We were taken by the tourism authority and Gourmet Travel Austria invited to a research trip to Styria. On the trip, we Winemakers as well as producers in the region. They led us through their wineries and businesses. They showed us the production processes of their wines and regional products. During the tastings we were able to experience first-hand how closely the work is connected to nature. This gave us a deep insight into the craftsmanship of Styria. With these tips you can easily plan a Styria vacation for connoisseurs.
Styria Holidays to Savor for Connoisseurs
That the Styria is a real paradise for gourmets and connoisseurs, we have at our Wine tours through Austria at the Long Table in Graz and at the South Styrian Wine Route Here, people appreciate the regional delicacies produced on farms, wineries, distilleries, chocolate factories and cheese dairies. A journey through Styria becomes a treat for the palate if you take the time to delve deeper into the specialties of this region Austria busy, taste them and get to know their producers. A Styrian holiday for connoisseurs with visits to the producers of delicacies from the region is an experience that you will not forget.
We go in search of the background for the products that you come across in Styria at every step and come across a motto that all producers here seem to follow: "Live your dream in Styria"! At this point, we will present to you why this is so and what this means in detail.
Gourmet vacation in Styria
For three days we are travelling through the volcanic region to Riegersburg in southeast Styria, in the wine region on the South Styrian and Schilcher wine route and on the oil trail that leads us to the pumpkin seed oil producers in western Styria. We cross landscapes with volcanic cones, vineyards where the wines of southern Styria ripen, visit the pumpkin seed oil mills Western Styria in the "Flascherlzug" and take side routes to the winegrowers on the Schilcher Wine Route. We experience three days that couldn't be more varied.
We get an introduction and overview of the Styrian region of pleasure in the Vinofaktur Genussregal in Ehrenhausen (address: An der Mur 13, A-8462 Vogau) just a few kilometers from the Graz - Spielfeld motorway. Here we can get an overview of the products that are available in Styria. From pumpkin seed oil to vinegar that tastes like honey, to ham that ranks among the best in the world and wine that even kings like. "This is how southern Styria tastes" is the motto of the gourmet shelf. There are other areas for connoisseurs. There we get to know chocolate with surprising ingredients, or designer cheese with extras that amaze us. They are inventive, the farmers and entrepreneurs who refine the products of Styria.
Vinofaktur pleasure shelf in Ehrenhausen
On the Mur 13
8472 Vogau
Tel. +43 3453 40677320
Therefore, this motto applies to almost everyone we meet on our journey:
Gourmet Travel Styria
Almost every producer we meet has a story to tell: some had to struggle until they were successful, others were on the verge of collapse and then picked themselves up again. But all producers have one thing in common: They did not give up and continued to work, even under the most adverse circumstances, to make their dream of living in Styria come true. We present four of them here, which you can visit on your own gourmet tours in Styria.
Josef Zotter - Chocolate determines his life
Josef Zotter was broke once before and, together with his wife, was forced to go back to his home village of Bergl, where - instead of giving up and looking for something else - he continued his dream job in the barn of his parents' farm: chocolatier to be and create the best chocolate in the world. His first business in the big city was unsuccessful, and on his home farm in Styria he began - together with friends and acquaintances - to redevelop his dream of a chocolate paradise.
And this time he achieved a masterpiece: he developed the process of producing handmade chocolate, an operation which he adopted from paper manufacture. Melted chocolate is spread on a flat surface together with a wide variety of ingredients and then cut into bars. When it comes to the ingredients that Zotter uses to refine his chocolates, he is very inventive. It can happen that a fish chocolate or an asparagus chocolate is created. On our tour of Zotter's chocolate factory in Bergl, for example, we tasted a wonderfully tasting apple balsamic vinegar chocolate. Don't be put off by the often adventurous flavors. The Zotter chocolates all taste great. And they testify to the divine humor that this man did not lose even during the worst years of his life. A tour of the Zotter chocolate factory is pure pleasure for all the senses.
Zotter chocolate factory
Bergl 56,
8333 Riegersburg
Tel. +43 3152 5554
Franz Habel - his goal: the best ham in the world
Franz Habel has almost reached his goal, the Austrian gourmet magazine Falstaff is already lining up its Vulcano ham the ten best varieties of ham worldwide, This is what the magazine calls him in the same breath as Spanish jamon Iberico or Italian Parma ham. A great honor that we are very proud of at Vulcano.
But it wasn't always like this: the development of the Vulcano ham began with the consideration of whether the Habels should give up pig farming or continue under different auspices. When Petar asked how the idea of producing such a ham came about, Bettina Habel (Franz Habel's wife) answered: "Out of necessity". A few decades ago, the Habels were faced with the decision - like many farmers in Styria - whether to continue their business. farm continue to be worthwhile, or whether they should stop it altogether, like so many before them. Making a profit from pork was and still is a difficult undertaking.
