Weingut Schauer sits on the steep slate hills of Kitzeck im Sausal in Southern Styria. Managed by brothers Stefan and Bernhard Schauer, this family estate focuses on cool climate viticulture driven by high elevation and dark slate soil. The steep inclines demand manual labor, producing crisp white wines with clear mineral structure and distinct freshness.
What You Can Do
Visitors can book structured wine tastings inside the sleek tasting room, which overlooks the valley floor below. Cellar visits provide insights into spontaneous fermentation and aging in concrete eggs and large wooden oak casks. Guests can reserve one of the guest rooms situated directly beside the winemaking facilities.
What They Offer
The winery concentrates on classic Styrian white grape varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Weissburgunder, and Gelber Muskateller. Single vineyard bottlings from sites such as Kirchenegg and Greut show the difference in soil composition. Accommodation features minimalist wood and glass architecture with direct balcony access to the vineyard landscape.
Activities
The surrounding Sausal hill country offers extensive hiking networks. Footpaths lead through wooded ridges and past steep vineyard terraces. Guests can walk to the center of Kitzeck, which holds the title of the highest wine village in Europe, or visit the local viticulture museum to learn about regional heritage.
Food to Eat
The estate serves seasonal regional platters during tastings, featuring smoked meats, local cheeses, and crusty farm bread. Down the road, traditional Buschenschank taverns offer pumpkin seed oil specialties, cured meats, and fresh salads. The clean acidity of the Schauer Sauvignon Blanc cuts through these rich cold cuts seamlessly.
Why Visit
Weingut Schauer offers an insightful perspective on high elevation winemaking in Austria. Its focus on site specificity, combined with thoughtful modern guest space, creates an informative visit without unnecessary pretense.
Review
The atmosphere is quiet and functional, prioritizing the wine over elaborate tourism. While the onsite dining options are limited to cold plates, the sharp focus of the single vineyard Rieslings and the expansive mountain views make this an exceptional place to understand mountain viticulture.