Kremstal may not be as well known as its neighbouring Austrian wine region, the Wachau Valley, however this classic wine region produces some of the best Austrian white wines

Most people have heard of Wachau Austria, an unbelievably beautiful stretch of the River Danube in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its steep vineyards, beautiful wine villages and superb dry white wines. 

Far fewer however have heard of its neighbouring wine regions along the majestic River Danube and along its tributaries, the Krems, Traisen and Kamp rivers - namely Kremstal, Kamptal, Traisental and Wagram.

In this article we’re going to uncover the Wachau’s closest wine neighbour, Kremstal. We’re going to look at wineries to visit, as well as ‘wine hotels’ to stay in - hotels that are all about the wine experience!

Discover more about Lower Austria, the Wachau Valley and the Kamptal region here!

An introduction to Kremstal Austria

The Danube region and its tributary valleys to the west of Vienna form part of the Niederösterreich wine region, one of the best places to visit in Austria, for the scenery, landscapes, culture, gastronomy, wine tourism and of course Austrian wines!

Here Riesling wine and Grüner Veltliner wine reign supreme and they are typically expressed through these world-famous wine regions/DACs: Wachau DAC, Kremstal DAC, Kamptal DAC, Traisental DAC and Wagram DAC.

The twin towns of Stein and Krems mark both the eastern end of the Wachau wine region and the start of the Kremstal wine region. Both regions are similar to each other geographically and they share the same geology, but Kremstal is less ‘dramatic’ than the Wachau region. 

The vineyards in Kremstal are divided into three distinct areas: 

• Around the historic city of Krems (including western district Stein)

Krems is the region's capital wine city. It has a significant viticultural past, which has been revitalised in recent years through the arrival of young winegrowers, an innovative wine cooperative and a modern viticulture school. This area is geologically related to neighbouring Wachau to the west and the soils of weathered rock are ideal for Riesling as well as Grüner Veltliner. The steep south-facing vineyards of Pfaffenberg and Goldberg are particularly known here for their wines, with the grapes grown on the granite and gneiss slopes.  

• The Krems valley to the east

This area is very different from the area around the city of Krems. Here, the huge loess terraces, half rock and half soil, produce some famous, more rounded and fuller-bodied Grüner Veltliner wines, but also reds.  

• The small wine villages south of the River Danube 

Here, clustered around the imposing Göttweig Abbey (see later) are the small wine villages of Furth, Palt, Krustetten, Hollenburg, Oberfucha and Tiefenfucha .

Kremstal wine

Kremstal produces wines which are of a similar style and quality to the more famous and more well-known Wachau wines and they share common characteristics.

The Krems river valley is well protected against the cool winds from the north, while the warm air from the east is able to penetrate, leading to generally riper, fuller, juicier, more aromatic wines than either neighbouring Wachau or Kamptal regions.  

There are some 2200 hectares of vines in the Kremstal region - approximately 60% being Grüner Veltliner and 11% Riesling. In terms of red wines, the most popular variety is Austrian Zweigelt, representing about 11% of vines. 

Kremstal Grüner Veltliner is full-bodied, spicy and aromatic in general and in terms of food pairing, matches a wide variety of dishes, from classic roast pork to Asian spring rolls.

Kremstal DAC

Under the restrictions of the Kremstal DAC (from 2007), only Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grapes are permitted and the quality levels include:

• Gebietswein (regional wine): min. 11.5% alcohol

• Ortswein (wine made from grapes grown within a specific municipality or village - Krems, Stein, Rohrendorf, Gedersdorf, Stratzing, Senftenberg, Furth, Höbenbach, Krustetten): min. 12% alcohol

• Riedenwein (single vineyard - significant wines come from these top-rated vineyards: Pfaffenberg, Kögl, Wachtberg, Sandgrube, Pellingen, Gebling, Spiegel and Steinbühel): min. 12.5% alcohol

• Kremstal DAC Reserve: min. 13% alcohol

An increasing number of Kremstal wine producers belong to the OTW (Österreichischen Traditionsweingüter) - similar to Germany’s elite VDP - founded in 1992 with the aim of classifying the Danube region’s outstanding vineyard sites.

Wines from other grape varieties can be produced under the regional appellation ‘Niederösterreich’. 

Recommended wineries to visit

A significant proportion of the vines in Kremstal are managed by winegrowers who submit their grapes to the Winzer Krems winegrower’s cooperative - one of the most significant Austrian wine producers. Additionally, Weingut Stadt Krems, whose winery and vineyards are owned by the the city of Krems, is also one of the region’s main and most successful wine producers. Its vineyard holdings include some of the oldest and most significant vineyards in Kremstal, including Schreck, Grillenparz, Wachtberg and Weinzierlberg. The winemaker at Weingut Stadt Krems is Fritz Miesbauer, who also makes the wines at Stift Göttweig.

