Beethoven’s Retreat in Vienna

This wine-producing district of Vienna was also once a health spa. Beethoven came to live here in the summer of 1817 seeking rejuvenation. He wrote part of his 9th Symphony in his quarters which remain unchanged and can be entered from the tree-shaded summer garden terrace over a small flight of stairs.

Mayer am Pfarrplatz has been producing wine here since 1683 and the original carved wooden press still exists in the press house. In recent years an old Viennese specialty has been revived, the “Gemischter Satz”. This wine stems from an old vineyard planted with several different varieties that are harvested and fermented all together. It is dry, crisp and wonderfully aromatic. If you are lucky to be here during the Austrian asparagus season, taste the house Gemischter Satz with their famous Asparagus Cordon Bleu. The appetizing buffet is also laden with organic meats and other homemade local specialties.