Loving the wein

Our driver Viktor took us to Wienerwald (the Vienna Woods) where he grew up, and then drove us to Gumpoldskirchen, a famous wine-growing village south of Vienna. We walked around the vineyards and strolled through the town. A weinfest (summer wine festival) was underway, with live music and lots of outdoor drinking. We bought lunch from a food stand. I ate Kasekrainer (sausage filled with melted cheese) and an apfelstrudel. Both were fantastic. We settled into the garden of a Heuriger (rustic wine tavern). The Riesling was amazing. Super light and refreshing, and only about $1.75 a glass!

Our driver Viktor and our "chaperone" Marina.


Vineyards with the village in the background.


Lederhosen man keeps the crowd jumping.

All of my traveling companions are of Italian descent. So for dinner we headed to Lavaliere, an Italian restaurant. Really good, surprisingly authentic. I think the staff was shocked at how much we ate & drank; they gave us free shots of grappa before we left.