Do they serve it at the junker presentation?
No, if you want to try out Sturm or some of the more sophisticated Styrian wines your best bet is to head off on one of the many Weinstrassen, or wine routes, and find yourself a Buschenschank. A Buschen what? Schank – the original vineyard-door restaurants and the best place to visit if you cannot make the junker parties. They serve hearty cold snacks called Jausen, made up of Styrian specialities either home-grown or freshly prepared on the premises. The idea dates back to 1784, when Emperor Josef II encouraged new vineyards in the region by allowing the owners to sell their wine and food without being taxed. The tradition continues, and nowadays people go to buy inexpensive wines direct from the producer and enjoy a glass or two and a snack amid the rolling vineyards. Marvellous, I think I’ll go after the junker party. Early autumn is a better time when the vine leaves are changing colour and the harvest is being collected. Or you could try May and June if you want to avoid the queu
