Every September, Austria’s wine world converges on the picturesque Grafenegg castle park for the ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit—an event that has become a cornerstone for professionals seeking a deep dive into Austria’s most distinguished vineyard sites.
This year, the summit runs from 8 to 12 September 2025, welcoming sommeliers, journalists, and trade experts to a five-day exploration of terroir-driven excellence.
Organized by the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW) together with partners from STK (Styria), Eisenberg, Leithaberg, and Vinea Wachau, the summit provides a unique stage for the latest vintages from Erste Lage and Grosse Lage vineyards. With its structured silent tasting format—flights of six wines served quietly, allowing participants to focus fully on the glass—it remains one of the most respected professional tastings in Europe.
My Tasting Experience: 362 Wines in Two Days
I spent the first two days immersed in Austria’s diversity, tasting a remarkable 362 wines across the following regions:
- Kamptal – 85 wines
- Kremstal – 72 wines
- Traisental – 13 wines
- Wagram – 25 wines
- Weinviertel – 15 wines
- Thermenregion – 26 wines
- Carnuntum – 17 wines
- Steiermark – 41 wines
- Eisenberg – 25 wines
- Leithaberg – 13 wines
- Vienna – 30 wines
The breadth was staggering: Kamptal and Kremstal, as expected, delivered precision Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, while Styria brought aromatic Sauvignon Blancs and refined Morillon. From Burgenland, Eisenberg’s Blaufränkisch shone with mineral-driven intensity, and Leithaberg impressed with its signature balance of limestone elegance. Even Vienna’s dynamic field blends and varietals offered fresh perspectives on Austria’s capital as a wine region.
The Significance of the Summit
Since its inception in 2013, the Single Vineyard Summit has been a platform for site classification and international dialogue. Almost 80 winegrowers along the Danube—from the Traisen Valley to Carnuntum—initiated the event, with the mission of highlighting vineyard individuality.
The ÖTW itself dates back to 1991, when 17 estates from Kamptal and Kremstal joined forces in a pilot project to classify Austria’s vineyards. Today, the association counts 90 members, united under a vision to create transparency and orientation for consumers and professionals alike.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 edition of the summit confirms Austria’s growing relevance in the global fine wine scene. While Burgundy and Bordeaux may dominate headlines, Austria continues to carve its identity through authenticity, terroir expression, and a unique classification system.
With more than 300 wines already tasted and several more days of exploration ahead, the ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit once again proves to be an essential event for understanding Austria’s vinous landscape.
Author: Vitalie Ciobanu