Early grape harvest and young wine fuel South Styrian autumn hopes

South Styria is hoping a strong autumn tourism season will offset a subdued summer affected by record heat, ORF reported. The region is already offering Sturm, a young wine, and chestnuts as the grape harvest begins unusually early.

The hot summer led to a historically early harvest for Styrian winegrowers. Full-harvest machines are being used to bring the ripe grapes into the cellars quickly before rain arrives.

Herbert Germuth of the South Styria Tourism Association said the heat had reduced visitor numbers in the wine region. However, he said guests had shifted towards higher elevations around the Koralm, where mountain huts were well attended.

Tourism representatives are now looking to a consistent autumn. Germuth said the early grape harvest, the arrival of Sturm and more comfortable temperatures had already created an autumn atmosphere among visitors and increased activity at the start of the season.

Styria also recorded a strong increase in Italian holidaymakers during the summer after promoting the region in northern Italy the previous year.