The Episcopal Wine Cellar at Seggau Castle – Wine Tasting in South Styria
The Episcopal Wine Cellar at Schloss Seggau is one of the largest and most impressive buildings of its kind in all of Europe and is home to something very special: Wine from southern Styria.
During a wine tasting, guests can discover the distinctive Seggau wines, learn more about how they are made, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a vaulted cellar that is more than 300 years old. The enormous interior dimensions (75 m long, 8 m wide and 8.5 m high) are an impressive architectural reflection of the importance of viticulture for Schloss Seggau.
What to Expect When Visiting the Episcopal Wine Cellar
During our wine tastings in South Styria, guests can discover the stories behind each individual wine. Our team provides insights into the special characteristics of Seggau wines, explains the qualities of different grape varieties, and answers questions about viticulture, vintages and regional characteristics.
A typical wine tasting includes:
- Welcome in the historic atmosphere of the Episcopal Wine Cellar
- Introduction to the history of Seggau Castle and viticulture in the region
- Tasting of selected Seggau wines
- Personal recommendations and information about the individual wines
- Opportunity to shop in the adjoining store
Depending on the selected experience and its scope, a wine tasting usually lasts approximately one to one and a half hours. Individual tastings for groups, companies or private occasions can be arranged upon request.
Visitors are particularly impressed by:
- the extraordinary architecture of the Baroque vaulted cellar,
- the combination of history and modern wine enjoyment,
- the personal service provided by our wine cellar team.
OPENING HOURS OF THE EPISCOPAL WINE CELLAR
Our wine cellar team is very pleased to welcome you personally at the following times in our
Wine Cellar & Shop:
Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. – 12 midday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
You can also order our wines from the comfort of your own home in our online shop or purchase them outside of opening hours at the hotel reception.
SEGGAU WINES AND THE EPISCOPAL WINE CELLAR
In the historical Episcopal Wine Cellar, which is one of the oldest and largest in Europe, we regularly hold wonderful tastings of our South Styrian wines from our own vineyards. The wine cellar can also be booked for other events and celebrations, such as a cosy get-together in the evening including music and food.
In the adjacent shop, you can buy Seggau wines, award-winning brandies and very special South Styrian specialities, such as Styrian pumpkin seed oil, to take home or as a souvenir.
Award-Winning Wines in the Episcopal Wine Cellar
Some wines tell stories. Our award-winning wines do so with exceptional character.
In the Episcopal Wine Cellar of Schloss Seggau, you will find wines available for purchase that impress not only with their origin, craftsmanship and quality, but have also proven their excellence at tastings and competitions. Each sip brings a piece of Southern Styria into the glass – fresh, elegant, mineral-driven or aromatic, yet always with the unmistakable Seggau signature.
Our Award-Winning Wines:
• Seggauer Messwein 2024
Awarded the Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge Vienna 2025.
• Riesling “Episcopus” 2024
Awarded the Gold Medal at the Vinum Wine Competition 2025 and the Grand Gold Medal at the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes 2025.
• Gelber Muskateller Südsteiermark DAC 2024
Awarded the Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge Vienna 2025.
• Sauvignon Blanc Südsteiermark DAC 2025
Awarded the Silver Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles – Sauvignon Selection 2026.
• Sauvignon Blanc Ried Einöd 2023
Awarded the Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge Vienna 2025, Silver at the Woche Wine Challenge, Gold at the Vinum Wine Competition 2025 and the Gold Medal at the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes 2025.
The People Behind Seggau Wines – Experience, Knowledge and a Passion for Wine
Our wine cellar team connects the history of the Episcopal Wine Cellar with the stories behind the wines. During personal conversations as part of a wine tasting in South Styria, visitors learn interesting facts about the individual grape varieties, special vintages and the development of the wines from vineyard to bottle.
The team at the Episcopal Wine Cellar knows the unique characteristics of Seggau wines and is happy to provide insights into:
- the characteristics of the different grape varieties,
- the special features of the Sausal wine-growing region,
- the right combination of wine and regional specialities,
- the history of individual vintages,
- the special qualities of award-winning wines.
