Sipping on Sturm: Final few weeks to enjoy this Viennese speciality

As summer draws to a close, the beginning of autumn in the city of Vienna signifies the wine harvest season and a special drink which is only available for a limited number of weeks each year. 

Sturm (German for storm) is grape juice that has already begun to ferment, and must have at least 1% alcohol content; usually, it contains around 4%. The drink is only available between September and the beginning of November before the wine process is complete, and is best enjoyed with a seasonal snack of roasted chestnuts. 

In these early stages, Sturm is sweet and becomes drier and more alcoholic throughout the fermentation process as the sugar is naturally converted. The drink is cloudy in colour, with the CO2 released during fermentation creating a tingling effect that stirs up the yeast particles in the liquid.

When consumed in moderation, Sturm does in fact have some health benefits. The drink is rich in vitamin C, B1 and B2, which helps to support the nervous system, and aids a healthy metabolism. As well as this, it’s also good for gut health, skin and hair. 

 For those looking to enjoy Sturm for themselves, there are a number of places where it can be sampled. Amerlingbeisl is a cosy Beisl (Viennese bistro) in the Spittelberg quarter of the city, whilst Weinstube Josefstadt is a Heuriger (Austrian wine tavern) with a beautiful green courtyard. Further from the city centre, Heurigen 10er Marie is a traditional wine tavern that has been open since 1740. Sturm seekers can also find the delicious drink at a number of different Heurigen in the area of Mauer.