Often called the “Styrian Tuscany”, this pocket of southern Austria – sitting right on the border with Slovenia – is a landscape of gravity-defying steep vineyards, rolling hills shrouded in morning mist, and narrow, winding roads that seem to lead exclusively to excellent wine.
For 70 years, the South Styrian Wine Road has served as the lifeblood of this region. Established in 1955 to support local farmers, it has grown from a simple transport route into Austria’s oldest and most famous wine trail. Tucked away in the emerald hills along this iconic path, the “Buschenschank” serves as the soul of the experience, offering a rustic sanctuary where the wine is always cold and the hospitality is famously warm. We will explore the fascinating rules and traditions of these unique taverns in more detail later in this article.
Stretching about 25 kilometers from the town of Ehrenhausen to Leutschach, this isn’t a highway; it’s a zig-zagging journey through a living postcard.
This is what the South Styrian Wine Road looks like
A Border Without Boundaries
One of the most unique things about the Wine Road is that for several stretches, the road is the international border: To your left, you’re in Austria – To your right, you’re in Slovenia.
There are sections where you can park your car in Austria and walk across the street to a winery in Slovenia (Ciringa) for a glass of wine. It’s a beautiful reminder of how interconnected this European wine culture truly is. Don’t forget to look for the “Grenztisch” (Table at the Border), a literal picnic table placed exactly on the border line where you can sit with a friend in two different countries.
Must-See Stops Along the Route
To help you navigate this winding paradise, we’ve rounded up the essential landmarks and hidden gems you absolutely cannot miss while cruising the wine road.
Please note: While these are all iconic landmarks of the region, keep in mind that they are spread out across the hills, so while you can certainly hike between some of them, you’ll likely want to use a bike or the WEINmobil to see them all in one trip!
1. Ehrenhausen an der Weinstraße: The Historical Gateway
Your journey typically begins here. Ehrenhausen is a picture-perfect town dominated by the Eggenberg Mausoleum, which sits high above the ochre-colored rooftops. It’s the perfect place to park the car, stretch your legs, and soak in the historical side of Styria before heading into the hills.
2. Gamlitz: The Culinary Heart
Gamlitz isn’t just a wine town; it’s an experience. It is home to a castle (Schloss Gamlitz), which houses the First Styrian Wine Museum. If you’re traveling with kids (or are just a big kid at heart), don’t miss the Motorikpark Gamlitz. This is Europe’s largest motor skills park with 41 stations to test your balance and coordination. You can enter for free.
3. The World’s Largest Glass Grape at Eorykogel
Rising majestically above the vineyards in Leutschach, you’ll find the world’s largest glass grape. It’s a stunning piece of art that sparkles in the sun, and since it was named Styria’s “most beautiful place of 2025,” it’s an absolute must-see for your photo album.
4. Kitzeck im Sausal: The Alpine View
While it’s technically a short detour, Kitzeck is legendary. At 564 meters, it is the highest wine-growing village in Europe. The views from here are nothing short of breathtaking. On a clear day, the vineyard-covered hills look like green waves rolling toward the horizon.
5. Heiligengeistklamm: The Nature Escape
If you need a break from the wine glass, the Heiligengeistklamm (Holy Spirit Gorge) offers a rugged, cooling hike through lush forests and past small waterfalls. The trail leads you from the valley floor all the way up to a charming church perched right on the border ridge.
6. The Heart-Shaped Road (Herzerlstraße)
Located just across the border at Špičnik, this is the most famous photo motif in the region. The winding vineyard path forms a perfect heart shape when viewed from the overlook. It’s a bit of a cliché, but seeing it in person as the sun sets over the vines is pure magic.
7. The “Grenztisch” (Table at the Border)
For a truly unique experience, seek out the Grenztisch near Glanz. It’s a simple wooden picnic table placed exactly on the border between Austria and Slovenia. It’s a favorite local spot for a “no-man’s-land” snack and a symbolic glass of wine between neighbors.
What Exactly is a Buschenschank?
At its heart, a Buschenschank is a traditional wine tavern run by the winemakers themselves. But don’t mistake it for a standard restaurant! By law, these establishments are strictly regulated to preserve their authentic, rustic soul. The rule is simple: everything served must be homemade or sourced from local farmers.
