Austria has a long and storied wine history dating back to Roman times, with a strong tradition rooted in monastic viticulture during the Middle Ages. The modern Austrian wine industry faced a major setback in the 1980s due to an adulteration scandal, but it quickly recovered by tightening regulations and committing to high quality. Today, Austria is celebrated for its clean, terroir-driven wines—especially white wines that combine Old World elegance with bright acidity and mineral character. The country has developed a reputation for precision winemaking, sustainable vineyard practices, and a balance between tradition and innovation. Geographically, Austria’s vineyards are concentrated in the eastern part of the country, where the Alps give way to lower hills and river valleys. The Danube River and its tributaries, along with a continental climate marked by warm days and cool nights, create ideal growing conditions for aromatic whites and structured reds. The country’s diverse soils—ranging from loess and gravel to slate and limestone—allow for detailed site expression, especially in terraced vineyards like those found in the Wachau. Most Austrian wines are labeled by grape variety and region, with a growing emphasis on DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) designations, which highlight regional typicity. Austria’s most iconic grape is Grüner Veltliner, known for its fresh acidity, white pepper, and citrus notes, ranging from light and zippy to complex and age-worthy. Other leading white grapes include Riesling, Welschriesling, and Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), while red wines—about one-third of production—feature native varieties like Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and St. Laurent. Key wine regions include Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, and Wagram along the Danube for white wines, and Burgenland and Thermenregion for reds and sweet wines. Austria also produces world-class dessert wines, particularly from Neusiedlersee, where botrytis (noble rot) thrives. With its distinctive native grapes, clean winemaking, and commitment to terroir, Austria stands as one of Europe’s most exciting and quality-focused wine countries.