Vulcana brought luck to Franz Habel
"And then Franz dreamed of" Vulcana ", one of his pigs," says Vulcano's introductory film in Auerbach in Styria (address: Eggreith 26, A-8330 Auersbach), in which the history of the creation of the ham factory is presented. The development was certainly not quite as romantic as it is shown in the film, but Franz Habel set about improving the reputation of the ham. "Today, many children no longer know where ham comes from and certainly not how it is made," explains Erwin Wendler, Vulcano's sales manager. “Sometimes children fall over when we lead them through our pigsty. And often the comment comes afterwards: 'In the future I will not eat pork, but only sausage.' It's sad that the relationship with our food is so artificial now, isn't it? ”And we agree with him.
If you want to learn a little more about how the delicious Vulcano ham is made, you can get a good insight into the Vulcano ham factory and take a look into the "ham heaven", where the legs mature into the tasty Vulcano ham in at least 15 months. A feast for the eyes and the senses!
Vulcano ham factory
Auersbach 26
8330 Feldbach
Tel: 43 3114 2151
Styria wine tours
Styria is perfect for wine toursThere are several wine routes there that are worth exploring. We visited the Polz winery in southern Styria. It is located on the South Styrian Wine RouteThere we tasted wines and learned about winemaking. The visit offered insights into the work in the vineyard. We learned a lot about production and storage.
The Polz family produces wine that even kings like
Wine growing along the South Styrian Wine Route is not easy, as it grows on steep slopes where everything has to be done by hand. The use of machines is not possible in these locations. And so harvest helpers are sought every year at harvest time in autumn. "Everyone is welcome. We don't send anyone away, ”says Lukas Polz, who already knows his parents' business very well when he is young and leads us through the wine cellars on Grassnitzberg. “We even get inquiries from doctors and lawyers from Munich who want to help with the wine harvest. And we are happy about it. "
Before the times of the Schengen Agreement, when the border to Slovenia was not as permeable as it is today, the vineyards of the Polz family were quite remote. The border to the neighboring country is only a few hundred meters away from her winery. We drive from ours Hotel in Gut Poessnitzberg * by Slovenia – the shortest route between the vineyards and the estate. “That has changed now, but it is still hard work to grow wine here,” says Lukas Polz.
The fact that the Clan Polz family manages this with flying colors is shown on the one hand by the Sauvignon Blancs and Spumantes that they produce and on the other by the fact that their Sauvignon Blanc Therese was even liked by the Swedish royal family, as it was made at the wedding of Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling served to the wedding guests, a fact of which the Polz winery is particularly proud. A visit to their winery is a must on a Styrian holiday for connoisseurs.
Polz winery
Am Grassnitzberg 39
8472 Strasse in Styria
Tel. +43 3453 23010
Austria's Cheese Artist at Fromagerie Riegersburg
Bernhard Gruber greets us with his daughter in his arms and gives us an insight into his work as a cheese artist during our holiday in Styria. He is a cheese “designer”, and when I ask him how one becomes one, he just laughs and says: “There is no training for that. I am a sommelier and a chef, but what I am doing here is my own creation.” That is exactly what his cheesesthat he has on offer.
Gruber buys the cheese from alpine dairymen and makes cheese works of art out of it. None of his cheeses are aged in his storage rooms for less than a year. He also refines the cheeses with surprising ingredients. These include meadow herbs as well as Zotter chocolate. He scrapes the rind off some wheels of cheese only to create a new one that is more flavorful. Gruber creates cheese creations such as Vulkanland beer cheese or Zotter(sc)himmel. Its cheese varieties are part of a Styrian holiday for gourmets.
A tip for your Styrian holiday: You should bring time to visit the Fromagerie Riegersburg. There you have the opportunity to taste these cheese creations with a glass of wine. Only then does the visitor understand the variety of flavors that are created in Gruber's hands from the region's mountain cheese.
Käsekunst Manufactory in Riegersburg
Bergl 2
8333 Bergl
Tel. +43 3153 71473
This is how we experience our Styria gourmet holiday for connoisseurs
They are honest, persevering and maybe a little stubborn, the Styrians. Don't let yourself be thrown off the path you've taken so quickly. No matter how great the adversity to be overcome. If you are convinced of something, carry it through to the end. At least that's the case with those we met on our trip. They are friendly, lovable and hospitable. We felt very comfortable with the hosts on our journey of discovery through Styria's cuisine, which took us to the region's highlights for gourmets. We're sure! That wasn't the last time that we would spend a holiday in Styria for connoisseurs. There is so much to discover here.
Further information:
- How do you make wine?
- Looking over the shoulders of winemakers
- wine and fruit growing
- Austrian wine
- 16 million years of Styrian volcanic land
- Highlights in the Thermen- und Vulkanland Steiermark
- Styrian Volcanic Land
Questions and answers about a Styrian holiday for connoisseurs
Which types of wine are particularly typical in Styria?
