Words by Jeannine Williamson
The Blue Danube might be famous for a certain waltz composed by Johann Strauss, but there are plenty of other reasons to savour a trip to the river lined with steep terraced vineyards and lush pastures. Quite simply, it’s a foodie paradise.
Stretching between the Austrian towns of Melk and Krems, the 20-mile UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley is one of the most picturesque regions along the Danube and it’s also home to some of the best vineyards. Here, you’ll find fresh and aromatic Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines, sold at pretty wine taverns that hug the river banks.
When it’s time to eat, the lush soils of the valley also produce plump apricots which are celebrated for their sweet taste. They’re such a local speciality that they’ve been granted Protected Designation of Origin status by the EU, which means only fruit from the region can be described as Wachau apricots, or Wachauer Marille.
And you don’t just need to visit during the summertime, when roadside stalls are laden with fresh fruit, as they can be enjoyed year-round.
Scrumptious cinnamon-sprinkled apricot dumplings called marillenknödel are a menu staple in local restaurants and the apricots are made into fruit juice, liqueur, jam, chocolate and all manner of treats.