Weingut Wolfgang Maitz sits on the steep southern Styrian hillsides in Ehrenhausen, close to the Slovenian border. This family run estate focuses on capturing the distinct limestone and clay soils of the region. The winery building blends into the landscape, surrounded by vertical vineyards that define the South Styrian wine route. It is a quiet destination where the focus remains on traditional viticulture and thoughtful land preservation.
What You Can Do
Visitors can explore the vineyards on foot or join a guided cellar tour to understand the slow pressing and spontaneous fermentation methods used here. The estate features a modern tasting room with large windows overlooking the Kroisbach valley. Here, guests can sample current releases and older vintages. For those wishing to stay longer, the winery provides comfortable guest rooms directly on the property, allowing for a deep immersion into the quiet rural rhythms of the area.
What They Offer
The estate specializes in classic Styrian grape varieties, with a strong emphasis on Sauvignon Blanc, Morillon, Pinot Blanc, and Gelber Muskateller. Many of the wines come from single vineyard sites like Hochgrassnitzberg, known for producing structured wines with notable aging potential. The onsite accommodation consists of bright, minimalist rooms designed with local oak wood and natural materials. There is also a small wellness area featuring a sauna with views of the vines.
Activities
Walking trails lead directly from the winery through the steep vineyards and nearby woodlands. The South Styrian wine route is highly accessible, making it easy to visit neighboring family farms and artisan producers. Bicycles can be rented nearby to explore the rolling hills. In autumn, guests can watch the grape harvest firsthand and experience the seasonal transformation of the landscape.
Food to Eat
The onsite tavern, or Buschenschank, serves traditional Styrian cold platters alongside house baked bread. The kitchen prioritizes regional ingredients, sourcing cheeses, cured meats, and pumpkin seed oil from nearby producers. Each dish is paired with estate wines, particularly the crisp Pinot Blanc or the mineral driven Sauvignon Blanc. The dining area includes an outdoor terrace shaded by old trees, offering a relaxed setting for lunch or dinner.
Why Visit
This estate offers an authentic look at Styrian wine culture without the crowds of larger tourist hubs. The combination of precise winemaking, comfortable lodging, and regional food makes it an excellent base for exploring the Vulkanland and South Styria regions.
The estate succeeds in creating a calm and highly professional environment. The rooms are clean and functional, though the lack of an onsite hot dinner option on certain weekdays requires some planning. Overall, the exceptional quality of the single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and the genuine hospitality make it a highly rewarding stop.