Vulkanland Steiermark Wine Region

Vulkanland Steiermark is a wine area in Styria adjacent to the borders of Slovenia, Hungary, and Burgenland. Until 2016, the region was known as Sudoststeiermark. This region's geography is distinctive, with vineyards situated on the slopes of extinct volcanoes, allowing grapes to develop a unique character. A wide range of grapes is grown on the 1524 hectares of DAC land in the Vulkanland Steiermark wine area. The name of the region refers to the geological condition of the area, which is unusual in the Austrian winegrowing region, with its dormant volcanoes. There are four wine routes that run through the region, passing through the well-known wine villages of Bad Radkersburg, Feldbach, Gleisdorf, Hartberg, Kapfenstein, Klöch, Riegersburg, St. Peter, Straden, and Weiz.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Vulkanland Steiermark!

Where is the Vulkanland Steiermark wine region?

Vulkanland Steiermark, Austria's volcanic wine area, is located in the northeast corner of the country, bordering Hungary to the east and Slovenia to the south. The wine area is one of the most unusual in Austria, with its terrain dominated by extinct volcanoes. The Vulkanland Steiermark wine region is only 60 kilometers east of Graz and 165 kilometers north of Austria's capital, Vienna. Sudsteiermar in the southwest, Steiermark in the west, and Burgenland in the east encircle the wine area. Vulkanland Steiermark has attractive topography and good soil, with undulating hills split by rivers and tributaries. The region's major vineyards are clustered around the towns of Straden, Kloch, and Sankt Anna am Aigen.

History of the Vulkanland Steiermark wine region

Historically, wines have been produced in the Vulkanland Steiermark wine region for local consumption. The region is teeming with small and independent wineries producing great wines in modest volumes. Because of the region's expanding tourism activity, these wonderful wine-growing places have come to the attention of the international wine market for their unique wines. 

For ages, the area had border disputes, as evidenced by the construction of various clifftop strongholds, palaces, and castles as a defense line. This region of Austria has traditionally been a source of contention, which was recently settled by an open border treaty with Hungary and Slovenia.

The terroir and geography of the Vulkanland Steiermark wine region

The Vulkanland Steiermark wine region, as the name suggests, is located on top of extinct volcanoes, which lend unique characteristics to the wines. The volcanic terrain of Vulkanland Steiermark is distinctive to Austria, as are the wines produced there. The region is relatively warmer than the rest of Austria's wine-growing territory, distinguishing the grapes from those from other locations. The climate in the region is the Mediterranean, comparable to that of Burgenland, with warm days and chilly nights, allowing grapes to have rich aromas and fresh acidity. Warm soil with calcareous subsoil, sand, gravel, and clay on top of volcanic deposits characterizes the soil in this region. Nature lovers and hikers who admire the lovely terrain go to the Vulkanland Steiermark wine area.

Popular grape varieties from the Vulkanland Steiermark wine region

Zweigelt is the most prominent red grape variety in Vulkanland Steiermark. Welschriesling, Morillon (Chardonnay), Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, Gelber Muskateller, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Saint Laurent, Blauburgunder, and even Riesling are other significant grapes grown in the Vulkanland Steiermark wine region. The wine region allows for a maximum of 4 grams of sugar per liter of wine. The wines produced in this one-of-a-kind volcanic location offer distinct spicy flavors and intense scents that reflect the terroir. 

Food to pair with Vulkanland Steiermark wine 

Purica s mlincima

This celebratory dish originated in Croatia's Zagorje region and consists of a whole grilled turkey served alongside Mlinci, a mix between pasta and Crispy flatbread. Traditionally, only turkey from the autochthonous Zagorje region was chosen because of its superior quality of meat. To get the most flavor from the turkey, marinate it overnight before grilling it over a hot fire or in a hot oven. This is a hearty supper that is also served as a Christmas turkey. Mlinci are prepared by slicing rolled thin and wide sheets of flour, eggs, and water. There are several varieties of this original Croatian meal, which was popularized during the 15th century by the Pauline Fathers who moved from Italy. The dish complements the wines from Vulkanland Steiermark. 

Florette

Florette is a French goat cheese that originated in the Rhone region. The Guilloteau creamery makes this wonderful French cheese from goat's milk that has bloomy rindy characteristics. Florette is available in a variety of sizes and is hexagonal in shape. This acidic and pungent cheese pairs beautifully with crusty bread, mushrooms, potatoes, and dried fruits. Pair it with Vulkanland Steiermark white wines.

Roast pork

The classic roast pork is one of the popular dishes enjoyed around the world that have a wide range of variations. The ultra-tender pork with crispy outer is irresistible for anyone who is a foodie. The dish takes little time to prepare and the process is straightforward. Pork shoulders are the best when it comes to making crackling roast pork but you can choose any. One should marinate the pork pieces overnight with garlic, flour, onion, wine, broth, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fennel. The secret to well-roasted pork is cooking slowly in medium heat which helps tenderize as well as flavor meat. The dish is usually served with a side dish or gravy. This savory dish enhances the taste of Vulkanland Steiermark wines.

Places to visit in the Vulkanland Steiermark wine region

Styrassic Park

Styrassic Park is a unique park near Bad Gleichenberg that focuses on dinosaurs, volcanoes, and the history of our world. Discover a one-of-a-kind and fascinating tour with friends, family, and children to learn about dinosaurs from their origins until their extinction. The park features over 90 life-size dinosaurs ranging from plateosaurus to Tyrannosaurus Rex. In addition to dinosaurs, the park features fire-breathing volcanos with earth-trembling effects, allowing visitors to experience Styria's thermal and volcanic epoch. The jungle is massive, and it also features the largest jungle slide for entertainment. The park occasionally conducts events and event programs to engage its visitors in excavation and relaxation. Experience this one-of-a-kind adventure while traveling through Styria.

Riegersburg Castle

The medieval Riegersburg castle sits on a dormant volcano above the town of Riegersburg in Styria, which has a long history of affluent and powerful ladies and the dismal fate of people beneath them. The castle was founded in 1122 by a knight who built a keep on top of an extinct volcano, which was expanded over the ages by affluent and royal families from the region. The castle was given its current appearance in the 17th century by Baroness Katharina Elisabeth von Wechsler, a strong-willed woman in a male-dominated community who was hunted down during the 1673-1675 witch hunt for bad weather sorcery. The Liechtenstein family has controlled the Riegersburg stronghold since 1822. The castle was recently renovated and now offers a variety of tourist activities such as the Falconry performance, medieval-themed festivals, exhibitions, and a climbing area.

Frequently asked questions about Vulkanland Steiermark