Seggau wines are vinified in cooperation with the Silberberg School of Viticulture, an experienced partner for viticulture and winemaking in Styria.
The history of the Episcopal Wine Cellar and Seggau wines
SEGGAU WINE
Schloss Seggau is not only a hotel with an international congress and seminar centre, but has also been closely associated with winegrowing in southern Styria for centuries. For over 1,000 years, vines have been cultivated in the Seggau vineyards in the Sausal wine-growing region, from which typical South Styrian wines have been pressed – fresh and fruity, with a fine bouquet.
Our wines grow on around 8 hectares of vineyards and are vinified by our neighbour, the Landesweinbauschule Silberberg (Silberberg Regional Wine School). The product range is very typical for Southern Styria and ranges from the classic Styrian Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc or the Muscatel to a true specialty: Seggauer Communiun Wine. You can of course taste all varieties in our wine cellar and take them home with you.
THE EPISCOPAL WINE CELLAR
The Episcopal Wine Cellar at Schloss Seggau is more than 300 years old in its present form and was built between 1693 and 1697 under Prince-Bishop Rudolph Joseph Count of Thun. Unlike other wine cellars, it is not underground, but was built as a free-standing structure. It was only afterwards that the south side was backfilled with a 1.5-metre-thick gravel and clay layer, which served as insulation at the time.
Currently, there are 36 historic oak barrels in the wine cellar with a total capacity of about 150,000 litres. The largest barrel has a volume of 12,000 litres.
Aged wines dating back to 1929 are stored in our vinotheque. On request, the Seggau wine cellar also offers tastings of aged wines from the 1980 vintage onwards and an aged wine sale – also of individual bottles of older vintages.
The baroque vaulted cellar has not been used for wine production since 1992. Today it is a show cellar and is mainly used for wine tastings, parties and events.
An annex built in 1983 now houses the wine cellar and shop, where Seggau wines and other regional specialities are on sale.
Experience a Special Wine Tasting in Idyllic South Styria
A wine tasting in South Styria in the Episcopal Wine Cellar offers the opportunity to experience wine where history and enjoyment come together.
Whether as a destination during a stay in Leibnitz, as part of a programme for groups or as a special experience for wine lovers, the historic wine cellar offers an authentic insight into South Styrian wine culture.
Particularly popular are:
Wine Tastings for Wine Lovers
Individual tastings offer the opportunity to discover different Seggau wines and learn more about their origin, production and special characteristics.
Guided Tours with Historical Insights
During guided tours, visitors discover fascinating details about the architecture, the history of the castle and the development of viticulture.
Wine Experiences for Groups and Events
The historic cellar provides an extraordinary atmosphere for:
- corporate events,
- club excursions,
- private celebrations,
- special evening events.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Episcopal Wine Cellar in South Styria
The wine cellar can be visited during opening hours. Those who would like to learn more about the history, architecture and Seggau wines can gain additional insights during a guided tour or wine tasting.
Depending on the selected tasting, various Seggau wines are available, including Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller, Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc and the special Seggau Messwein.
Yes. In the adjoining shop, visitors can purchase Seggau wines, award-winning vintages and regional specialities directly on site. An online shop is also available for orders.
Seggau Castle is located near Leibnitz and is an ideal starting point for discovering South Styria, with its vineyards, traditional wine taverns, excursion destinations and cultural attractions.
Book Your Wine Tasting in the Episcopal Wine Cellar
Experience one of the most impressive wine cellars in Styria and discover the special connection between history, architecture and the enjoyment of South Styrian wine.
Whether you choose a personal wine tasting, a guided tour or simply a visit to the wine cellar, the team at Seggau Castle looks forward to welcoming you in its historic atmosphere.
Book your wine tasting in South Styria now or conveniently discover and order Seggau wines online.
➠ Wine Tastings & Guided Tours: https://seggau.com/en/guided-tours/#winetasting
➠ Order Seggau Wines: https://seggau.com/en/onlineshop/
Updated on 28.08.2026
