8/1/2026
Grape Harvest in West Styria: When and How to Experience It
Between mid-September and late October, the Schilcherland transforms: the vineyards are harvested, Sturm arrives at the tables in the wine taverns - and with it, one of the quietest, most concentrated times of year in the region.
The grape harvest in the Schilcherland takes place between mid-September and late October, with most of the work usually falling in early October - the exact timing depends on the vintage and that summer's weather. This is also the window in which the region's look changes: golden light over the hills, grapes brought in by hand or with small harvesting machines, and a noticeably different rhythm than in summer.
What Happens During the Harvest
Blauer Wildbacher, the grape Schilcher is made from, is picked, pressed, and begins fermenting shortly after. The result of this first fermentation stage - half grape juice, half wine, cloudy and fizzy - is called Sturm in Austria, and it's only available for a few weeks each year. It's traditionally served in the wine taverns of West Styria in September and October, often alongside roasted chestnuts - a pairing that only exists in this form during harvest season.
Why an Autumn Visit Is Worth It
Visit in summer for the vineyards and you miss the region's other side: autumn, when those same hills suddenly turn into work, the smell of fermenting must, and the short Sturm season. Quieter than peak summer, but a landscape that visibly changes within just a few weeks.
Can You Take Part in the Harvest Yourself?
That depends on the individual winery - some hold open cellar days during the season or let visitors taste the fresh Sturm, without turning it into a fixed excursion program. A reliable starting point is asking directly at the wine taverns along the wine route, such as the ones listed in our article on the Top 5 Buschenschenken around Stainz. If you'd like to understand the wine itself first, see Discovering Schilcher.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Grape Harvest
When exactly is the grape harvest in the Schilcherland?
Usually between mid-September and late October, with the peak typically in early October - the exact timing depends on the vintage.
What is Sturm?
The still-fermenting, cloudy grape must from the first fermentation stage - fizzy, usually lightly sweet, with noticeably less alcohol than the finished wine, and available for only a few weeks each year.
Is harvest season a good time to visit?
Yes - quieter than summer, but with golden light, Sturm in the wine taverns, and a landscape in transition.