For the last few weeks, Vienna's vintners have been busy harvesting grapes in the northwestern and southern outskirts of the city. Unlike in many industrialized vineyards, Viennese grapes are still picked by hand. Whole families can be seen in the fields working throughout the harvest weeks. This is why few vintners have time to arrange public wine tastings (as I keep experiencing).
October is also the only time of year when Sturm becomes available. Sturm is a rapidly fermented, freshly-pressed grape juice. And what's the best way to enjoy that sparkling, mildly alcoholic grape juice? I suggest a relaxing afternoon at a pop up wine tavern in Grinzing or Stammersdorf after a stroll through the vineyards!