Here are some other significant Kremstal wineries we can highly recommend visiting:

Weingut Malat

Weingut Malat, in the small wine village of Palt/Furth, south of the Danube and with stunning views over to Stift Göttweig, is a top Kremstal wine producer, known for its Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir wines, as well as its popular sparkling wines, which represent 15% of production. In fact its sparkling wines are counted as some of Austria’s best fizz.

Run today by Michael Malat, the estate has a long history of winemaking and parts of the wine cellar date back to the 18th century. Wengut Malat has a no irrigation policy, meaning that the vine roots can sink up to a depth of 30 metres into the ground as they search for water. This helps shape the incredible quality of the wines, even if the yields are lower in more dry years.

Discover the large range of Malat wines and the main vineyard sites.

Contact Weingut Malat to arrange a visit.

Note that Weingut Malat also operates a hotel in the vineyards (see later).

Weingut Nigl

Weingut Nigl is another top Kremstal producer. Martin Nigl is known as a passionate winemaker who produces the most authentic and top quality wines, from grapes cultivated in some of the best vineyards in Kremstal.

Located high in the Krems Valley in Senftenberg, the winery (and hotel - see later) lie at the foot of the Senftenberg Castle ruins. The winery building dates back to the 12th century and was taken over and renovated by the Nigl family in 1994. 

Weingut Nigl is known for Kremstal Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines, fresh and mineral in taste, rich in finesse. The terraced vineyards lie in the narrow valley between Senftenberg and Krems.

See the full range of Nigl wines here.

Contact Weingut Nigl to arrange a visit and wine tasting.

Weingut Förthof 

Weingut Förthof is a relative newcomer - the youngest winery in the Kremstal / Wachau region - but its story is framed by a long history and it has lots of winemaking pedigree and experience to draw from.

Der Förthof is located in the small village of Stein, which is today part of Krems. The original and historic Ansitz Förthof building dates back as far as 1220. 

In charge of establishing the Förthof winery is cellar master and managing director, Annika Hoffmann. The first vintage was in 2021 and Annika welcomes visitors for tastings in the new tasting room, opened in December 2021.

The wines are predominantly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling and the heart of the Förthof  vineyards in Kremstal include the premium sites, Pfaffenberg, Gaisberg and Kögl. Förthof also produces a range of spirits including gin, brandy and liqueur.

Contact Weingut Förthof to arrange a visit and a wine tasting.

A hotel and restaurant are currently being constructed on the site - see later.

Weingut Geyerhof

Weingut Geyerhof, in the small village of Oberfucha/Furth on the south bank of the River Danube, are pioneers in organic farming and winemaking. In fact, at the end of the 1980s, Ilse and Josef Maier were among the first in Austria to convert their vineyards to organic farming and now the Geyerhof winery is one of the most impressive wineries in the country. 

Geyerhof has a long and impressive 1000 year history and women have played a key role in that. Today Maria & Josef Maier are the 13th generation of the family to run the Geyerhof farm, where wine is just one part of a bigger picture, with the focus very much on the environment and protecting the habitat. As well as farming vines and making wine, the family farm 27 hectares of arable land and keep cattle and bees.

Geyerhof produces a varied range of organic wines from different vineyard sites. 

Contact Geyerhof to arrange a visit and a tasting.

Weingut Hermann Moser

Weingut Hermann Moser produces a wide range of wines including mainly Riesling and Grüner Veltliner along with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller and Muscat, from vineyards in the Krems Valley north of the Danube around the village of Rohrendorf. The single vineyard wines come from grapes from the top Gebling vineyard. Hermann Moser also produces some natural/orange wines.

The family has been making wine in this part of Kremstal for some 400 years and parts of the current winery date back to this time. The winery converted fully to an organic operation in 2024.

Contact Weingut Hermann Moser to arrange an appointment for a wine tasting.

Weingut Wess

Weingut Wess is located in Krems and winemaker David Juen represents a new wave and generation of Kremstal winemakers. An experienced winemaker, David took over the winery in 2023 and restructured it, improving grape quality through more effective vineyard management and conversion to organic processes and certification.

Included in the range of wines are single vineyard wines from top vineyard sites, including the Steiner Kögl vineyard and the Pfaffenberg vineyard.

You can arrange a comprehensive and personalised wine tasting by making an appointment in advance.

Recommended wine hotels in Kremstal

We highly recommend adding to your Kremstal wine experience by staying in an increasingly popular ‘wine hotel’:

Malat Hotel

Malat Hotel is simply a peaceful paradise in the vineyards - just 9 suites and 1 apartment, surrounded by vineyards with a view towards the beautiful Benedictine monastery, Stift Göttweig.

Breakfast is always a ‘local’ affair, with a choice of excellent seasonal and regional produce.

