CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 03/2023

SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER
Der hellrote Uhudler ist ein Wein-Unikat aus dem Südburgenland (oben links); rechts: typischer Heuriger
in der Kellergasse von Purbach am Neusiedler See; das hügelige Südburgenland bietet ein umfangreiches
Radwegenetz für E-Biker (unten). The bright red Uhudler is a unique wine from southern Burgenland (top
left); right: typical Heuriger in the Kellergasse of Purbach on Lake Neusiedl; hilly southern Burgenland offers an
extensive network of cycle paths for e-bikers (bottom).
Wine holiday
Much has already been achieved: In Burgenland,
disciples of Bacchus, the ancient
Roman god of wine, can find exquisite accommodations
amidst the vineyards.
Throughout the region, numerous “Holiday
at the Winery” establishments (including
private ones) invite visitors to typical Pannonian
farmhouses and wine-growing estates.
In winemaker’s rooms or spacious holiday
apartments, indulgence meets
traditional cosiness, authentic warmth and
well-maintained comfort. Through the windows,
the parallel rows of vineyards create a
wonderfully symmetrical landscape. Here,
one can experience up close where and how
the exceptional wines of Burgenland are
crafted. Those who wish can even lend a helping
hand in the process.
Typical for Southern Burgenland are the
“Kellerstöckl”: These historical agricultural
buildings consist of a wine cellar and an upper
floor with sleeping and living areas for
workers. Many of these time-honoured Kellerstöckl
have been lovingly renovated and
now serve as idyllic holiday apartments. The
wine cellars remain well-stocked and are
open for guests to explore.
Exercise & wine
With 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s a
compelling reason to embark on biking or
hiking tours in Burgenland. The region offers
a 3,300-kilometre-long marked cycling
network, complete with service and rental
stations, and numerous places to rest and
enjoy local delicacies. The cycling options
range from mountain bike trails, sporty
road cycling routes, E-bike tours and familyfriendly
paths to themed routes. Leisurely
rides can be enjoyed on the mostly flat cycle
paths around Lake Neusiedl, while in Rosalia,
cyclists are rewarded with spectacular
views. The biking region of Central Burgenland
is still relatively undiscovered, while E-
bike enthusiasts will find their paradise in
Southern Burgenland.
Here are a few examples: The Festival
Cycle Path on the western side of Lake Neusiedl
(61 kilometres, a circular tour between
Donnerskirchen, Mörbisch and Eisenstadt)
connects vineyards with picturesque wine
villages and cultural highlights. The 260-kilometre-long
Southern Burgenland Paradise
Route offers a diverse and occasionally hilly,
yet rewarding journey in six daily stages
through three nature parks, the Raab and
Lafnitz river landscapes, the southern wine
mountains and the Kellerviertel region.
Are you familiar with Uhudler? This ancient
speciality from Southern Burgenland,
made from ungrafted grapes, is a unique
and light red wine with wild strawberry aromas.
The 3.5-kilometre-long Uhudler
Round Hiking Trail reveals many secrets
and leads to the historic wine cellars of Heiligenbrunn,
some of which are centuries old
and have thatched roofs.
The flagship grape variety of Central Burgenland
is Blaufränkisch. Enthusiasts can
explore this intense red wine variety around
Horitschon. At Lake Neusiedl, the Oggau
Wine Hiking Trail offers 30 information stations
about viticulture and its significance.
Pure indulgence in the glass and on the plate
For those who prefer not to engage in
sporting activities, Burgenland offers a perfect
setting for relaxed enjoyment. The “Buschenschenke”
(also known as “Heuriger”)
is typical of Eastern Austria. The “Buschen”
(a bundle of pine branches on a stick or a
straw wreath) indicates that the wine is
“ausg´steckt” (poured and served). In small
traditional establishments, wine is only served
at certain times. Larger Heuriger, however,
are open year-round. At these charming
places, you can indulge in authentic pleasures
and rustic cosiness. The glass sparkles
with wines produced on-site, and the hearty
specialities on the plate are homemade or
sourced from the surrounding area.
The most enchanting time in Burgenland
arrives when the grape harvest is safely
stored away, and the young wines slumber
in the cellars, maturing beautifully. This heralds
the beginning of the Pannonian autumn
with the Martiniloben (Saint Martin’s
Day celebration) and various customs festivals.
However, there’s a moment of anticipation
before the festivities begin. Everyone
must wait until 11 November, the feast day
of the patron saint of the region, Saint Martin.
It’s only then that the new wine is first
tasted, and the cellar doors open to all wine
enthusiasts.
PHOTOS: BURGENLAND TOURISMUS/BIRGIT MACHTINGER, NEUSIEDLER SEE TOURISMUS/MOTIONMANAGER, VELONTOUR
Our VILA VITA Pannonia world of living became even more diverse in summer 2023!
In addition to the already existing “Residences by the lake - lakeside”, located directly on the shores of the hotel’s own bathing lake, we
added 19 exclusive “Residences by the lake - parkside” with unmistakable private living comfort. The new chalets have two separate bedrooms,
each with its own bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a private car port and a spacious terrace which offers a unique view of the Pannonian
nature. In the main building, the standard hotel rooms have been remodelled into the new “Pannonia Suites” with even more space and
living comfort. Discover VILA VITA Pannonia **** S - a hideaway in a class of its own.
—
NICHOLAS OFCZAREK ALS
INFO:
www.burgenland.info
vilavitapannonia.at
SO EINEN WEIN SPIELT’S NUR DA.
150 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2023