Austrian Wine?

I'm off to Austria for work next week... I enjoy Germany Riesling, but I haven't had much of anything from Austria, and would like to use the visit as an opportunity to finally sample some. What wines should I seek out while I'm there? Are there particular "world class" wines which I can find and try much more affordably while I'm there?

Also, I will be in Linz... can anyone recommend a good local restaurant or wine store?

There was a forum focus on Austria last month so you might find this of some use:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=31421

I think the accepted wisdom is the Austrians produce excellent Rieslings and their native Grüner Veltliner (at this point they are about the only ones who grow this varietal). There are some other well regarded whites, the Sauvignon Blanc made by Tement has been touted. With reds look for Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, etc.

They have a rating system similar to Germany's, though in Austria at the higher end it goes Kabinett - Spätlese - Auslese - Beerenauslese - Ausbruch - Trockenbeerenauslese (there's also Eiswein and Schilfwein). In Wachau it's slightly different Steinfeder - Federspiel -Smaragd. Hell, read the Karen McNeil section on Austria in "the Wine Bible". It's a great rundown. It's a great book in general.

I've yet to have a bad Austrian wine, though I think due to the rather small quantities we get in this country the selection tends toward quality even at the lower prices.

As far as actual producers my favorites:

F.X Pichler
Anton Bauer
Tement
Birgit Eichinger
Uwe Schiefer
Pfaffl (generally very cheap and good IMO).

Several folks here are more experienced and I'm sure will chime in.

To Kelly's list of producers, and excellent take on the region, I'd add a few more names of producers I've liked a lot: Bründlmayer, Nikolaihof, Nigl, Hirtzberger, Domäne Wachau, and Kracher for sweet wines.

Enjoy!

I've only been to Austria once, very briefly, but am trying to figure out a way to return for eating and drinking.

And they are probably still in spargel season!

Could you close down your question to what kind of wines. Sweet, dry, red, white, high price range, low price range, use of oak etc etc. Do you want to travel or buy in a shop, like to know good places to sleep or eat. I can help you with a lot of info about Austria and its wines, just need to know what you want to hear

I could, but I haven't had practically any Austrian wines, so it's hard to say what I'd eliminate. My goal is to sample broadly. I can tell you that I enjoy Loire whites and reds, such as Chenin Blanc and Cab Franc, and German (MSR) riesling. I have a sweet tooth, but I also like a good acid backbone.

I appreciate the suggestions from all.

For Riesling go for the Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal. All real close together near Vienna. For similar to Loire wines check out Steiermark. Hre you'll find 3 posts from me about the region which can help you: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=31421&hilit=wine+focus+austria&start=24