Buschenschank

You're strolling through the vineyards of Burgenland when you notice a bundle of twigs hung above the door a small house. Consider yourself lucky.

These twigs signal an open Buschenschank, one of many authentic old wine taverns found throughout the region. Until the 20th century, it was customary for guests to bring their own food to go with the wine they drank in these establishments. Today, Buschenschanken offer a buffet of delicious homemade specialties, such as Liptauer, a spicy cheese spread, accompanied by fresh bread. Ordering a wine from the surrounding vineyard brings you that much closer to that Austrian sense of Gemuetlichkeit, a concept akin to coziness. Invariably some live local music will be playing -- traditionally two singers playing guitar and accordion -- as you take in the fresh air of a warm summer night.