Thermenregion - Home of Indigenous White Wine Rarities

Summary / At a Glance

The Thermenregion is one of Austria's most intriguing wine regions – and this is largely due to two grape varieties found nowhere else in the world: Zierfandler and Rotgipfler. These indigenous white varieties thrive south of Vienna on calcareous soils and produce powerful, spicy wines that are without equal internationally. Alongside these rarities, excellent Pinot Noir and St. Laurent are also produced.

Quick Facts:

Location: Lower Austria, south of Vienna along the Vienna Woods foothills
Size: 2,200 hectares of vineyards
Climate: Pannonian influence, warm, dry
Main grape varieties: Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, Pinot Noir (25%), St. Laurent, Zweigelt
Wine styles: Powerful indigenous whites, elegant reds
Special feature: The only relevant growing areas for Zierfandler and Rotgipfler in the world

Geography and Climate

The Thermenregion extends from the southern outskirts of Vienna to south of Baden over roughly 50 kilometres. The name derives from the numerous thermal springs that have characterised the region since Roman times. The vineyards lie on the eastern edge of the Vienna Woods, where the Alpine foothills meet the Pannonian Plain.

The climate is strongly Pannonian in character: hot, dry summers with up to 1,800 sunshine hours per year, cold winters and, above all, dry autumns. The constant air movement between the Great Hungarian Plain to the east and the Anninger ridge to the west ensures rapid drying of the grapes after dew and rain – ideal conditions for healthy, concentrated fruit.

The soils are extremely diverse: in the north, calcareous clay soils with high proportions of sand and gravel dominate, often interspersed with shell limestone and snail remains from the former inland sea. These soils are relatively heavy and water-retentive – perfect for the powerful whites of Gumpoldskirchen.

Grape Varieties

Zierfandler (Spätrot)

Zierfandler – also called Spätrot (late red) on account of the reddish colouring of the leaves in autumn – is the Thermenregion's flagship variety. This indigenous type produces extract-rich, spicy whites with aromas of honey, almonds, exotic fruits and a characteristic Botrytis note in late harvests. The wines have considerable body, moderate acidity and an enormous ripening potential of 10–20 years.

Rotgipfler

Rotgipfler is the spicy counterpart to the opulent Zierfandler. The wines are somewhat leaner but more piquant, with notes of green pepper, herbs and stone fruit. Zierfandler and Rotgipfler are often blended together as "Spitzerberg" or "Gumpoldskirchner" – a combination that perfectly unites power and finesse.

Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder)

With 25% of the planted area, Pinot Noir is the most important red variety in the Thermenregion, especially in the southern part around Tattendorf and Teesdorf. The wines are elegant, Burgundian in character and benefit from the warm climate's perfect fruit ripeness.

St. Laurent

St. Laurent is the region's second major red variety. The wines are spicy, with cherry and woodland berry aromas, often with a fine toasty note from barrique ageing. St. Laurent thrives on the calcareous soils of the Thermenregion.

Chardonnay, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder

The Burgundian varieties play an increasingly important role. Chardonnay, Weißburgunder and Grauburgunder are used for village wines and regional wines within the DAC classification.

Wine Styles

The Thermenregion stands for powerful, characterful wines. The indigenous whites are the opposite of light and delicate – they have body, spice and substance. Since 2023, the Thermenregion DAC classification applies:

Gebietswein (Regional Wine): Uncomplicated entry-level wines from the entire region
Ortswein (Village Wine): Site-specific wines from the main villages (Gumpoldskirchen, Traiskirchen, Tattendorf, etc.)
Riedenwein (Single-Vineyard Wine): Top wines from individual vineyards with stricter requirements

The following varieties are permitted for village wines: Rotgipfler, Zierfandler, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, Chardonnay (white) as well as Pinot Noir, St. Laurent and Zweigelt (red).

The classic whites are often aged in large oak barrels or stainless steel to preserve the fruit. Top wines also mature in small barriques and develop additional complexity.

Top Wineries in the Thermenregion

Top Estate

Johanneshof Reinisch (Tattendorf)

Address: Öllerergasse 6, 2523 Tattendorf
Website: johanneshof-reinisch.at
Speciality: Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, organic viticulture
Awards: 5 Crowns Vinaria, highest distinction in the region
The absolute top estate of the Thermenregion. The Reinisch family has been producing world-class reds for generations, especially Pinot Noir and St. Laurent. Organically farmed since 2006.

Excellent Estates (4 Crowns/Stars)

Weingut Karl Alphart (Traiskirchen)

Address: Wienerstraße 46, 2514 Traiskirchen
Website: alphart.at
Speciality: Rotgipfler, Zierfandler, classic Thermenregion whites
Awards: 4 Crowns Vinaria
Karl Alphart is THE specialist for the indigenous varieties. His Rotgipfler and Zierfandler are benchmark wines.

Weingut Leo Aumann (Gumpoldskirchen)

Address: Wienerstraße 14, 2352 Gumpoldskirchen
Website: weingut-aumann.at
Speciality: Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, Gumpoldskirchner cuvées
Awards: 4 Crowns Vinaria
Leo Aumann continues the tradition of the classic Gumpoldskirchner whites – opulent, spicy, age-worthy.

Weingut Johannes Gebeshuber (Gumpoldskirchen)

Address: Kirchengasse 5, 2352 Gumpoldskirchen
Website: weingut-gebeshuber.at
Speciality: Rotgipfler, Zierfandler, single-vineyard wines
Awards: 4 Crowns Vinaria
Johannes Gebeshuber combines tradition with modern winemaking. His single-vineyard wines perfectly reflect the terroir differences.