The Golden Rules of the Buschenschank
To keep the tradition alive, every authentic Buschenschank follows some wonderful laws:
- No Warm Food: You won’t find Schnitzel or soup here. Everything is served cold.
- Estate-Grown Wine: The wine must come from the owner’s own vineyards.
- Limited Drinks: You can order wine, grape juice, or water, but you’ll never find beer, coffee, or Coca-Cola on the menu.
- “Ausg’steckt is!”: This phrase means “it’s unplugged” (referring to the bunch of twigs or Buschen being put out). If the twigs are up, the wine is pouring!
What’s on the Menu?
The centerpiece of any visit is the Brettljause. Served on a rustic wooden board, it’s a masterpiece of regional flavors. You’ll typically find:
- Smoked meats and bacon
- Verhackert (a savory spread made of finely chopped bacon)
- Beetle Bean Salad drenched in dark, nutty Styrian pumpkin seed oil (highly recommended!)
- Freshly grated horseradish, which provides a spicy kick that Styrians swear by
- Homemade sourdough bread and seasonal spreads.
A visit to a South Styrian Buschenschank isn’t just about the food; it’s about the Gemütlichkeit (coziness). Whether you’re sitting on a wooden bench overlooking the vines of the Sausal hills or the South Styrian Wine Road, there’s no rush. You grab a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Welschriesling, share a platter with friends, and watch the sun dip behind the hills. It’s authentic Austria at its very best.
Getting Around: The WEINmobil
The Wine Road is curvy, narrow, and, let’s be honest, meant for wine tasting. Driving isn’t always the best option if you want to sample the goods.
Tip: Use the WEINmobil. It’s a specialized van-shuttle system that covers the entire wine road. You just call the hotline or use the app, and they’ll pick you up from your hotel and drop you at any winery or restaurant in the region. It’s affordable, safe, and saves you the stress of navigating those hairpins after a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
You can find more information about the WEINmobil here. Plus, your hosts will be more than happy to help you out if you’re staying overnight in the wine region.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The South Styrian Wine Road is a breathtaking destination regardless of the season, though you’ll find that some Buschenschänke and local shops close their doors for a winter rest, so it’s always wise to double-check opening times if you’re visiting outside the main harvest period.
Autumn: The Golden Season (September – October)
This is peak season, and for good reason. The vineyards turn a fiery gold, the air gets crisp, and the region hums with the energy of the harvest. It’s all about Sturm and Kastanien (fermenting grape juice and roasted chestnuts).
Top Event: The Gamlitz Grape Harvest Festival (October 1–4, 2026). It’s a riot of traditional costumes, brass bands, and a legendary thanksgiving parade.
Note: This is the busiest time, so if you’re planning a weekend trip, book your accommodation months in advance!
Spring: The Fresh Awakening (April – June)
If you prefer a quieter, more romantic experience, spring is the “insider” choice. The hills turn an impossible shade of vibrant green, and the fruit trees are in full bloom. It’s much easier to snag a prime terrace seat at a Buschenschank without a reservation.
Top Event: Don’t miss the Ratsch Wine Spring or the Gamlitz Spring Wine Tasting (typically in late March/April) to be among the first to sample the newly bottled vintage.
Tip: Visit in late June for the WineFire event (June 30, 2026). Seeing the sunset over the vineyards while chefs cook over open flames is an experience you won’t forget.
2026 Event Highlight: Gamlitzer Weinlesefest
If you are visiting in early October 2026, the Gamlitz Wine Harvest Festival is the place to be. It’s the biggest harvest festival in the region, featuring a massive parade, traditional costumes, and enough Sturm (cloudy, fermenting grape juice) to keep the whole town dancing until Sunday night.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
You can find more information about the different hiking routes here.
Getting Around the South Styrian Wine Street
- The WEINmobil: This specialized shuttle system covers the entire wine road. You simply call the hotline or use the app, and they’ll pick you up from your hotel and drop you at any winery or restaurant. It’s affordable, safe, and saves you the stress of navigating those hairpins after a tasting.
- E-Biking: The hills here are no joke! If you want to cycle, we highly recommend renting an E-Bike. Many towns like Gamlitz and Leutschach have rental stations.
- Vespa Rental: For the ultimate “Styrian Tuscany” vibe, you can even rent a Vespa in places like Ehrenhausen to drive between the vines in style.
Official Website
Address: Südsteirische Weinstraße, 8461 Steiermark
Map:
