Wine culture in the Principality of Liechtenstein

Did you know that wine has been grown in the Principality of Liechtenstein for over 2000 years? The Ancient Romans planted the first vines in the country. Since then, the influence of the warm, dry Foehn wind and the expertise acquired by local winegrowers over centuries have enabled Liechtenstein to produce excellent wines – from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Riesling.

Wine culture in the Principality is defined by tradition, professionalism and exquisite quality. Over one hundred winegrowers, four of them professional winemakers, produce fine wines. In the climatically blessed Rhine Valley, the Foehn ripens beautiful grapes on the southern slopes of the mountains. Chardonnay, the Blauburgunder and Rotburgunder/Zweigelt varieties of Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are the preferred grape varieties. 

Exquisite wine tastings
Known as the Fürstliche Hofkellerei, the Princely Winery in Vaduz provide a good insight into local wine culture and into rare wines that can be tasted and bought on site. Wine tastings are also offered at the Castellum winery in Eschen and at Harry Zech’s Cantina winery in Schaanwald. Many winegrowers cultivate small estates to produce their own distinctive products. By doing so, they contribute to Liechtenstein’s small but superb world of wine. 

Wine festivals in Liechtenstein
Autumn marks the winemaking season in the Principality. Liechtenstein’s winegrowers showcase their products in the course of various events – for example, during the wine festival of the winegrowers’ cooperative in Triesen, at the historic chapel of St. Mamerten, and at the Unterland wine festival with its crowning of the wine queen. The best winegrowers in the country then present their own produce, and the large range of wines on offer frequently surprises visitors’ expectations. Where else can you find such an array of red and white ‘local tipples’ begging to be savoured? Spicy wine sausages and cheese also await visitors feeling peckish between meals.