Weingut Schauer sits high in the hills of Kitzeck im Sausal within southern Styria. This family operated estate rests on steep slate slopes that define the local landscape and wine profile. Brothers Stefan and Bernhard Schauer manage the vineyards today, prioritizing precise canopy management and clean winemaking techniques. The high altitude and cool night breezes create distinct conditions that shape the acidity and mineral structure of their bottles.
What You Can Do
Visitors can book structured wine tastings in the modern tasting space or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the valley. Guided walks through the slate vineyards explain the challenges of farming slopes with up to seventy percent incline. The winery offers direct cellar purchases alongside cellar visits that detail their maturation process in stainless steel and large wooden casks.
What They Offer
The estate focuses heavily on Sauvignon Blanc, Weissburgunder, and Riesling grown on red and grey slate soils. Their production ranges from fresh regional wines to complex single vineyard bottlings, notably from the Gaisriegl site. On site accommodation features quiet guest rooms equipped with modern wooden furnishings and balconies facing the vines.
Activities
Walking trails lead directly from the winery into the surrounding Sausal countryside. Guests can explore the village of Kitzeck, recognized as the highest viticultural village in Austria, and visit the local wine museum. Road cycling routes wind past neighboring farms, while quiet forest trails provide easy hiking throughout southern Styria.
Food to Eat
The estate operates a traditional Buschenschank where guests sample cold regional specialties paired with current vintages. Platters feature cured meats, regional alpine cheeses, grated horseradish, and dark bread served with local pumpkin seed oil. All ingredients are sourced from small neighboring producers within the district.
Why Visit
Weingut Schauer provides a clear look into high altitude steep slope winemaking in southern Styria. The combination of focused wines, comfortable rooms, and clear views makes it a worthwhile stop for travelers seeking an authentic vineyard stay.
My visit to Weingut Schauer offered a strong impression of regional Styrian craftsmanship. The single vineyard wines showed remarkable clarity, and the quiet setting of the guest rooms provided a peaceful stay. While the narrow steep access road requires cautious driving and evening dining options nearby are limited, the overall experience was thoughtful and balanced.