From 4 to 13 December 2026, the gourmet village of Lech Zürs am Arlberg will become a meeting point for the international wine world. In a remarkably short time, Weinberg Arlberg has evolved from a small tasting event into a vibrant symposium with inspiring personalities, great wines and compelling topics.
Lech Zürs am Arlberg is located in Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost federal state, and ranks among Europe’s most renowned alpine destinations for fine dining and winter sports. At the start of the 2026 winter season, this alpine village will become the stage for an exceptional wine format: Weinberg Arlberg brings together leading voices from the media, viticulture, sommellerie, trade and hospitality with wine-loving guests. Pressing questions facing the industry will be discussed, great wines will be served, and new trends will be there to discover.
In 2026, Weinberg Arlberg presents itself as a summit meeting of the wine world: a place for exchange, tasting, debate and encounter. More than 40 individual events will take place throughout the week, some of them during the day in the form of panel discussions, masterclasses and competitions at the spectacular new Lechwelten venue. In the evenings, leading restaurants and hotels will host wine dinners and private tastings. Naturally, the mountain will also be part of the programme: with the “Einkehrschwung” format, guided ski rounds, selected mountain huts, Austrian wine and a glass of Crémant d’Alsace combine winter sport with culinary pleasure, supported by Ski Arlberg – Lech Zürs and Vins d’Alsace.
This year, Bordeaux – arguably the most famous wine region of all – will be given a major thematic focus. Neal Martin of Vinous will open the Bordeaux series with a grand tasting of Château Pichon Comtesse, La Conseillante and Figeac. The region currently finds itself at the intersection of climate change and shifting market dynamics. How Bordeaux is responding, which new tendencies are emerging, and what other wine regions around the world can learn from it will be discussed in further events throughout the week. Experts in oenology and viticulture, as well as specialists in the La Place system, will contribute their perspectives.
The second major theme is dedicated to Riesling. Master of Wine Romana Echensperger of Falstaff will present outstanding vineyard sites from Alsace, Rheinhessen and the Wachau at the Grand Opening, together with Jean Trimbach, Philipp Wittmann and Nikolaihof. The challenges facing the variety will be addressed by Professor Hans Reiner Schultz, an expert on climate change, critic Stephan Reinhardt, sommelier Amanda Wassmer-Bulgin and importer Ann Burgaz.
One of the most pressing questions of our time is the current anti-alcohol trend seen across societies around the world. Journalist Felicity Carter has examined the origins and motives behind these campaigns and will explain where they come from and what lies behind them. Physician and winegrower Dr Laura Catena will explain in detail how certain studies have been interpreted, while New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov will offer arguments for a healthy and considered relationship with wine.
The next major topic follows naturally: how can we inspire younger generations to engage with wine? In this discussion, Anna Wallner, Head of New Media at Die Presse, will speak with Wine Society buyer Freddy Bulmer, successful Instagram creator Die Weinsteigerin and Giovanni Gaja of the legendary Piedmont estate.
Furmint, the new darling of the younger scene, will be presented by Wojciech Bońkowski MW. Further topics and high-profile names include Anne Krebiehl MW, Willi Balanjuk on Blaufränkisch, the Douro Boys with rare Ports, and Sascha Speicher on sparkling wines. A major tasting of Grands Crus from Alsace will be led jointly by Sascha Speicher and Stephan Reinhardt.
Evening highlights include an Egon Müller vertical, tastings with Domaine de Chevalier, Raveneau & Salomon Alttus and Giovanni Gaja, as well as dinners with the German Sekt producers, Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW) and Vinea Wachau.
Lech Zürs is far more than a backdrop. The short distances between Lechwelten, top hotels, restaurants, the ski area and cultural sites such as Skyspace Lech create a unique sense of concentration. The local hotel industry and the municipality support Weinberg Arlberg together as a local project with international appeal. In a village known for alpine elegance, hospitality and exceptional culinary density, a meeting point emerges that presents wine as a cultural product, an economic force and a shared language.
Weinberg Arlberg will take place from 4 to 13 December 2026 in Lech Zürs am Arlberg. The main programme comprises more than 40 events, complemented by selected side events throughout the week. Tickets, packages and further information are available via the website.
Lech Zürs am Arlberg offers guests remarkable skiing, outstanding culinary offerings and the finest of wines. The 'Weinberg Arlberg' event, traditionally held in the first week of December, lavishes attendees with fantastic wines, gourmet food and captivating events. The program is tailor-made for wine lovers who also enjoy time on the slopes and indulgence for all the senses.
Weinberg Arlberg
Lech Zürs Tourism
Dorf 2
6764 Lech am Arlberg
Austria
