, Kalvarienberg is now a marvelous place to visit. The various patrons are clearly noted. It is quite remarkable that on the right-hand side in front of the crucifixion group a considerable pile of penitential stones has accumulated, which probably came from the "poor penitents" who dragged them up to this sanctifying place with pain and devotion.

2. Kamp

The Kamp is the longest river in the Waldviertel measuring 153km. The name Kamp goes back to Celtic origins and is derived from the word 'crooked' - one of many ancient names in this region.

3. Pfarrkirche Stiefern - St. Johannes der Täufer

There is a mention of Stiefs in AD 902/903 which makes it both the earliest known place name in Kamptal, but also Waldviertel.The Stiefingen Church is dedicated to John the Baptist – which could be a memory of the former Slav baptisms. A historical analysis of this building's history has revealed that under today's church, in Stiefern, there was once a smaller church built back before or around.

Frequently asked questions about Kamptal wine region