The best spoiler of the year

Once a year, something unusual happens: the new ÖTW Erste Lagen wines are unveiled to the public before they are officially released. The grounds of Grafenegg Castle open for an afternoon, and you are among the first to taste the current vintage. Around 300 wines, which are only released when they are truly ready. White wines one year after harvest, red wines two. No compromises. No rushing.

300 wines. Your way.

The wines are listed by Erste Lage vineyards; you decide the order yourself. Which vineyard tells which story? Where can you sense the terroir, and where the winemaker’s signature style? These aren’t rhetorical questions. You’ll find the answers in your glass, or you can ask directly, as the winemakers are serving their wines themselves.

The evening is all about music.

Those who stay will be rewarded. That same evening, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Teddy Abrams and featuring pianist Yuja Wang, will perform as part of the Grafenegg Festival. World-class music, a historic setting, and with a concert ticket, the afternoon wine tasting is included free of charge. There’s hardly a better reason to stay for the whole day.

Admission

• Free with a concert ticket for the day
• € 30 at the box office without a concert ticket
• € 25 in advance from the ÖTW Online Shop
• Glass deposit (Zalto glasses) € 30 (please pay in cash; refunded upon return of the glass)

Free shuttle between Wagram-Grafenegg railway station and Grafenegg Castle. Please note: there will be no shuttle service after the concert