“Grüner Veltliner is the last of the great European white wine grapes.” So observed Terry Theise, an American wine connoisseur and importer.

The popular wine is indeed a highlight of its native Niederösterreich — and nowhere more so than at Nikolaihof, Mautern, Austria.

Tucked away near Krems, this former 12th-century monastery is Europe’s first biodynamic wine estate.

The organic winery would be famous simply for its Grüner, were it not for the equally sensational kitchen (a cookbook is coming out soon) and the annual apricot harvest (try the fluffy apricot dumplings).

There’s also a Wine Tavern and a Guesthouse, if you’d like to stop awhile.

Apart from producing wine, the Nikolaihof Wachau also makes Apricot Schnaps, Apricot Jam, Stewed Apricot, Johanni-nut Liqueur, Elder-blossom Syrup, Elder Toaster, Mustard Plums, Mustard Pears, Kremser Mustard and Wachauer Mustard.

(Photo courtesy of Austrian Tourist Office)