📍 Südsteiermark

Südsteiermark (South Styria) is a wine zone in the Austrian state of Styria, on hills by the Slovenian border. It is one of Austria's main white-wine zones. The hilly landscape with vineyards is often called "Styrian Tuscany", and a wine road runs along the ridges. The zone is part of Styria.

The main grape is Sauvignon Blanc: here it gives fresh, bright wines with aromas of citrus and herbs. Beside it grow Welschriesling (Italian Riesling), Chardonnay, which Styria calls Morillon, Pinot Blanc and Yellow Muscat. Sparkling wine is made from the same grapes.

The Südsteiermark DAC has existed since the 2018 vintage. Wines are sold in three categories: regional, with a village name, and with a single vineyard name.

The expressive Sauvignon Blanc, the hills and the closeness of Slovenian vineyards make the zone attractive for trips. Austria uses the DAC system: the region's name on the label means a wine typical of its place. The first, Weinviertel DAC, was approved in 2003, and today there are 18. In western Styria the grape Blauer Wildbacher makes a rosé called Schilcher.