Note: Since November 2024, Malat Hotel is a proud owner of a ‘Michelin Key’ - a Michelin Guide award which recognises and awards outstanding hotels across a range of aspects including architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, personality and character, value for money and a significant contribution to the guest experience.

Hotel & Spa Nigl

The Hotel & Spa Nigl, also known as the Weinhotel Nigl, is a family-run hotel offering 27 rooms and a spacious spa area, offering the opportunity to relax and unwind in this stunning wine location. Hotel & Spa Nigl combines modern comfort with traditional hospitality and the restaurant offers regional and traditional dishes, matched of course with excellent wines.

The modern spa and wellness area offers a range of facilities and spa treatments and wonderful views over the valley, the vineyards and the Seftenberg Castle from the sun terrace and the infinity pool.

Der Förthof - opening Spring 2026!

A hotel, spa and restaurant are in the final stages of construction on the Förthof site in Stein, Krems, right on the banks of the River Danube, just where the Wachau and Kremstal wine regions meet.

The construction involves 2 new buildings, being built either side of the historic Ansitz Förthof building which is in the process of being renovated. The hotel will offer 60 rooms, along with a spa and restaurant as well as a wine tasting room and experience centre. 

These brand new additions to the accommodation and hospitality scene in Krems are scheduled for opening in Spring 2026. We visited the site back in 2023 and can’t wait for the hotel to open!

Places to visit - Kremstal

Stift Göttweig

The famous Benedictine monastery, Stift Göttweig - an outstanding example of the splendor and wealth of Austrian Baroque - towers over or is visible from much of the Kremstal region and is very much worth a visit.  The Benedictine monastery of Göttweig is not only an impressive architectural monument, but also a lively spiritual centre, home to around 40 Benedictine monks who still live and work in the monastery today.

With its imposing architecture, the impressive abbey church, the magnificent Imperial Staircase and the breathtaking location high above the Danube, the Abbey of Göttweig offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. You can do a self guided tour around the monastery and enjoy the history, culture and the superb views overlooking Krems and the Danube Valley below.

Krems an der Donau

Krems an der Donau - is the 5th largest town in Lower Austria and lies between the Wachau and Kremstal wine regions. Krems is also one of the oldest cities in Austria and the old town bears witness to its long and eventful history. A visit to the old town captivates with its charming mix of medieval architecture, baroque facades and winding alleyways. The town hall square is the heart of the old town and a popular meeting place for locals and visitors. Here stands the imposing town hall , a baroque building with an impressive façade. The square is surrounded by historic town houses and lively cafes.

The Steiner Gate is the most famous landmark in Krems and the last remaining city gate of the former medieval city fortifications. Built in the 15th century, it marks the entrance to Krems' old town.

In addition to Krems, the neighbouring district of Stein an der Donau is also worth a visit. Particularly impressive is the Stein parish church , which towers over the town and offers a great view of the Danube.

An important cultural centre

The city of Krems an der Donau is not only known for its historic old town and its idyllic location in the Wachau, but also for its lively cultural scene. Two of the most important institutions are the Krems Caricature Museum and the Krems Art Gallery (Kunsthalle), which make Krems an important destination for art and culture lovers.

The Kunsthalle Krems is the centre for modern and contemporary art in the Wachau and the Krems Caricature Museum is the only museum in Austria dedicated exclusively to caricature, satire, comics and cartoons.

Hiking around Senftenberg in the Krems Valley

Senftenberg, nestled in the picturesque Krems Valley, is a paradise for hikers (of all fitness levels) and nature lovers. The region is characterised by its rolling hills, steep vineyards, dense forests and an impressive cultural landscape. 

One of the most popular hikes in the region is the circular trail to the Senftenberg castle ruins, which takes 1-1.5 hours. For more experienced hikers, there is a trail up the Gaisberg, one of the highest hills in the region, which offers a magnificent view over the Krems Valley and the Wachau. 

A popular, easy trail is the wine hiking trail through the vineyards in Senftenberg - a circular trail lasting some 2-3 hours - and for more experienced walkers, there is a 180km long-distance hiking trail called "Wine.Enjoyment.Hiking". This trail is divided into several stages that can be easily completed in day trips. The first stage takes the walker from Krems to Senftenberg, one of the most beautiful stages of the trail, crossing the heart of the Krems Valley.

Refer to our other articles about what to see and do in the beautiful wine regions of Lower Austria.

Conclusion

Visiting the wine regions of Lower Austria is a must for any wine lover, but we would urge visitors to not just spend time in the famous Wachau, but to venture into the Krems Valley as there is so much to discover in terms of wine as well as scenery, sights and culture! Visit the wineries, explore Krems and the surrounding countryside and try to spend a night or two in one of the wonderful wine hotels here!

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the Kremstal wine region in Lower Austria. If your’e inspired to visit yourself, contact us and let us help you plan your own wine travel there!

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