Raise a Glass on the Danube: Sipping Your Way through the Best Wines & Beers of Central Europe

Welcome to my guide to the best wines and beers to drink on your river cruise through Central Europe! This list was inspired by our recent river cruise’s itinerary. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a beer lover, there’s something for everyone on this trip. From the stunning city of Budapest to the picturesque town of Mondsee, each location on this river cruise offers a unique opportunity to taste some of the best local drinks in Central Europe. Let’s explore each location and the drinks to try in more detail.

Budapes, Hungaryt: Tokaji

Budapest, Hungary’s capital city, is known for its thermal baths and stunning architecture. While you’re here, be sure to try Tokaji, a sweet wine made from grapes grown in the nearby Tokaj region. Tokaji has a long history dating back to the 16th century and is considered to be one of Hungary’s most famous wines. It is often referred to as the “king of wines” and was even mentioned in the works of famous writers like Voltaire and Thomas Jefferson. Tokaji is made from a combination of late-harvest grapes and botrytized grapes, which gives it its characteristic sweetness and complexity.

Bratislava, Slovakia: Zlatý Bažant

Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is a charming town with a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. If you’re a beer lover, be sure to try Zlatý Bažant, one of Slovakia’s most popular beers. This pale lager has a light, refreshing taste and is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Zlatý Bažant is brewed using the finest quality ingredients, including local hops and water from the Tatra Mountains.

Vienna, Austria: Grüner Veltliner

Vienna, Austria’s capital city, is known for its rich history, stunning palaces, and vibrant arts scene. No trip to Vienna is complete without trying Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s most famous white wine. This crisp, dry wine is known for its citrus and green apple notes and pairs perfectly with Wiener Schnitzel, Austria’s national dish. Grüner Veltliner is grown in the vineyards around Vienna and is made using traditional winemaking methods. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with food.

Grein, Austria: Most

As we make our way down the Danube, we stop in Grein, a small town in Austria known for its charming old-world architecture. Here, be sure to try Most, a traditional Austrian cider made from fermented apples. Most has a crisp, tart flavor and is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. Most is made using locally grown apples and is naturally fermented to give it its unique flavor.

Linz, Austria: Stiegl

In Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, be sure to try Stiegl, a popular Austrian beer. Stiegl is known for its full-bodied flavor and crisp finish, making it a perfect beer to enjoy with friends on a sunny afternoon. Stiegl is brewed using the finest quality ingredients, including local hops and water from the Austrian Alps.

Mondsee, Austria: Riesling

Mondsee, a small town in Austria known for its picturesque lake, is the perfect place to try Riesling. This white wine is known for its floral aroma and citrusy flavor and pairs perfectly with fresh seafood. Mondsee Riesling is grown in the vineyards around the lake and is made using traditional winemaking methods. It is a refreshing wine that is perfect for warm summer evenings.

Salzburg, Austria: Stiegl Radler

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is known for its stunning baroque architecture and beautiful gardens. While you’re here, be sure to try Stiegl Radler, a popular Austrian beer mixed with lemon soda. This refreshing beer is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Stiegl Radler is brewed using the finest quality ingredients and is known for its light, citrusy flavor.

Passau, Germany: Weißbier

Passau, a small town in Germany, is known for its stunning baroque architecture and beautiful views of the Danube River. While you’re here, be sure to try Weißbier, a traditional German wheat beer. Weißbier has a light, refreshing flavor and is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. It is brewed using a combination of wheat and barley malt, giving it its characteristic cloudy appearance and light, fruity flavor.

Vilshofen, Germany: Helles

Our river cruise ends in Vilshofen, a small town in Germany, is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful views of the Danube River. Here, be sure to try Helles, a traditional German lager. Helles has a light, refreshing flavor and is perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon. It is brewed using the finest quality ingredients, including local hops and barley malt.

Central Europe is a treasure trove of delicious wines and beers, and our river cruise took us on a journey through some of the best locations to taste them all. From the sweet Tokaji wine of Budapest to the refreshing Helles beer of Munich, there’s something for every palate on this trip. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery and delicious drinks that Central Europe has to offer. Prost!

Interested in booking a river cruise? Contact Veranda Horizons to start planning today!