Stainz is a western Styrian market town on the Schilcher wine route, known for the Blauer Wildbacher grape and its bracingly dry Schilcher rosé, which is produced almost exclusively in this region. The former Augustinian monastery above the town, given by Archduke Johann to his wife Anna Plochl in 1840, houses the Jagdmuseum and Landwirtschaftsmuseum (hunting and agricultural museums). Bus from Graz takes about 60 minutes; a car is most practical for exploring the surrounding vineyards. September and October are harvest season. For travelers who want Styrian wine country without the organized-tour atmosphere of the South Styrian Wine Road, the Schilcherland around Stainz is the better choice.
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Stainz
The Schilcher wine, a pale rosé made from the Blauer Wildbacher grape that grows almost exclusively in western Styria, is what brings most travelers to the Stainz area. It is dry, high in acidity, and has a sharp mineral character that is either bracingly good or bracingly difficult depending on your palate.