Mayer am Nussberg – Rooted in Vienna’s Winemaking Legacy
Mayer am Nussberg is part of the larger Weingut Mayer am Pfarrplatz, a winery whose roots stretch back to the 17th century. The name “Mayer” has become synonymous with traditional Viennese wine culture, particularly their cultivation of Gemischter Satz – a historic field blend unique to Vienna and now protected by the DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) designation.
Nussberg itself is steeped in viticultural history. Its slopes have been used for grape growing, thanks to ideal sun exposure, calcareous soils, and its elevated position above the city. Following Emperor Joseph II’s 1784 edict allowing vintners to sell their own wine, simple Buschenschank huts multiplied across Nussberg in the 19th century, where growers poured the fresh vintage for passing walkers and thus laid the foundations of today’s Heuriger culture.
Mayer am Nussberg’s modern incarnation was born from the desire to bring this tradition into the 21st century, with respect for the land and a clear eye for contemporary experience. The wine is made just a few kilometers away, but here it’s served where it grows – a direct vine-to-glass experience that’s increasingly rare in urbanized wine regions.
The Heuriger is open seasonally, usually from late April to October, and is designed to be fully al fresco. The approach is simple but intentional: sustainable design, limited intervention winemaking, and an atmosphere that encourages connection with nature and people alike.
In many ways, Mayer am Nussberg reflects the evolution of Viennese wine culture – no longer just gemütlich and rustic, but also conscious, beautifully presented, and highly enjoyable for those who appreciate a thoughtful experience. If you love wine or simply enjoy a good glass with a view, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after the bottle’s empty.
