Southern Styria
Vineyards, wine routes and wine taverns

Hilly landscapes, welcoming locals and wine are what South Styria is best known for. Discover the region on a hike or by bike.

Enjoy a glass of wine, a fried chicken salad with pumpkin seed oil and a view of the hilly landscape: This is how the region is known among foodies. Vineyards alternate with forests, orchards and meadows.

Austria shows its romantic and enjoyable side in southern Styria through an enchanting interplay of natural and cultural landscapes, with the region's highlight being the South Styrian Wine Route. Nature reserves, vineyards and wine taverns line up one after the other here.

Quick info on Southern Styria
Location:40 km south of Graz
Wine routes: 3
Wineries: approx. 285
Wine taverns: approx. 250
Wine-growing area:with 611 hectares the smallest wine-growing region in Austria

One of the most beautiful viewing points in Southern Styria is located in Kitzeck im Sausal, the highest wine-growing region in Austria at 564 meters.

Southern Styria in all its facets

Top highlights

South Styrian Wine Route: On the trail of wine
Sausal Wine Road: View of the steepest vineyards
'Border table' between Austria and Slovenia
Picnic in the vineyard
Wineries and wine shops

Activities in Southern Styria

The most beautiful sights in Styria: Nature, lifestyle and art treasures

Sights in Styria

Wine taverns in Southern Styria: Enjoy regional delights amid vineyards

Wine taverns in Styria

Recipes

Styrian Breaded Chicken Salad

Make this Styrian specialty at home.

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Styrian Fried Chicken

Try that classic from the Styrian cuisine based on a recipe by Johann Lafer.

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Baked Apple Rings with Cranberry Cream

This sweet treat is the perfect finish to an Austrian meal.

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Unique places to stay

Winzarei: Holiday at the Tement winery
Weingasthof Sabathihof Dillinger: Stay at the winery
Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel
Weingartenhotel Harkamp: Wine and sparkling wine manufactory

"Protection through use"

Southern Styria Nature Park

The most important cultural landscapes include mixed forests, fields, flower meadows, orchards and, of course, vineyards. As diverse as these habitats are, they have one thing in common: They get lots of warmth and light due to the nature park's southern location.

As a result, the 15 nature park communities cover almost 400 km² and are home to Styria's most sun-loving animal and plant species.

Southern Styrian Nature Park

FAQs

Southern Styria is known for its wine routes, wineries and wine taverns. Here are the five top highlights that will make your trip an unforgettable experience:

Wine routes and wineries: The South Styrian Wine Route winds its way through the gentle hills of the region and offers breathtaking views of the vineyards. Numerous wineries and vinotheques invite you to taste the region's top wines.

Hike along the Klapotetz trail: The Klapotetz, a wooden windmill, is part of the region's culture. The Klapotetzweg trail combines nature, culture and enjoyment. It leads through the picturesque landscape along the vineyards. Numerous wine taverns await along the way.

Southern Styria Nature Park: This park is a highlight for nature lovers. Gentle hills, forests, fields, meadows and vineyards characterise the landscape. Hikers and cyclists will find a network of well-signposted trails.

Culinary delights and wine taverns: From pumpkin seed oil to Brettljause snacks and freshly baked bread, accompanied by a glass of Styrian wine - the wine taverns are the perfect place to enjoy the local delights in a cosy atmosphere.

Three wine routes wind their way through southern Styria:

South Styrian Wine Route: The best known route in the region leads through picturesque vineyards, past numerous wineries and wine taverns. Start in Ehrenhausen and continue via Leutschach to Kitzeck im Sausal.

Sausal Wine Route: This route leads through the area around the wine village of Gamlitz, known for its rolling hills and excellent wines. It runs around the villages of Gamlitz, Ratsch and the surrounding area.

Schilcher Wine Route: This road is famous for the Schilcher, a rosé-colored wine made locally from the Blauer Wildbacher grape.

Southern Styria includes wine-growing villages located in the middle of the hilly landscape and along the wine routes. Here are some of the best-known places in the region:

Leutschach an der Weinstraße: A central town along the South Styrian Wine Route. Leutschach is known for its vineyards, wine taverns and its proximity to the Slovenian border.

Ehrenhausen an der Weinstraße: A pretty wine village that often serves as a starting point for tours along the South Styrian Wine Route.

Gamlitz: One of the best-known wine-growing regions in southern Styria. Gamlitz offers many wineries, a lively wine tradition and numerous leisure activities in the surrounding area.

Kitzeck im Sausal: The highest wine-growing village in Europe. Kitzeck offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hilly landscape and excellent wines.

Sulztal an der Weinstraße: A smaller village that is particularly appreciated for its quiet charm and proximity to first-class wineries.

Straß in Styria: Another popular wine-growing village, which is also a good starting point for exploring the region.

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