Sturm Season Is Here: Where to Drink It in and Around Vienna

Our favourite moment of the year is officially here: Sturm season has begun. For anyone who doesn't know it yet — Sturm is young wine that's still fermenting, which makes it naturally cloudy, slightly fizzy and fruity. It's an Austrian autumn classic that's only available for a short time each year, and that's exactly what makes it so special.

The second September hits, we get more excited than almost anywhere else — especially in Vienna, where you can enjoy Sturm both in the middle of the city and out by the vineyards. And honestly: is there a better excuse to head up into the hills and catch the last sunny days of summer? Here are our favourite spots for the season.

If you want Sturm without going far, this is the spot, right in the heart of the first district. This storied house is a true Viennese institution and pairs the Sturm season with its classic, elegant atmosphere. Best enjoyed with one of their famous open sandwiches — the little belegte Brötchen here are basically a cult. It's the ideal stop for a stylish afternoon or an after-work aperitif. Central, charming and Viennese through and through.

For anyone who prefers Sturm in a relaxed setting rather than the traditional Heuriger vibe, Café Frida at Yppenplatz is the perfect pick. The area around Brunnenmarkt is laid-back, young and full of life. Here you sip your Sturm among café guests and market-goers, without any of the fuss. A cosy place to let the afternoon drift by. Casual, easygoing and right in the middle of the Grätzl.

Sturm on Zollergasse is perfect for an easy after-work drink that can easily turn into a late night. Café Europa sits in the lively seventh district and has that relaxed city energy you love on mild autumn evenings.

You come by for a Sturm — and often stay longer than planned. Ideal when you're in the mood for good company and a bit of nightlife. Central and always a good idea.

Central Sturm stop with a hidden garden right behind the MuseumsQuartier — step off the busy streets and into a leafy courtyard shaded by old trees. Green tables under the canopy, glasses waiting, and the buzz of the city fading the moment you sit down.

It’s the easy in-town choice when you want Sturm without leaving the center: classic and unfussy, with the kind of tucked-away garden atmosphere that makes you forget how close you still are to the MQ. Perfect for a spontaneous glass after a gallery afternoon.

This is the one for a sunny autumn afternoon — with Sturm, regional snacks and vineyard views. The Nussberg is one of Vienna's most beautiful lookout points, with the vines in the foreground and the city below.

You sit outside, soak up the last warm rays of sun and just enjoy the moment. It's exactly the kind of afternoon you live for in autumn. An absolute classic for the season.

Seasonal Sturm, traditional Heuriger food and an open terrace with views over Vienna — everything just works here. The Sirbu is one of those places where you get the real Heuriger feeling, combined with one of the best views in the city.

The terrace is the star, especially in good weather. You come for the Sturm and stay for the sunset. Traditional, cosy and with a panorama.

A more polished Heuriger stop for Sturm, Vienna views and wines by Fritz Wieninger. If you love the Heuriger tradition but want a more modern, considered setting, this is the place. The wines have real class, and so does the view.

It's the slightly more elegant take on a vineyard afternoon. Stylish, relaxed and with seriously good wine.

A family-run organic Buschenschank in Grinzing with Sturm and their own organic wines. This is where you get the authentic stuff: small in scale, big on heart and wines straight from the house.

Grinzing is one of Vienna's most classic wine areas anyway, and Obermann brings an honest, down-to-earth note to it. Perfect for anyone who values organic and family-run. Small, real and full of character.

Weekend Sturm high above Vienna — with white, red and Schilcher Sturm throughout autumn. The setting on the Himmel is as idyllic as the name suggests, up in the hills with views into the green.

What's especially nice is the choice: here you get not just the classic white Sturm, but red and Schilcher too. Perfect for a weekend outing when you want to escape the city buzz. Right at the top, fully relaxed.

Tucked into the vines above Vienna, der Weingarten is the kind of spot that feels made for slow afternoons. Wooden tables under parasols, rows of vines stretching out behind you, and the city somewhere far below, a proper garden right in the middle of the wine.

What makes it lovely is how relaxed it all is: cozy afternoons, easy evenings with friends, celebrations of every kind. Come for a glass, stay for the view, and let the day stretch out as long as it wants.

The best thing about Sturm is also what makes it so precious: it's only around for a few weeks, then it's gone again. Whether it's an after-work glass in the middle of the city or up by the vineyards with a view over Vienna — the season is the perfect excuse to get out and celebrate autumn. Pick your favourite spot, grab good company and toast while you still can. And if you want even more occasions and picks - follow our Newsletter.