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of the traditions the people of Liechtenstein are especially proud of is wine
making.
At 54 acres, today's Liechtenstein vineyard area may appear quite
small. In the past, however this was often an important source of income for the
farming population. Nearly the entire grape harvest is vinified and sold in Liechtenstein
itself.
Besides Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewuztraminer and Zweigelt, mainly
Pinot Noir and Riesling-x-Sylvaner are cultivated and processed in modern grape
crushing and pressing plants. There are also speciality cross-breeds, such as
Regent, Marechal Foch and Leon Millot.
Thanks to the natural conditions, ideal
southwest oriented hillside locations with calcareous soil, a climate in which
corn also matures, and about 1.500 hours of sunshine a year, the grapes can come
to full ripeness. Depending on the year, the total harvest hovers around 80.000
to 100.000 litres (21.000 to 26.000 gallons).
Well-known are Sussdruck and
Beerli wines. While the generally brick-red Sussdruck (called Kretzer in Triesen)
takes its color from long contact with the must, the darker Beerli wine is fermented
even longer. The Schaaner Ablass is removed from the middle, clear part of the
fermentation vessel.
Wine quality is comparable to that of nearby Swiss growing
areas. Friends of a good sip will certainly find the right wine for their palate
among the extensive offerings.
The best known wines are: Oberland
(Upper Country) | | | -Vaduzer
Sussdruck
(Pinot Noir) | -Schaaner
Riesling-x-Sylvaner | -Vaduzer
Beerli (Pinot Noir) | | -Schaaner
Ablass (Pinot Noir) | -Vaduzer
Riesling-x-Sylvaner | -Schaaner
Beerli (Pinot Noir) | -Balzner
Blauburgunder
(Pinot Noir) | -Schaaner
Regent | -Balzner
Schloos Gutenberg
(Pinot Noir) | | -Triesner
Kretzer (Pinot Noir) | | | Unterland
(Lower Country) | | | -Bendern
Bendura Beerli
(Pinot Noir) | -Bendern
Hergottsacker
(Riesling-x-Sylvaner) | -Eschner
Feuergold
(Riesling-x-Sylvaner or Pinot Gris) | -Eschner
Sussdruck
(Pinot Noir) | -Eschner
Beerli (Pinot Noir) | -Eschner
Zweigelt | | -Eschner
Regent | -Eschner
Leon Millot | -Eschner
Marechal Foch | | -Maurer
Beerli (Pinot Noir) | | |
The
wines of Liechtenstein are an advertisement for the skill of the growers, celler
masters and winemakers. Afiery Beerli or a refreshing Kretzer, or one of the other
wine specialities, is a welcome incentive for a wine tasting or a visit to Liechtenstein
and its friendly restaurants.
Wine Tasting  
Hofkellerei
des Fürsten von Liechtenstein, Fürstliche Domäne, Vaduz
In
the "Hofkellerei des regierenden Fürsten von Liechtenstein" (wine cellars
of the Prince of Liechtenstein) it is possible for groups of at least 10 to taste
wines from the private vineyards of the Prince.
Reservations are required.
Purchase of the estate-grown and other wines is possible anytime during the regular
opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to noon / 1:30 to 6:00 pm., Saturday 8:00
am. to noon.
For more information and reservations, please contact the Secretariat
of the Hofkellerei, Feldstrasse 4, FL-9490 Vaduz, tel. 075/232 10 18, fax 075/233
11 45.
Schächle's Weinstube, Nendeln
About
350 different wines from the whole of Europe can be tasted in a specially equipped
room at Schächle's Wine Tavern.
The wines that are available for tasting
can be bought for home consumption at shop prices. Wine tasting can be arranged
for groups of 5 to 50 people. Reservation is required either in writing to Schächle's
Weinstube, Churer Strasse 263, FL-9485 Nendeln, or by phone 075/373 17 77, fax
075/377 17 78.
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