'Heuriger' is a famous instiution in all Austrian wine growing areas. A law - more than a quarter of a millenium old - allows Austrian producers of wine to sell their own wine and other products grown and prepared by themselves at their places subjected only to very low taxes. Because the number of days to do so is in some way limited they mark with a bunch of branches they hang over the entrance that the 'Heurige' is open. Therefore it is in Styria also called 'Buschenschank' ('Buschen' is a bunch of branches). How to find a good 'Heurigen'? Avoid all places to which tourists are transported by bus (mostly in Grinzing). But nice Heurige can be found in many outer districts of Vienna, almost all comfortably reached by public transport. Authentic inexpensive 'off the beaten path' places are at the left side of the Danube in Stammersdorf and Strebersdorf. And a good idea is always to ask your Viennese friends about their favourite places. In good weather you can enjoy the wine and the snacks often in very romantic gardens. The Viennese usually visit frequently the Heurigen, but for rather short stays. The best time for the Heurigen is late afternoon to early evening.

Heuriger is the name of the youngest wine - from 11.November onwards the wine of the same year. But already in September, soon after the first grapes are harvested, it is possible to enjoy the 'Sturm', the only partially fermented intermediate product on its way to wine still containing quite some grape sugar which is not yet fully transformed to alcohol. It is quite a 'dangerous' stuff, it tastes great but you are easily persuaded to drink much more than you should... The home made food which you mostly choose from a buffet is often very delicious.