Embarking on a Viking River Cruise along the majestic Danube offers a myriad of incredible experiences, but few are as memorable and enriching as the Wachau Valley Winery Tour and Tasting. This particular excursion, an optional add-on during our journey, truly stood out as an unparalleled highlight. It wasn’t just a tour; it was an immersive dive into Austria’s vibrant winemaking culture, delivering an experience that was genuinely spectacular and highly recommended for any discerning traveler.
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Discovering the Wachau Valley’s Wine Heritage at Morwald Winery
Our adventure began the moment we boarded the comfortable bus in Durnstein, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Austria’s Wachau Valley. From the outset, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and anticipation, thanks to our delightful guide, Trinka. Her infectious humor was matched only by her extensive knowledge of Austrian wines, setting the perfect tone for what was to be an exceptional journey. The destination for our Wachau Valley Winery Tour and Tasting was the esteemed Morwald Weinbau & Brennerei.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Erhard Morwald, the current winemaker, and his wife, Angelika, who plays a vital role in managing the family business. The Morwald Winery boasts a rich and fascinating history, having been continuously owned and operated by the family since 1860. This multi-generational legacy is palpable in every aspect of their operations, from the meticulously maintained vineyards to the passion evident in their winemaking process. The winery cultivates a substantial 47 acres of vineyards, strategically located across various sites in Wagram, Austria, and throughout the fertile Wachau Valley. Depending on specific production needs and harvest conditions, they also source additional high-quality grapes from surrounding regions, ensuring a consistent supply for their diverse range of wines.
Beyond the impressive vineyards dedicated to grape cultivation, Morwald Winery’s commitment to diversified agriculture is equally remarkable. The family owns an additional 165 acres of fields, which are utilized for growing essential crops such as barley, wheat, corn, sunflowers, and pumpkins for oil production. Furthermore, they maintain 5 acres of orchards, which are specifically used to produce their exquisite schnapps, showcasing their holistic approach to traditional Austrian farming and beverage production.
A Legacy of Excellence: Morwald Winery and Viking River Cruises Partnership
Our excursion commenced with a comprehensive tour of the winery’s facilities, including the intricate bottling operations. It was here that we uncovered a truly fascinating fact: Morwald Winery is a significant producer for Viking River Cruises, crafting over 350,000 bottles of wine annually for the renowned cruise line. This impressive figure includes both the house red and white wines served aboard Viking’s elegant ships, a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between Morwald Winery and Viking, which has flourished since its inception in 1999.
Beyond their substantial contribution to Viking’s beverage program, Morwald Winery independently produces 12 distinct varieties of estate wines, bottling more than 150,000 bottles of these exquisite vintages each year. This dual production highlights their capacity for both large-scale quality and specialized craft winemaking.
Under Erhard’s skilled guidance as winemaker, Morwald Winery has garnered multiple prestigious awards throughout Austria, solidifying its reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and character. Notably, in 2015, Erhard achieved the highest honors among a field of over 860 Austrian wines, a remarkable accomplishment that underscores his dedication and expertise in the craft.
The Heart of the Experience: Trinka, Erhard, and Authentic Austrian Charm
While the wines and the history were captivating, one of the most memorable aspects of this tour was the vibrant and humorous interaction between our guide, Trinka, and winemaker Erhard. Their dynamic rapport was truly a joy to witness; they playfully teased each other like siblings, their banter enriching every moment of the tour. Trinka not only served as Erhard’s translator, effortlessly bridging any language gaps, but also expertly prompted him to share captivating, often humorous, anecdotes and stories that brought the winery’s history and winemaking process to life. It became clear very quickly that their connection extended beyond professional collaboration; they share a genuine affection and friendship, which permeated the entire experience. This authentic camaraderie created a warm, inviting, and truly unforgettable atmosphere, making the tour feel less like a structured excursion and more like an intimate visit with long-time friends.
An Exquisite Journey Through Flavors: The Morwald Wine Tasting
The highly anticipated wine tasting session was a highlight, offering a generous sampling of Morwald Winery’s finest creations. We were presented with six distinct wines, each chosen to showcase the diversity and quality of their portfolio, with a few delightful bonus tastings at the end. Our palate embarked on a delightful journey as we sampled:
- 2015 Gruner Veltliner Nussberg: A crisp, dry white wine, emblematic of Austria’s signature varietal, known for its vibrant acidity and notes of green apple and white pepper.
- 2015 Pinot Blanc: Another elegant dry white wine, offering a softer, fruitier profile with hints of pear and almond.
- 2014 Gruner Veltliner MALACHIT: A premium dry white wine from their distinguished MALACHIT line, showcasing greater complexity and depth, reflecting careful vineyard selection and winemaking.
- 2013 Pinot Noir MALACHIT: A sophisticated dry red wine, also part of the MALACHIT collection, characterized by its delicate red fruit flavors and silky tannins.
- 2013 Merlot MALACHIT: A rich and robust dry red wine from the premium line, offering darker fruit notes and a structured finish.
- M III Cuvee MALACHIT: A meticulously blended dry red wine, the ‘M III’ signifying its unique composition within their esteemed MALACHIT range.
For those wondering about the significance of “MALACHIT,” this designation represents the premium line of wines meticulously produced by Morwald Winery. These wines are crafted from the finest grapes and often undergo extended aging, resulting in expressions of exceptional character and refinement.
After indulging in these six exquisite wines, our tasting experience continued with an unexpected treat: Erhard’s “side project”—his handcrafted schnapps. We sampled a particularly lovely variety, which offered a delightful crispness, providing a perfect palate cleanser before we made our way to the winery’s gift shop.
The gift shop proved to be another delightful discovery. Here, we had the unique opportunity to taste an amazing red wine liqueur. This was our first encounter with such a liqueur, and it proved to be an instant favorite, remarkably delicious and distinctive. So impressed were we that we purchased two bottles to bring home, and in hindsight, we truly regretted not acquiring more. Indeed, the red wine liqueur quickly became a coveted item, and we often found ourselves wishing we had stocked up! Its unique flavor profile is something truly special.
Essential Tips for Your Morwald Winery Visit
To ensure you make the most of your Wachau Valley Winery Tour at Morwald, consider these practical tips:
- Pack Smart for Souvenirs: Be sure to leave ample extra space in your suitcase for any wines, schnapps, or especially the delectable red wine liqueur you’re likely to purchase. Trust me, you’ll want to bring home at least one bottle, if not several, just as we did.
- Navigate the Cellar: The tour includes a descent into the wine cellar, which involves 16 steps. A sturdy handrail is available to assist you.
- Choose Appropriate Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The cellar floor, depending on ongoing winery work, can occasionally be damp or slippery.
- Dine Beforehand: It is highly advisable to eat a substantial lunch prior to this tour. You will be tasting at least six wines, plus schnapps, and these are not small pours. While a small basket of bread and water is provided during the tasting, it is generally insufficient to balance the generous amount of wine you’ll be enjoying.
For more information, you can visit the Morwald Winery Website at www.weinbau-moerwald.com. Please note that the website is primarily in Austrian German, so you may need to use an online translation tool to navigate it effectively.
If you’re cruising the Danube River with Viking, this particular excursion is an absolute must-do. It offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical insight, and delightful sensory experiences that truly encapsulate the charm of the Wachau Valley.
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