In Styria you will find mainly white wines. Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling and Gelber Muskateller are particularly popular. The region is known for its unique climate, which gives these varieties a special touch. You can discover the variety for yourself by visiting the wineries.
Can you combine wine tasting with culinary delights in Styria?
Yes, many wineries offer tastings that are combined with regional specialties. You will often be served cheese, ham or bread from the area. This allows you to experience the aromas of the wine even more intensely. Some wineries work with top local chefs.
Are there also organic wines in Styria?
More and more winemakers in Styria are focusing on organic or biodynamic cultivation. These wines are produced without chemical additives. At the wineries you can often find out directly how organic cultivation is implemented and what philosophy lies behind it.
When is the best time for a gourmet trip to Styria?
The best time for a gourmet trip is late summer to autumn. This is the harvest season and many festivals around wine and food take place. You can taste fresh Sturm (young wine) and enjoy regional dishes that perfectly match the season.
Which traditional dishes go well with Styrian wines?
Classics such as fried chicken or Styrian scarlet runner bean salad go perfectly with the fresh white wines. Dishes with pumpkin seed oil, such as creamy pumpkin soup, also go well with the wines. These regional specialties highlight the characteristics of the wines and make the trip a special experience.
Can you also visit local producers on a gourmet trip to Styria?
Yes, in addition to the winemakers, you can also visit producers of regional specialties. Whether it's pumpkin seed oil, cheese or ham - many companies open their doors for tours. You can find out on site how the products are made and, of course, you can also taste them.
Are there gourmet restaurants that use regional ingredients?
In Styria you will find numerous restaurants that prepare their dishes using regional ingredients. Many chefs work closely with local farmers and winemakers. The food is often seasonal and shows you the diversity of Styrian cuisine - always fresh and authentic.
Can you also stay overnight at the wineries in Styria?
Yes, some wineries offer overnight accommodation. This means you can stay on site after a wine tasting and end the day in comfort. These accommodations often offer beautiful views of the vineyards and the surrounding area, which makes the stay particularly relaxing.
Do you want to go hiking on your Styria holiday?
- What do you need for a hike in the region? In our packing list for hikers For example, you can check what you need for your tour.
- Good hiking boots are definitely a must for every hike. Only then can you enjoy your hike.
- You also need one for a snack on the go backpack. In it you can, for example, write yours lunch box and accommodate everything you need for your day trip.
- There are numerous hiking trails that are also ideal for a Picnic suitable.
- Practical accessories for hiking you can also find here.
Book your accommodation on the Southern Styrian Wine Route here
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Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you can find information here, for example booking options. Or would you prefer to stay overnight instead in a roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- Practical camper accessories you can also find here.
- Austria has a nationwide network of campsites. There are parking spaces in all parts of the country. However, you are only allowed to stay overnight outside of campsites and parking spaces for a maximum of one night. But be careful: there are additional regional bans (Tyrol, Vienna). Campsites in the vicinity of Riegersburg* You can reserve here, for example.
- Here you will also find tips for Cooking in the mobile home.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Here you can find, for example, the Hotels in Styria, which we tested ourselves during our holiday in Styria.
Book your accommodation in Vulkanland here
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Destinations for a Styria holiday
- Graz insider tips – Discover Graz’s culinary delights
- In St. Lambrecht
- Im murtal
- At the nuclear Sausal wine region
- Close to Therme Loipersdorf
- The South Styrian Wine Route
- At the Schilcher wine route
- Im Ausseerland
- In the capital Graz
- In Schladming
- Discover Styrian delights
- More tips for the Styria here.
Travel organization for your Styria holiday for connoisseurs:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arrival for a Styrian holiday for connoisseurs
Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Swiss fly to ViennaFrom there you can then rent a car. It is also possible to travel by train to Graz.
Book your rental car here:
Book a rental car cheaply and conveniently online
Do you know this?
- Wine and wellness at the Loisium Wine & Spa Resort
- Culinary travel – how does it work?
- Three hotels for connoisseurs in Styria
- Go on a culinary journey of discovery with the mobile home
- Taste the World: Wine Regions to Discover
- Trips to Savor and Travel Tips
- Fläming holidays for connoisseurs
- Hot chocolate in the Burgcafe in Bad Belzig
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- Everything for the Christmas goose: on a shopping tour through Burgenland
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You can find travel tips on culinary delights, for example, in our TravelWorldOnline. You can also find tips on wine and drinks at Wine tourism - wine regions. More slow travel Travel Tips is finally available at this link. Also discover others Wine regions in Austria.
Source Styria vacation for connoisseurs: research on site with invitation from Enjoy Travel Austria and Styria Tourism. We are very grateful for this. Our opinions remain our own.
Text Styria Holiday for Connoisseurs : © Copyright Monika Fuchs and Travel World Online
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Videos: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline