Leithaberg Wine Region

Get Familiar with one of the Oldest Wine Regions of the World

Leithaberg is an Austrian wine region with long wine traditions, famed wine festivals and beautiful landscapes. Famous for its distinctive red and white wines, the area also offers unique wine tourism opportunities. Visit the regional capital Eisenstadt where tourists can find the historical Esterházy Palace, tour Sankt Margarethen, and attend the famous music event in the Roman quarry. In addition, make a trip to the Wine Academy in Rust and explore the ancient wine culture of Leithaberg. We encourage you to dive into the outstanding wines that make Leithaberg a favourite for wine drinkers worldwide. Explore our site to discover what Wineries in Leithaberg have to offer and plan your wine adventure today.

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Leithaberg.

Where is the Leithaberg Wine Region?

Leithaberg is located in Austria, west of Lake Neusiedl and on the Burgenland side of the Leitha Range near the Hungarian border. It comprises around 3097 hectares of grape land.

Unique Terroir of Leithaberg Appellation

The majority of the vineyards in the Leithaberg DAC are on the lower slopes of the Leithaberg range. Because of the region's closeness to the Lake and the Leitha Mountains, the grapes enjoy a year-round macroclimate. Warm winds help in berry ripening, while colder evenings promote fruitiness and age-worthiness.

Many sunny days and cold evenings, as well as closeness to Lake Neusiedl and the wooded slopes of the Leitha Mountains, contribute to a lively atmosphere. This is a one-of-a-kind terroir on the globe.

The Leithaberg wine area encompasses the majority of the historic Neusiedlersee-Hügelland region. The area is one of 13 Austrian regions that produce DAC (Districts Austriae Controllatus) designated wines. 

The Leithaberg DAC area stretches from Jois in the Alps' most northern undulating hills to Mörbisch. The terroirs are rich in mica-rich schist, a marine limestone soil found nowhere else in Austria. The greatest distinguishing characteristic of Leithaberg is Leithakalk, a unique rock found in the soil.

History of Leithaberg wine region

The finding of grape seeds as burial artefacts in a Hallstatt Culture burial mound in Zagersdorf, about the 8th century BC, gives some of the earliest evidence of viticulture in Central Europe. Vineyards sloping down into Lake Neusiedl with innumerable almond, cherry, and peach trees are typical of this region.

In 2008, the Leithaberg wine area was given DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) classification. The appellation Leithaberg DAC is used to promote the most geographically representative wines from this location.

What is Leithaberg Wine?

The wines of the Leithaberg wine region are recognized for their unique and clean character. The Leithaberg DAC designation represents ecologically responsible viticulture and distinct regional character, as the preservation of authenticity is the primary goal. 

The wineries produce various wines in Leithaberg, such as delicious red, white, rose, and sparkling wines. Leithaberg DAC whites are made from Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Neuberger. Moreover, around 85% of the red wines are produced using Blaufränkisch. Some other red varieties grown in the region include Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, and Sankt Laurent. The wines are matured in wooden barrels, making them relatively sharp in character. 

Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, and Neuburger - three "Burgundian" grape varietals that characterize Leithaberg DAC wine styles with their delicate fruity aromas, sharp acidity, superb spice, and subtle mineral character. These types, vinified in old hardwood barrels, combine excellent complexity with freshness and vitality even when aged. 

Leithaberg Grüner Veltliner has a tight structure and savory spice that is enhanced by exquisite acidity. Leithaberg Grüner Veltliner becomes more nuanced with age and is a versatile meal companion.

The Leithaberg red wine Blaufränkisch delights with subtle spice, dark berry aromas, delicate structure, and a remarkable freshness thanks to its bright acid structure. The tannins grow finer grained and the wine becomes more delicate as it matures. The aroma and texture are enhanced by maturation in a huge oak barrel. This is a delectable wine with excellent aging potential and enough structure to complement a wide range of foods.

Food to Pair with Leithaberg wine

Asparagus a la Flamande, Flemish-Style Asparagus

Asparagus a la Flamande is a traditional Flemish meal that consists of cooked white asparagus topped with mashed hard-boiled eggs, butter, lemon juice, and parsley. There are different meal variants, so some cooks choose to top it with ham, salmon, or shrimp. You should top this beautiful meal with a sprinkling of smoked coarse salt. It is advised to pair the meal with white Leithaberg.

Kürbis Suppe, Burgenland Creamed Pumpkin Soup

Kürbis suppe, or pumpkin soup, is a simple meal distinctive from Burgenland cuisine. Typically, the soup is made with diced or grated pumpkin flesh that has been briefly sautéed with vegetables before being cooked in water, chicken stock, or beef broth until all of the components are soft. 

Onions, garlic, potatoes, leeks, carrots, and celery are common vegetables used in the soup, while the spices and seasonings used often include salt, pepper, nutmeg, paprika, cumin, dill, and vinegar. The soup is typically thickened with flour or cornstarch before being blended with cream and puréed until it has a smooth or porridge-like consistency.  As an appetizer, a bowl of this creamy pumpkin soup is often served hot.

Gulyás, Hungarian Special Beef Stew

This Hungarian speciality is made with meat, generally beef, that is cooked in a rich paprika-infused broth with onions, bell peppers, root vegetables, different spices, and occasionally tomatoes (in some regional variations). 

Gulyás is a well-known dish that is quite popular even outside of Hungary. Many nations associate the word with a thick stew, but in Hungary, gulyás generally refers to a soup-like meal, which is why this dish is also known as gulyásleves (lit. herdsman soup). 

The mineral flavor of the red Leithaberg DAC pairs beautifully with the dish.

Places to visit in Leithaberg

Schloss Esterhazy, Remarkable Palace of Austria

Schloss Esterházy in Eisenstadt is one of Austria's most exquisite Baroque palaces and provides a stunning view of the Esterházy court's previous splendors. The palace remains central to cultural life and is extensively employed as a picturesque setting for festivals and social activities.

Esterhazy Castle now boasts 200 rooms and 6 halls, the most opulent of which is Haydn Hall, which has excellent acoustics. Currently, symphonic music performances are presented in this hall on a regular basis, with the performers dressed in Haydn-era costumes. Adjacent to the castle lies one of Europe's most beautiful gardens, with grottoes and greenhouses, fountains and statues that make up a spectacular sight!

Podersdorf, Nature Reserve Like Town

Podersdorf is the most popular tourist destination in all of Austria and not by chance. The diversity of nature and well-developed leisure opportunities have made this city a tourist centre. Everyone will be able to find a vacation to their liking. For lovers of a relaxing pastime, a beach holiday on the coast, swimming in the lake is always available, or you can walk around the neighbourhood and observe a variety of birds. If you prefer to spend your holidays actively, many clubs and sports schools are at your service.

There are 2 windsurfing schools, 3 sailing schools, and 3 kitesurfing schools on the coast. Historically, fishing has played a leading economic role for the region, and there is even a sports fishing center on the territory of the city. It will also be possible to play tennis, squash or try your hand at equestrian sports.

St. Margarethen Quarry, Geological Heritage of Humanity

St. Margarethen Quarry is one of the oldest and biggest quarries in Europe. It was used to construct and rebuild St. Stephen's Cathedral, as well as structures around Vienna's Ringstrasse. Originally produced by a prehistoric inland sea, an abundance of valuable fossils were discovered in this ancient stone in the twentieth century (some a staggering 25 million years old). 

The quarry at St Margarethen is now one of Europe's most stunning and imposing open-air stadiums. This location is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Scenery, nestled in the landscape of Neusiedler Lake. It has "great human significance," with St. Margarethen giving a fascinating view into the geological history.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Leithaberg