JOSEF II

Of course, the absolute classic of Viennese cuisine must not be missed: the Wiener Schnitzel, served with creamy potato salad, lemon slices and, of course, a well-paired wine.

WINE & DINE

Looking for food and drink with the charm of a wine tavern set in imperial ambience? Joseph II opens its doors at Schönbrunn Palace – seasonal delicacies and wine variety included.

T E X T URS U LA S CHEIDL P H O T O S S TEFAN D IESNER

Only 32 years old, Yannic Fabi started as an apprentice in gastronomy and is passionate and committed. Since August, the hobby runner has been Head of Operations at the SHI Group and responsible for catering.

In addition to the Heuriger, the Vinothek also o ers tastings and bottled wine sales with products from the diverse wine landscape of Vienna and the surrounding area. The healthy spinach dumplings are also a real treat for the palate, with cheese and herbs providing the flavorful notes.

Heuriger delicacies, a glass of wine in a cosy atmosphere – the Viennese Heuriger has long been a cultural institution and also an intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site. There were already vineyards at Schönbrunn Palace under Maria Theresa, and today they are tended by the “WienWein” group. So what could be more obvious than to unite two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one place, thought SHI Group managing director and “Joseph II” operator Josip Susnjara, and opened a Heuriger in the newly renovated premises of the “Kontrollorstöckl”. “I myself love the authentic Viennese Heurigen culture. With a partly modern interpretation of the cuisine, Joseph II carries over the traditional Heurigen experience to today and would like to whet the appetite of Viennese people in particular for the culinary tradition of their federal capital,“ says Susnjara. The restaurant is named after Emperor Joseph II, who laid the foundation for the flourishing Heurigen culture. With an exciting fusion of elegant “Schönbrunn yellow” and cosy “Heurigen green”, the Heuriger Joseph II, set between the Orangerie and the main building makes you want to stop in. A cross-section of seasonal wines is served daily from 10 a.m. to midnight in the two dining rooms. Two courtyards offer enough places for 80 visitors, and up to 100 hungry guests can be catered for indoors. Joseph II’s passion project is to provide

At the in-house bar, you’ll want to linger and sample the extensive wine list, with lovingly selected delicacies from Viennese vintners.

a platform for the 23 Viennese winegrowers with wine tastings and celebrations. Thomas Köberl, qualified sommelier, was responsible for compiling the wine list with 54 varieties. The offer includes all Viennese vintners, first and foremost the “WienWein” group. In addition to the varied regular assortment, there are seasonally changing surprises on the wine list. “Joseph II unites Vienna’s diverse wine-growing regions in one central location, this Heurigen experience is intended to bring our guests closer to the quintessential Viennese wine culture,” says Köberl. Guests are treated to culinary classics and modern interpretations by the three chefs Thomas Wieland, Horst Hergesell and Tristan Kalb. The menu includes Viennese escargots as well as the Heurigen platter. “There is nothing better than bringing a smile to a diner’s face with good food and good wine,” emphasises Yannic Fabi, who is responsible for the overall gastronomic management of SHI gastronomy on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace. Although the new Heuriger just opened this fall, there are already loyal regulars who enjoy sampling regional delicacies. Joseph II is a little piece of Heurigen culture in the middle of Schönbrunn’s cultural heritage that will delight locals and tourists alike. HEURIGER & VINOTHEK JOSEPH II

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, tel.: +43 (0)1 934 62 20 open: Mon–Sun, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. heurigerschoenbrunn.at