Schlumberger Cellars

The basics

Hidden beneath Vienna’s nineteenth district, the brick­-lined tunnels of Schlumberger Cellars were designed by the famous engineer Carl Ritter von Ghega, known best for designing the Semmering Railway. Tour the cellars to learn how the steady, moderate temperature assures proper fermentation and perfect bubbly. The winery combines a blend of contemporary and traditional techniques, so you can learn about the classic méthode Champenoise (traditional method) while exploring the extensive labyrinth of cellars.

Things to know before you go

• English-language tours are independent (with the aid of an audio guide); guided tours are only in German. Either can include a glass of sparkling wine or a tasting session featuring multiple different wines.

• Only those 18 and older can tour the cellars and sample the wines; children are not permitted.

• Bring a light jacket or sweater as the cellars are cool all year round.

• There is a wine bar and shop where you can sample Schlumberger sparkling wines and purchase bottles as gifts and souvenirs.

• The cellars are not accessible to wheelchairs due to steps at the entrance.

How to get there

The Schlumberger cellars are located in Vienna’s nineteenth district and can be reached from the city center via metro lines U4 or U6 (Spittelau stop) or the D tram to the Spittelau stop. Alternatively, take a taxi to reach the cellars that sit north of the city’s historic center.

When to get there

The cellars are only open for self-guided and guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays; the final tour is an hour before the 6pm closing time, so plan your visit carefully to avoid disappointment. The cool cellars are particularly appealing when temperatures soar in the city during the summer.

Austria’s Champagne-making history

For almost a century, Austria produced its very own authentic Champagne. The founder of the original Schlumberger vineyard trained as a winemaker in the French city of Reims, which meant that Schlumberger Cellars’ sparkling wine was allowed to be called Champagne until France changed its wine making laws in 1900. Today the wine is simply called sparkling, but the bubbles remain the same.