Vienna in December is a city wrapped in magic, from its baroque palaces glowing with twinkling lights to the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifting through its famed Christmas markets. Strolling along the Ringstrasse, you’ll find unique boutiques alongside Gothic spires dressed in festive decorations. Each corner offers a glimpse into Austria’s rich cultural heritage! Beyond the city, the surrounding wine regions, from the steep terraces of the Wachau Valley to the rolling hills of Burgenland, invite visitors to taste exceptional vintages paired with traditional Austrian fare.
The contrast is pure Christmas magic! A glass of Grüner Veltliner savored in a quiet vineyard one afternoon followed by a lively evening in Vienna’s Rathausplatz market, where choirs sing carols beneath the glowing tree. This trip promises not only the elegance of Austria’s finest wines coupled with the endearing spirit of its holiday traditions. Join us for an unforgettable experience combining the best of Austrian wine and festive holiday cheer!
Please note that spaces are limited! If you are interested in coming along, please contact us as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
The specific activities on this schedule are tentative and subject to minor adjustments due to logistical and other practical considerations.
We’ll meet in the hotel lobby in the late afternoon to introduce ourselves over a glass of wine. We will then journey to the nearby wine region of Thermenregion where we will enjoy classic Austrian fare alongside award winning wines from the region.
During our first full day we’ll journey to the medieval village of Dürnstein in the heart of the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the hillside vineyards of the Wachau and taste with a winery that traces its heritage back to the 11th century. Enjoy a multicourse lunch featuring the local wines and traditional regional fare. Following lunch, we’ll cross the Danube into the village of Palt for a tasting with a boutique winery. Our afternoon will conclude with “kaffee und kuchen” before heading back to Vienna.
We’ll spend the morning exploring the historic city center of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the sights of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the State Opera House, amongst many hidden historical treasures. We’ll then restore our strength with a multicourse wine lunch at a restaurant featuring a modern take on Austrian cuisine.
Today we head east to the regions of Carnuntum and Burgenland along the shore of Lake Neusiedl. These areas are the home of Austria’s best red wines, including spicy Zweigelt and robust Blaufränkisch. We’ll start with a late morning tasting at a modern, innovative winery. During a casual, laid back lunch we’ll explore a bit of Austria’s avant garde and natural wines. On our back to Vienna, we’ll stop by one of Carnuntum’s leading winemakers for a winery tour and tasting.
We conclude our trip in Wagram, home of Austria’s most famous grape, Grüner Veltliner. We’ll start the afternoon with a 10th generation winery renowned for its single vineyard expressions of Grüner Veltliner. From there, we’ll visit a prolific producer of traditional method sparkling wines, followed by an elegant, multicourse farewell dinner.
Depart following breakfast or extend travels on your own.
DATES: Option 1: Monday, November 30 – Saturday, December 5, 2026
Option 2: Saturday, December 5 – Thursday, December 10, 2026
COST: BOOK EARLY and SAVE: $4,975 per person when booked before 12/31/2025, (double occupancy) OR $5,475 when booked after 1/1/2026 and on. // $850 single room supplement
25% deposit required at the time of booking
Enjoy luxurious 4-star accommodations at the boutique Hotel Altstadt, located in the trendy Neubaugasse neighborhood and a short walk to the Museumsquartier and Rathaus Christmas Market.
Your hotel in Vienna is an oasis complete with all of the necessary modern conveniences, including a wide range of entertainment options, onsite breakfast, business services, wifi, and 24-hour reception.
Reserve your spot by contacting us at [email protected]. Please note that spaces are limited!
If you have visited DCANTER, then you have probably attended one of Michael’s many wine classes or received a personal wine recommendation. Michael Warner is a co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of DCANTER, where he is the wine buyer. He holds a Certified Specialist of Wine designation from the Society of Wine Educators, consults frequently with specialty wine importers, and he has been featured in publications, such as the Washington Post, Fast Company, France2 News, and Meininger's Wine Business International. A frequent traveler, he has visited wine regions throughout France, Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Balkans, South Africa, and – of course – the United States.
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