Saturday, 7 November 2026Regions · Grape varieties · Wineries · Enjoyment

WINE & FOOD · PREVIEW

MondoVino: Visiting a wine fair with questions rather than a long tasting list

More than 170 producers, over 1,000 products: MondoVino welcomes visitors to Vienna’s MARX HALLE. Anyone who wants not just to taste, but to understand where wines come from and how they are made, will get further with a few good questions.

Translated from German with the help of AI. Read the original in German

Anyone entering the MARX HALLE on 13 or 14 November need not set out to taste as many glasses as possible. MondoVino is big enough to get lost in: WEIN & CO has announced more than 170 producers from Austria and other countries, alongside over 1,000 products. The range includes not only wine but also spirits, beer, delicacies and alcohol-free alternatives. What makes a visit interesting is not the longest possible list, but a good question to take from stand to stand.

The fair runs from 3pm to 9pm on both days; admission is restricted to those aged 18 and over. The organiser is WEIN & CO. The broad offering promises variety, but says nothing yet about which bottles or styles will suit your own taste. That is precisely the appeal of an open fair format: you can compare, ask questions and find your own way through the selection.

A question as a guiding thread

If a wine catches your attention, you can begin by asking about its origin: which region, vineyard site or climate does it come from? Next, it is worth looking at how it was made. Was the wine matured in oak or stainless steel? Was it fermented with indigenous yeasts? How long did it spend on its lees? Questions like these take you beyond the label to the decisions that shape its style.

Having a particular occasion in mind also helps you choose: are you looking for a wine for a meal, a special moment or simply a fresh approach to a grape variety? When it comes to food pairing, you can ask how the elements work together. Acidity often feels refreshing alongside fat; sweetness can soften chilli heat, while firm tannins can be awkward with very spicy dishes. These are not rigid rules, but useful conversation starters – and a reason to ask about a suitable dish or a small taste, where one is offered.

Guided routes and considered breaks

Those who prefer to start with some guidance will find guided Wine Walks in the announced programme. These last around 45 minutes, are free of charge and each take in selected producers; advance registration is required. The themes vary: Friday’s focus includes sparkling wines and origin, while Saturday features cool-climate wines and mature wines. For visitors who would rather not make their own way around the hall, a tour like this can offer a focused introduction.

WEIN & CO has also announced six masterclasses and an Icons Bar featuring mature wines and rarities; neither is included in the standard ticket. A digital fair catalogue is intended to bring together information on the products tasted. Taking notes allows you to record origin, grape variety and maturation – and later understand more clearly why a wine was interesting, without having to rely on a fleeting memory.

Fewer glasses, more conversation

A manageable plan keeps the visit enjoyable: choose a theme beforehand, visit a few producers, and drink water and take breaks along the way. There is no need to empty every glass at a tasting; tasting in moderation is part of a thoughtful approach to wine. Alcohol-free options also deserve a question of their own: how are they made, and how do the methods differ?

MondoVino offers many possible routes through wine and gastronomy. A small personal mission – understanding a region better, discovering the difference between two maturation styles or finding the right bottle for a meal – turns the vast selection into a series of rewarding encounters rather than an obligation to taste your way through everything.

Original reviewed by the editors · 6 November 2026

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