Recommendations for heurigers in Neustift am Walde

You can take the tram to Grinzing--lots of heurigers there. Most had outdoor dining but we were there in October so dining outside was not an option. We sampled wine in two different heurigers and looked around for another one for dinner that had the most appealing atmosphere and menu.

“Heuriger” is german for “this year's vintage” and doesn't refer to a particular location. Vintners typically open their estates for a sampling of the new wine for a short time, and then they are closed for the rest of the year. Also, they are not all open at the same time. So you may not always be able to go to particular vintner, but you can always find a heurigen. You can also get new wine in taverns and restaurants, but that's not the same as going to a heurigen.

In my opinion, it's best to ask locals, or your landlord, for a recommendation of where to go. They are most likely to know who is open and who has the best combination of wine, food and atmosphere at any given time. Better yet, get a local to take you.

My personal opinion is that Neustift am Walde is less touristy than Grinzing. Although it is starting to catch-up in the "touristy" department. Although every heuriger in Neustift am Walde has its charms, our recommendations are "Schreiberhaus" and "Zimmerman". Schreiberhaus has an absolutely lovely garden in the summer and the garden has access directly into the vineyards. Zimmerman is more "authentic" but a bit harder to find; it's not on the main street. It is sitting right in the Vineyards and you can dine and drink under fruit trees. Absolutely enchanting. Note that Zimmerman is not open on Sundays. Zimmerman raises a May pole on or around 1 May, which is always fun! If you really want to get off the beaten path, there are also a few heurigen in Sievering, which is a snug little valley between Neustift am Walde and Grinzing. It’s a sleepy little place with not much going on. There you will find Heuriger "Kohler", which is one of a dying breed: Small, cozy, completely family run and completely local. Unless you bump into my family, you will probably be the only foreigner there. Mom and Pop Kohler don't speak a lick of English and their thick Viennese accents make even their German a challenge. But for ordering drinks and wine, you'll be fine. They are usually closed the last 10 days of each month. Check their website before you go! 39A bus will get you there. Kohler is also on the edge of the Vienna woods. One other note: Check the Vienna website because one weekend in October they always have Wien Wein Wandertag (Vienna Wine hike day), when you'll find musicians and foodbooths and a marked trail through the vineyards. Have fun!