The Schlumberger Kellerwelten cellars in Vienna were founded in 1842, making them Austria’s oldest sparkling wine cellars.
They are located in the Döbling district, within a network of underground tunnels stretching several kilometers, where the bottles are aged using the Méthode Traditionnelle (traditional method).
The winery was founded by Robert Alwin Schlumberger. He moved from Germany to Reims, France, where he worked his way up to become head cellar master at Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house.
In 1842, he launched his business by leasing vineyards in Bad Vöslau, south of Vienna, and producing the first Vöslauer Sekt (Austrian sparkling wine).
The quality of Schlumberger sparkling wine quickly gained recognition; in 1862, “Sparkling Vöslauer” was included on Queen Victoria’s wine list during the London World’s Fair.
Until World War I, Schlumberger sparkling wine was legally marketed as “Austrian Champagne.”
However, the 1919 Treaty of Saint-Germain required Austria to relinquish use of the term “Champagne,” which was reserved exclusively for the French region of the same name. From that point on, the product was permanently designated as Sekt.
The company remained in the hands of the founding family until 1973, when it was sold to the historic German firm Underberg. It subsequently came under the control of a Swiss holding company.
As of 2025, active production has been relocated to a new facility in Burgenland, transforming the Vienna tunnels into a center dedicated primarily to long-term aging and visitor experiences. After the guided audio tour, I tasted three wines from the “Brut Klassic” range—the line most closely linked to the Austrian terroir.
Sparkling Brut Klassic
Schlumberger Sparkling Brut Klassik is the flagship product of the entire winery.
It is a vintage sparkling wine (Jahrgang) that embodies the house’s purest tradition, serving as the benchmark for their “Classic” line.
It is a cuvée made from three typical varieties grown in Lower Austria: Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), and Chardonnay.
With an alcohol content of 12% ABV, it is ideal as an aperitif or paired with seafood, shellfish, fish dishes, or delicate white meats.
Grüner Veltliner Brut Klassic
Schlumberger Grüner Veltliner Brut Klassik represents the perfect marriage of Austrian winemaking’s signature indigenous grape variety and the winery’s historic sparkling wine tradition.
Unlike the Sparkling Brut, this version is 100% Grüner Veltliner, sourced from selected vineyards in Lower Austria.
With an alcohol content of 12% ABV, it is ideal for raw fish dishes and light fried foods (such as the classic Wiener Schnitzel).
Rosé Brut Klassic
Schlumberger Rosé Brut Klassik is a vintage sparkling wine (Jahrgang) made entirely from historic red grape varieties grown in Burgenland.
It is a cuvée composed of three red varieties typical of Austria: Pinot Noir, Sankt Laurent, and Zweigelt.
With an alcohol content of 12% ABV, it is ideal not only as a sophisticated aperitif but also as a wine to enjoy throughout the meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled salmon and fresh fruit-based desserts.
