New Stamp Series from Österreichische Post AG Pays Tribute to Austria's Wine Regions

How does a special subject or motif actually become a stamp? Every year, around 50 special stamps conveying a variety of messages about Austria to the entire world are printed. Often applications requesting the printing of the themes are submitted. For “Austria's Wine Regions”, support was obviously made by a wine friend who recognizes and appreciates the hard work of the Austrian vintners.

With its release set to coincide with the climax of the Austrian grape harvest, the first stamp of the special series “Austria's Wine Regions” was printed on October 19th, 2012. This stamp as well as all of the stamps of the special series will serve as eye-catchers in the mailboxes of post recipients through their conveyance of the featured Austrian wine-growing area's most beautiful aspects, including the most striking landmarks and region-typical grape varieties.

The first special stamp is dedicated to Austria's largest wine-growing area, the Weinviertel. Here, the name says it all. Wine-growing plays a crucial role in the Weinviertel. The most widely planted grape variety is Grüner Veltliner which, as the classic Weinviertel DAC wine, gives a typical “Pfefferl” taste. As a Weinviertel DAC Reserve, the Grüner Veltliner variety delivers powerful wines with good ageing potential.

Therefore, it is fitting that the new Weinviertel stamp features a motif comprising the grape, its vine leaf and a glass of shimmering Grüner Veltliner. As a further touch, the composition includes also the famous windmill that has become a landmark of the town of Retz in northwestern Weinviertel.

The special stamps featuring the Weinviertel, which are printed on sheetlets with decorative frames, have been available since the first day of print, October 19th, 2012, in all Austrian post offices and through the online shop of the Österreichische Post AG.

The stamps are available as:

• Sheet of 10 stamps (6,20 €)
• Sheet Edition (14,90 €)
• 4-stamp set for (2,48 €)
• Individual stamp (0,62 €)

A little preview for next year: the special stamp for 2013 will feature the Südsteiermark (South Styria) wine region.