Fine wines in fine walls
Modern architecture in the middle of a vineyard
Modern architecture has spread through Styria’s vineyards. The wines are getting the environment they deserve. The meticulously structured natural and cultural landscape along the Styrian Wine Route requires a special degree of sensitivity in dealing with the surrounding area.
The strict symmetries of the vineyards, the backs of the reeds like stranded humpback whales, the dizzying serpentines of the narrow streets – this scenic kaleidoscope does not tolerate every kind of structural addition or intervention. Knowledge of the area’s historical roots is required without the loss of architectural courage to try something new. You need to be very sensitive to work in harmony with nature and avoid slapping it in the face.
In recent years, the young Styrian winegrowers, in cooperation with progressive, courageous architects, have done so with largely sensational success. Simply, elegant wooden façades nestle perfectly into the landscape despite their considerable dimensions and flow over the vineyard terraces by imitating. Sober exposed concrete blocks, in which state-of-the-art stainless-steel tanks sparkle, become ingenious connecting bridges to old building materials, while generous glass surfaces provide the necessary transparency and internal radiance.
All this has here on the Styrian Wine Country Cycle Trail has led to an entirely new self-conception on the part of the winegrowers. Paired with top-class craftsmanship, which time and again is the source of world-class wines, fine wines are provided with the ambience they deserve. Modern, but not too much, tasteful, but not intrusive. And above it, as Styrian writer Gerhard Roth describes in a quote of timeless pertinence, “ the heavens pour out a floral bouquet of colours” that slowly wilts at the end of the day. “And the setting sun transforms the landscape into a cut-out silhouette. The darker it gets, the greater the heavens become.” And the better the wine tastes.
Author: Klaus Höfler
Further recommendations, tips and news
Landscapes influence people and people influence landscapes. Austria has a lot to tell you about.
There’s something in the air
Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over Europe come to one of Central Europe's most important places of...
tip
A green valley full of history
The open-air museum in Stübing takes you back into the architectural history and introduces you to the customs of Styria....
tip
A spa experience in historic architecture
The thermal spa in Bad Ischl is today one of the most renowned in Austria. Its imperial past can be felt at every turn....
tip
Childhood memories
Der Donauradweg ist ein Abenteuerland für die ganze Familie: er ist gesäumt von Abenteuer-Spielplätzen, tollen...
tip
The world’s smallest wheat beer brewery
An addition to excellent beers and the cosy atmosphere of the world’s smallest wheat beer brewery, the Hausbrauerei...
tip
An architectural jewel at the foot of the Grimming
A fascinating world of mountains and culture in the Enns Valley: from the peak of the Grimming to the cultural...
tip
Nostalgia meets zeitgeist
Styria’s oldest river swimming pool is surrounded by old trees and now also features a modern family swimming pool....
tip
A towering history
The Ledererturm has long been the landmark of the historic yet vibrant city of Wels - Well might we wonder what it...
tip
Discovering the town of culture
Hartberg: Historical buildings and a wide variety of events and modern art....
tip