May 25, 2024
This morning we arrived in Melk, Austria.
Set amid an important wine-growing region of picturesque villages and fairy-tale castles, the charming city of Melk lies at the base of the Wachau Valley. An imposing 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a stunning example of baroque architecture, overlooks the town from its dramatic hilltop location. This architectural treasure has 365 windows, one for each day of the year, and the views from its expansive balcony are stunning. Its beautiful library houses priceless medieval manuscripts and marvelous frescoes by Paul Troger, and its meticulously kept grounds are inviting and picturesque.
The only choice for a morning shore excursion today was the included Melk Abbey.
Description: Tour the renowned Melk Abbey, a masterwork of baroque brilliance. Perched on dramatic cliffs high above the Danube, this ochre-colored confection is perhaps the most graceful landmark of the Wachau Valley. At the abbey’s entrance, you will meet your guide. Rebuilt during the 18th century after the original 12th-century building was destroyed by fire, its library is now home to a wide range of medieval manuscripts. The interior of the abbey’s church is a kaleidoscope of red, orange and gold, with a magnificent carved pulpit and colorful ceiling frescoes. You will also see the imperial rooms, which are now home to a museum chronicling the abbey’s history from its inception to modern times. Be sure to step onto its gracious terrace for breathtaking views of the Danube, the city and the expanding valley.
Disembarking, we followed our Program Director’s instructions to the proper bus for our assigned group. After a short bus ride, we joined our guide and followed her on a brief up-hill walk to the entrance of the Abbey grounds. The views along the way of both the Abbey and surrounding countryside were incredible.
As imposing as the outside of the Abbey was, the interior was doubly so. Unfortunately, photographic opportunities of the interior were somewhat limited so I only have a few select photos to show.
After touring the Abbey, we were given time to wander through the extensive garden adorned with some whimsical statues.
At the appointed time, we boarded our bus for the ride back to the ship.
Following lunch, the ship set sail for Krems via the scenic Wachau Valley.
Description: Sail through a serene tapestry of terraced vineyards, forested slopes, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube. Journey 18 miles through this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the river courses through picturesque hillsides. Gaze upon the prolific grapevines and quaint wine-producing villages hugging the shores—the legacy of vintners that stretch as far back as Celtic and Roman times and an echo of the more than 30 monasteries that served as vineyards in Renaissance days.
We were able to enjoy the sights along the valley from the sun deck of the ship which reopened after Passau.
Slightly below the church is the Calvary mountain built in 1669 with an open long side. The figures of the Crucified Christ and the two thieves come from the original furnishings, the statues of the Mother Mary and John were added a hundred years later.
The ship arrived in Krems around 4 p.m. We had signed up for the optional Wachua Valley Winery excursion.
Description: Sample fine vintages during a tour and tasting at a local winery. The Wachau wine region comprises just 3 percent of Austrian wine, but its reputation for producing the finest whites in Central Europe is unparalleled. Meet your guide for a drive into the valley, whose unique combination of terraced slopes, dry stone walls, hillside castles, vineyards and rich cultural tradition has earned it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wine has been produced here since the time of the Celts, long before the Romans introduced the Riesling grape. During your winery visit, learn how the region’s grapes amplify the qualities of the earth in which they are grown, tour impressive cellars and sample wines little known to American palates. This tour offers a unique and fascinating glimpse of a prolific viticulture beloved by oenophiles the world over.
It was a short walk from the ship to the bus that took us to Winzer Krems Winery.
WINZER KREMS is Austria’s most important quality wine producer. The location in Krems together with the venerable address “Sandgrube 13” obliges us to produce wines of high quality. The winery is owned by around 730 member winegrowers. They own 1200 hectares of firmly bound contract areas from the city of Krems and the surrounding winegrowing areas (Kremstal, Traisental, Kamptal, Wagram and the Wachau). With the training and experience in the vineyard, the winemakers combine traditional wine culture with modern production at Winzer Krems. The winemakers cherish and care for the vines throughout the year. In autumn they select only the ripest and healthiest grapes and harvest mainly by hand.
Winzer Krems
Once we arrived, we met our winery guide and started a circular trail through the winery. Our first stop was in the vineyard next to the watchman’s hut where we enjoyed a glass of Grüner Veltliner. Next we entered a room with a map on the floor showing the growing regions in the area. Then we were led through the Treasure Room where their noble vintages (dating back to 1946) are stored – no sampling here though. From there we entered the Wine Cellar where we sampled a red varietal. This was followed by a 4-D film that not only provided 3-D sights of Krems, the Wachua, and wine production but also light wind and fragrant mist (the 4th D). Our final stop was in the Wine Gallery and Shop where we enjoyed a glass of Riesling.
Below are some of the wines that we tasted.
The tour was certainly interesting and a bit different from any winery tours that we had ever experienced before. After our tour, we took the bus back to the ship for the evening.
Tonight we sail for Vienna.
