For the love of schnapps

In this alpine land, schnapps-making has a proud history, with some family recipes and techniques carefully passed down the generations. With flavours ranging from local apples and pears, to various alpine herbs, discover the world of schnapps first-hand during a guided tour or tasting sessions with the experts. Take your pick – there’s something for everyone!

Summer Distillery & Fruit Processing

The Summer family is now in its fourth generation of producing fine brandies, liqueurs and spirits - including Vorarlberg specialities such as Subirer, Ruhschiebler and Zitronenbirne. They have plenty of expertise to impart, handed down over 100 years; visit them in Rankweil to find out more and taste for yourself!

• Tours: on request
• https://www.destillerie-summer.at

Prinz Fine Distillery

Perhaps the region’s best-known distillery opens its doors for those wanting to get a glimpse into the art of distilling schnapps. A guided tour around the premises lasts around 30-45, taking everything from raw materials to the distilling process and storage. The tour is free for groups of 15 or more, and afterwards these fine spirits can be purchased and savoured in the on-site shop.

• Guided tours: (free from 15 people or more): weekdays from 09:00 to 16:00, Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00
• https://www.prinz.cc

Bentele Genuss

This is the place to try distilled spirits and fine liqueurs from the whole region. Stop by to find your own favourites, and get tasty samples while learning about each one from the pros. And of course, you can stock up on not only your favourite tipple but culinary delicacies from throughout Austria and Italy – a match made in heaven

• Tours: on request
• https://www.gsiberger.at

Löwen Mountain Distillery

The Bregenzerwald region is home to many deep-rooted traditions, including the fine art of schnapps distilling. At the Löwen mountain distillery in Au, you can learn all about the past and present of these fine spirits. Guided tours are available every Thursday and Friday at 4pm & 6 pm, free of charge! Other than these times you can book a tour by appointment and for a small fee. Tasting is, of course, included.

• Tours (free): Thursdays and Fridays at 16:00 and 18:00
• https://bergbrennerei-loewen.at

Brunner Distillery

The owners, Egon and Daniel, proudly call this place a “Schnapsmanufaktur”, as everything is done by hand, from collecting the fruit to bottling it. With this handmade approach, sometimes surprise combinations emerge; everything is possible here in this relaxed haven. The same can be said for their guided tours, which are authentic, down-to-earth and informative.

• Tours: by prior arrangement
• https://destillerie-brunner.at

Brunnenfeld Distillery

Here you can stick your nose into not only a schnapps glass, but also into the day-to-day of a schnapps distiller. During a guided tour, Norbert Bertsch provides all manner of insights into the production of regional brandies, schnapps, gins, whiskeys and rums. There is also a tasting and a small snack; you should allot around 1.5 hours of time.

• Tours: Wednesdays from 17:00 or by arrangement
• https://www.vorarlberg-alpenregion.at

Broger Private Distillery

Vorarlberg craftsmanship and burning passion – this is what this family business is committed to. With this proud mission, the distillery has produced delicacies for a couple of generations. You are welcome to join them here and take a look. You can even take a virtual tour of the distillery from the comfort of your own home – check the website for more info.

• Tours: on request
• https://www.broger.info