Kellergasse Schöngrabern

Wine cellar lane as a cultural asset

The Schöngrabern wine cellar lane is located in the western part of the village. In the 730m long cellar alley, 70 cellars are harmoniously lined up next to each other. The park-like grounds and green spaces opposite the single row of cellars are particularly inviting. In the warm summer months, the cellar owners use these to sit outside under the natural shade of walnut trees. The 'Köllamauna' square at the end of the wine cellar lane is a magical place with a view of the Schöngrabern church and the vineyards, framed by chestnut trees.

History of the wine cellar lane

In the northern wine-growing regions, where the quality of the vintages changes like the April weather, the spread of viticulture was due to the tenacity of the winegrowers. The fact that viticulture must have been of great importance in Schöngrabern is proven by the length of the wine cellar lane and the additional large number of cellars elsewhere in the village. The first cellars were probably dug in the 18th century. It reached its greatest extent after 1850 with over 80 yards (45 ha). When phylloxera severely damaged viticulture at the end of the 19th century and grafted vines had to be planted, a grafting association was founded in Schöngrabern.

In recent decades, wine production was gradually modernized and moved out of the wine cellar lanes. As a result, the press houses and cellars lost their original significance. Some cellars were only used as equipment and storage rooms, while some press houses were converted into small weekend cottages. Only in recent years has the cultural value of the wine cellar lane been recognized and lovingly revitalized by the cellar owners.

Cellar lane tour

The unmistakable charm of the Weinviertel wine cellar lanes can be experienced most impressively on a guided tour.
This provides fascinating insights into their history and the former significance of these special places.
Information on guided cellar lane tours in the Weinviertel can be found here:
www.weinviertel.at/kellergassenfuehrungen