Vienna's vineyard taverns pushed to move with the times

Vienna’s traditional wine taverns, known as “Heuriger”, are adapting to changing times by introducing non-alcoholic wines and vegan food options to attract younger visitors.

Located among the vine-covered hills around Austria’s capital, these centuries-old taverns are also facing challenges from climate change. Extreme heat, heavy rain, and hail are affecting grape production and increasing sugar levels in grapes, leading to higher alcohol content in wines. Winemakers say modernising their offerings is essential for preserving the Heuriger tradition, which remains an important part of Vienna’s culture and tourism.