Weingut Johann Gisperg (Teesdorf)

Address: Hauptstraße 110, 2524 Teesdorf
Website: weingut-gisperg.at
Speciality: St. Laurent, Pinot Noir
Awards: 4 Crowns Vinaria
Specialist in elegant reds from the southern part of the Thermenregion.

Further Recommended Estates

Weingut Stadlmann (Traiskirchen)

Address: Wienerstraße 68, 2514 Traiskirchen
Website: weingut-stadlmann.at
Speciality: Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, St. Laurent

Weingut Biegler (Gumpoldskirchen)

Address: Kirchenplatz 9, 2352 Gumpoldskirchen
Website: weingut-biegler.at
Speciality: Classic Gumpoldskirchner cuvées

Sub-regions

The Thermenregion is traditionally divided into two areas:

Northern Thermenregion (White Wine Focus)

Main villages: Perchtoldsdorf, Gumpoldskirchen, Pfaffstätten, Baden, Guntramsdorf, Traiskirchen
Soils: Calcareous clay soils, shell limestone
Focus: Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, classic white Thermenregion wines
Most famous site: Gumpoldskirchen – the historic centre, famous since the Middle Ages for powerful whites

Southern Thermenregion (Red Wine Focus)

Main villages: Bad Vöslau, Sooß, Tattendorf, Teesdorf
Soils: More varied, with greater sandy and gravelly proportions
Focus: Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, Zweigelt
Special feature: Bad Vöslau was famous for its red wines in the 19th century and was a popular spa resort of the Habsburgs

Wine History

Viticulture in the Thermenregion is ancient: the Romans recognised the potential of the calcareous soils and the mild climate. In the Middle Ages it was primarily monasteries such as Stift Heiligenkreuz that drove winemaking forward.

The region's golden age came in the 18th and 19th centuries. Gumpoldskirchen was famous throughout Europe for its heavy, sweet whites – which at the time were often produced with Botrytis. Emperor Franz Joseph I loved the wines from Bad Vöslau and had them regularly delivered to Schönbrunn.

After the Second World War, the region fell into crisis: the heavy, sweet styles were no longer in demand. Only from the 1980s onwards did winemakers rediscover their strengths: indigenous varieties, terroir expression and modern vinification. The introduction of the Thermenregion DAC in 2023 was the next milestone – at last there are clear quality standards.

Challenges and Future

Climate change: The Thermenregion has so far benefited from climate change. The already warm region is getting warmer still, which particularly benefits the red wines. However, extreme weather events are also increasing – hail, heavy rain and dry spells are becoming more frequent.

Indigenous varieties in focus: The future of the Thermenregion lies in the indigenous varieties Zierfandler and Rotgipfler. These wines are unique, impossible to replicate elsewhere and have enormous international potential – provided the communication is right.

DAC as an opportunity: The Thermenregion DAC helps to position the region more clearly. At last there are binding rules for regional wines, village wines and single-vineyard wines – creating orientation for consumers.

Sustainability: More and more estates are switching to organic or biodynamic viticulture. Johanneshof Reinisch is leading the way – demonstrating that organic farming and top quality go perfectly hand in hand.

Tourism: The proximity to Vienna is a huge advantage. Many estates are investing in Heuriger culture, wine hikes and wine tourism. The combination of thermal springs, wine culture and the Vienna Woods makes the region an attractive tourist destination.

My Personal Recommendation

The Thermenregion is for me the most underestimated wine region in Austria – and that is exactly what makes it so exciting!

My favourite estate: Johanneshof Reinisch in Tattendorf is an absolute must. The Reinisch family produces world-class Pinot Noir and St. Laurent – organically, terroir-driven, without frills. The tastings are warm and unpretentious. My tip: the "Holzspur" Pinot Noir offers outstanding value for money!

Classic Thermenregion experience: For the indigenous varieties I recommend Weingut Karl Alphart in Traiskirchen. Karl Alphart is THE specialist for Rotgipfler and Zierfandler. His wines are powerful, spicy, unique – and show perfectly why these varieties are so special. A must try: the Rotgipfler Zierfandler "Spitzerberg" – a classic!

Heuriger experience: In Gumpoldskirchen you absolutely must visit a traditional Heuriger. Weingut Leo Aumann combines high-quality wines with a cosy Heuriger atmosphere. Sitting in the garden under the chestnut trees in summer, drinking a glass of Zierfandler with a Brettljause (cold platter) – pure Austrian wine culture!

Insider tip: Weingut Stadlmann in Traiskirchen is still an insider tip. The wines are excellent, the prices fair and the family incredibly hospitable. The St. Laurent in particular has captivated me!

Wine hike: The Thermenregion wine walking trail leads through the finest sites around Gumpoldskirchen and Pfaffstätten. The route is approximately 7 km long (about 2–3 hours), passing through vineyards with views of Vienna and the Vienna Woods. Along the way there are several rest spots and Heurige to stop at. Highlight: the view from the Gumpoldskirchner Wienerweg!

Best time to visit: September and October are ideal. The vineyards glow in autumnal colours, the harvest is underway and many estates hold tastings and harvest festivals. And: the thermal springs in Baden are the perfect relaxation after a wine hike!

Food tip: The powerful whites pair perfectly with Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or even Asian cuisine. The spicy Rotgipfler is my favourite companion with fried char or pike-perch – the combination is sensational!

The Thermenregion is Viennese wine culture that dared to be different. Zierfandler and Rotgipfler are not easy-drinking wines – they demand attention, they polarise, they surprise. And that is precisely what makes them so damned interesting!