Graz: Summer by the Buschenschanks
Summertime and the livin is easy…And in Styria, a traditional way to enjoy summer is paying a day trip to a Buschenschank.
A Buschenschank is more or less a vine tavern where you can taste farm-grown food and drinks, enjoy the stunning view over the beautiful mountains and vineyards, relax upon a glass of Styrian wine, cider or fruit juice. It’s open from April to October.
On 17 August 1784, Austrian Emperor Joseph II issued the decree that permitted all residents to open establishments to sell and serve self-produced wine, juices and other food. That’s where we guess, the Styrian traditional ‘Buschenschank’ started to develop – at least officially.
Compare with a restaurant, Buschenschanks have certain limits like only its own wine and cold food can be served (generally local, homemade products). The most typical dish is called Brettljause – typical Styrian plate with assorted cold meats and garnishes served on a wooden platter. Eating at Buschenschanks is also very inexpensive.
There are around 80 Buschenschanks around Graz; and out of Graz, particularly famous is the wine streets in Gamlitz. This one I visited last Sunday is very close to my apartment, about 40 minutes with the bike. It was a rainy day and a bit chilli, but the view was still sensational.
So, prost!
Price: €10 per person.
Address: Buschenschank Sattler, Rohrbachhöhe 20, Graz Phone: +43 / (0) 316 / 39 10 21 – 10 
