Best of South Styria
by Lisa Reichkendler
September 7, 2019
The hotspots on the South Styrian Wine Route
Wine connects people, creates lifelong memories and emotions. Located close to the Slovenian border, the Wine Route offers a wonderful climate, a rich variety of wines, Styrian hospitality, breathtaking scenery and excellent wine taverns. This interaction of the most diverse components characterises the Wine Road and makes it a unique hotspot in Central Europe.
Hotel Weinlandhof, Gamlitz
Upon arrival, Thomas and Rosemarie personally welcome their guests at the reception. However, should the two of them be at creative work in the kitchen or courtyard, the senior chefs are always there for guests. After all, the motto of the Weinlandhof is to grant guests a personal and comfortable stay directly on the Styrian wine route.
Relaxing indoor and outdoor - the Weinlandhof has several places that invite you to linger and chill out. A reading corner for bookworms, an adventure garden for nature lovers and a vitality area for the body-conscious. Guests can expect an authentic stay in the southern Styrian wine country with the most modern standards, upscale comfort and competent service. The philosophy of the Pichler family ranges from grandparents to parents to the bosses themselves. The aim of the Weinlandhof was to create an infrastructure in Southern Styria that guarantees guests unforgettable days in the wine country. In the traditionally held guest room, as well as in the pavilion, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the beautiful landscape. An authentic Styrian delicacy from the natural cuisine of the Weinlandhof should not be missed! After all, the Pichler family only uses regional products that come from next door: Eggs, pumpkin seed oil from the farmer and meat from the local butcher. The vegetables and fruit come seasonally almost entirely from the farmers of southern Styria.
Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites, St. Nikolai im Sausal
At the sight of the Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites, you think you're in the French Provence. - It is a truly magical place in the middle of the southern Styrian vineyards. Barbara and Andreas Reinisch have created an exclusive retreat with a touch of luxury between lavender fields and vineyards, 25 km south of Graz. The Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites consist of a high-quality and sustainably converted farmhouse. However, the complex is divided into different retreats: in addition to chalets and suites, an individually bookable luxury loft awaits guests, as well as a separately bookable country house.
Country house "Steinfuchs
A holiday home with about 180 m² living space for 2 - 6 persons with private spa and 400 m² garden (sauna cube, outdoor bathtub, relaxation room)
The Loft
Private living space of around 250 m² for 2 people, a 200 m² infinity natural swimming pond, private spa with sauna cube and outdoor whirlpool, as well as a lavender hill and 4000 m² of parkland for exclusive use pamper guests here.
Country Chalets
Three luxury chalets in an elegant, yet cosy style on around 120 m² each for 2, 4 or 6 people can be booked. Equipped with private spa, 600 m² natural swimming pond in a large idyllic garden landscape, fitness cube, sauna cube and champagne lounge.
The use of natural materials was emphasized throughout the entire site. The use of solar energy and geothermal energy is a sign of sustainability. Finally, guests with e-cars can recharge their batteries at four e-charging stations. For those who long for more action in the oasis of well-being, a balloon ride, a helicopter flight, or a horseback ride is gladly organized. Should you still miss something, beauty treatments provide exclusive pampering moments. These can be ordered directly and easily to your room. - Either in the fresh air on the terrace or withdrawn in the indoor area of the chalets.
Wurzenberg Panorama Lodges, Leutschach on the Wine Route
At the highest point of the south Styrian wine country, lie the Panorama lodges Wurzenberg. A retreat with a panorama that invites you to recharge your batteries. You will search in vain for attractions here. Because the philosophy of the Wurzenberg Lodges is the cultivation of doing nothing and pure relaxation! Whether an overnight stay in the so-called "Nature Park Lodge" or the "Mispellodge"; here you always have the best view. The Wurzenberg lives and works according to the motto "small but nice" and does without the usual hotel and bar business in order to offer its guests a relaxing stay in the middle of the unforgettable, South Styrian landscape. Deceleration is also the order of the day in the culinary delights of the Wurzenberg Lodges: organic pastries come fresh daily from the bakery of "Brothof Atschko", the jams are homemade and the herbs grow in our own garden. Vegetables and local flowers thrive in the farm garden. In the evening, guests can feel completely free and at home, because the wine cabinet is available to everyone around the clock.
Parsonage Tom Riederer, St. Andrä im Sausal
Tom and Katarina Riederer have joined forces with former Rectory fulfilled their lifelong dream. The two self-taught chefs opened a culinary hotspot in the middle of the Styrian Wine Route. A total of six guest rooms are housed in the former farm building of the vicarage. Each room was individually designed by the hosts. Therefore, the room sizes vary between 39 - 47 m² and provide an intimate atmosphere with their rustic, rural oak floors and furniture, which comes from a friendly antique dealer.
Katarina Riederer's attention to detail is reflected in the furnishings: historical combined with modern. When it comes to tableware, nothing is left to chance. Together with a regional ceramist, the couple designed their own porcelain, which perfectly matches Tom's kitchen line. There is a conscious decision not to use any kind of table linen, as the focus here is on sustainability. Breakfast is served on the sun terrace or in the restaurant, depending on the weather. Guests are spoilt for choice between a simple regional breakfast and a generous indulgent brunch. Host Tom is known for his creative, innovative cuisine, so a menu doesn't even come into play. The kitchen duo, consisting of the host himself and Christoph create a kind of pleasure journey for their guests, where you have the honour to stay at the table for up to four hours. - Indulgence guaranteed! When choosing products and ingredients, Tom and his team attach great importance to working with regional producers. Around 25 farmers from the neighbourhood supply the Pfarrhof with vegetables, fruit, fish and meat.
Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel, Ehrenhausen
The Loisium Wine & Spa offers its guests with double rooms and suites on different levels, the highest comfort and service. The rooms are decorated in light colours and equipped with benches and a glass bathing box, offering a breathtaking view of the Schlossberg. The tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by the individually selected screen prints by Austrian artist Erich Steininger, which vary from room to room. Wine and snacks can be enjoyed by the pool, right next to the vineyards. For active guests, a picnic basket and e-bike are waiting to explore the wine route. Totally relaxed, you can recharge your batteries at dinner: here you will find primarily regional products in creative and perfectly coordinated culinary implementation. The accompanying eight glasses of Morillon, served with typical Styrian cordiality, underlines the wonderful day spent in the southern Styrian Loisium.
Tschermonegg Winery, Glanz on the Wine Road
On Winery Tschermonegg excellent wines can be tasted - high above the South Styrian wine route. With a panoramic view over the vineyards all the way to Slovenia, you will find cosiness and authentic, Styrian diversity here. In order to not only love the ambience of the winery, but also to live it, the winegrowers' rooms invite you to spend the night next to the vines. The "wine connoisseur rooms" are equipped with shower, WC, minibar, hairdryer and TV and leave nothing to be desired. Directly from the room you can reach the exclusive relaxing area with pool and sauna via a bridge. This area is exclusively available to our guests and offers an unforgettable moment of peace and tranquillity. To start the day already strengthened in the morning, the hosts rely on a rich breakfast buffet with regional delicacies from the farmer.
Photo Credits: Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites, Tschermonegg Winery, Hotel Weinlandhof, Loisium Wine & Spa , Wurzenberg Panoramalodges, Pfarrhof Tom and Katharina Riederer, Karin Bergmann