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Grinzing (see p124) was once a small community of wine-growers but today has one of the highest densities of Heurigen in Vienna. The Hengl-Haselbrunner is slightly off the beaten track but offers excellent red and white wines, as well as a buffet menu of regional specialities. Sitting in the courtyard underneath vines in summer is a romantic experience.

The Reinprecht Heuriger is located in a 300-year-old former monastery in Grinzing and has seating in the old vaults as well as on garden terraces. The wines are home-grown, classic Heurigen food is served, and you can listen to traditional Viennese Schrammel music every evening.

The white wines of this traditional wine tavern are counted among Vienna’s best – don’t miss the chance to sample a glass of their Chardonnay or Weissburgunder. It is particularly known for its tasty Liptauer spread made of cheese with paprika, onions, gherkins and various spices. The Heuriger also has a large garden, and cultural events take place in the evening all year round.

This historic house which is now home to the Mayer Heuriger was once the residence of the composer Ludwig van Beethoven (see p58). He spent the summer of 1817 here when he hoped to find relief for his continually worsening deafness. Today you can soak up the atmosphere with excellent food and home-produced wines – Mayer is an acclaimed winery and has won many national and international prizes. Traditional Viennese music is played every evening from 7pm.

Wieninger is a family business and the perfect symbiosis of excellent wines and great food. The wines, particularly Chardonnay grown on the nearby Bisamberg, are among Austria’s best and will satisfy any wine connoisseur. The food is exceptionally fine – try the pumpkin seed and cheese spreads. Stammersdorf is one of Vienna’s main wine areas but it is largely frequented by locals and is therefore less expensive than its more famous sister communities of Grinzing and Nussdorf.

This busy Heurigen is located on the edge of the Vienna Woods (see p124) and, with seating for some 800 people, is one of Vienna’s largest wine taverns. There is good food from the traditional buffet – everything from smoked ham and cheese spreads to Wiener Schnitzel – and glasses of the most recent vintage.

This Heurigen , tucked away on Kahlenberg mountain (see p124), has a stunning setting amid vineyards and trees, and is particularly beautiful at night. The usual Heurigen dishes and homemade wines are served.

In a friendly family atmosphere you can enjoy a glass of the new vintages and dishes from the buffet. In summer there is garden seating amid the Neustift vineyards. Zimmermann is a particularly good choice if you plan a Heurigen visit with children as they have a petting zoo with all sorts of small animals.

This family has been producing wine for 400 years and has been among the top Viennese wine producers several times, winning both national and international awards. The Heurigen is a cosy, traditional place and, in summer, the garden, overgrown with vines, is a peaceful retreat. Christ serves the traditional Heurigen food with seasonal variations such as asparagus, mushroom or game dishes.

Zahel is an up-and-coming wine producer in Vienna and its excellent red and white wines shouldn’t be missed. The Heurigen also serves a fine buffet including a changing selection of à la carte dishes according to seasonal produce available. The whole place boasts a friendly and cosy atmosphere and in summer seating is also available in the garden.