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‘Best of Austria’ at the Vienna Opera Ball 2025
The dazzling Vienna Opera Ball is world famous for its glamorous ambiance, top notch artistic programme and stunning floral decorations. But behind the glittering crystal chandeliers and elegant waltzing couples lies a rich history that is tightly interwoven with European politics.
The annual February ball can trace its roots back to the Congress of Vienna, when European powers met in Austria’s capital from 1814-15 in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars to devise a strategy to maintain peace and stability. In between negotiations, representatives were treated to dance evenings and social events by their host, Emperor Franz I.
Over the decades, the ball has developed into an important symbol of Austrian identity – an occasion not just for the society elites but an opportunity for politicians, artists, business leaders and legendary personalities to gather and mingle. And now, it is also a showcase for the best Austrian food and wines from around the country.
This staging of flavours is directed by the newly crowned three-Michelin star Steirereck restaurant in Vienna, jointly run by Heinz and Birgit Reitbauer. Chef Heinz Reitbauer is setting up a new lounge in the orchestra dressing room called ‘Steirereck & Friends’, while Birgit Reitbauer has taken over responsibility for the selection of wines at the Opera Ball.
Her motto is: “The best from every region”, and so, eight wineries have been selected to represent Austria's wine regions, based on the typical variety in each instance, to the five thousand national and international guests.
Grüner Veltliner - Wagram | |
Riesling - Wachau | |
Wiener Gemischter Satz - Vienna | |
Chardonnay - Carnuntum | |
Sauvignon Blanc - South Styria | |
Blaufränkisch - Carnuntum | |
Cuvée – Mittelburgenland | |
Sekt - Kamptal |
Wines from these eight Austrian wineries will be offered in the boxes, and a ‘Best of Austria’ wine bar will also be set up in the Schwind foyer.
“At the most prominent ball in the world, it is a must that Austria not only shows its best cultural side but also invites guests to familiarise themselves with the country's wine regions through its different wine styles and to get to grips with fascinating variations in climatic and soil conditions,’ says Birgit Reitbauer.
A Grüner Veltliner from Burger winery (Kamptal) was selected for the Spritzer wine, a sparkling water and wine drink which is popular in Austria.
About the Vienna Opera Ball:
The 67th Vienna Opera Ball takes place this year on 27 February at the Vienna State Opera. The Vienna State Opera orchestra led by conductor Cornelius Meister will perform at the opening. Soloists Nadine Sierra, Juan Diego Flórez, Maria Nazarova and Daniel Jenz will sing. The Vienna State Ballet will perform a choreography by Martin Schläpfer.
