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„"September 23rd marks the astronomical start of autumn, but for meteorologists, autumn begins at the beginning of September," as they say around here. And so, just in time for the "unofficial start of autumn," I'd like to recommend an event that takes place from September 3rd to September 6th, 2015, at Munich's Rindermarkt (cattle market): Munich's first Styrian Autumn Market. For four days, the Rindermarkt transforms into Munich's gourmet market, and 29 Styrian exhibitors bring everything that Munich residents and tourists need for a good time, full stomachs, and quenched thirst: food and drink, music, and entertainment. I will definitely be stopping by once, if not several times, to experience the "Styrian autumn" and, of course, enjoy some delicious treats on site.

Munich's first Styrian autumn market at Rindermarkt: Culture, tradition & culinary delights

But what exactly can you expect at the city center's autumn market? I've done a little research for you: The festival opens on September 3rd at 12:00 PM, and as market guests, you'll have the chance to see celebrity chef and Styrian culinary ambassador Johann Lafer live. You can also sample various culinary delights, taste delicious Styrian wines, and experience the "Styrian way of life." There will be a joint cooking demonstration with Bavarian chef Martin Fauster and Styrian dirndl designer Lena Hoschek, where Styrian delicacies will be prepared and served to satisfy your hunger. As for the wine selection, there's a seemingly endless variety of different wines on offer. From Welschriesling and Pinot Blanc to sweet Muscat, and on to the popular Sauvignon Blanc and Schilcher, to name just a few. It's no wonder that Styrian wines enjoy an excellent reputation and continue to enchant more and more connoisseurs with their exquisite flavors. Admittedly, I'm not just coming for the tasting, but also to sample some of these wines and perhaps take a bottle or two home with me. Wine tastings are available at the autumn festival by the large wine barrel, giving you the opportunity to sample the various fine wines beforehand.

Apples, regional delicacies, Graz specialties & more

Besides the lively festivities, the autumn festival offers 20 different stalls with culinary "harbingers of Styria's autumn"—namely, the aforementioned wines, the finest pumpkin seed oil and Styrian apples, as well as Vulcano ham, scarlet runner beans, smoked trout with Styrian horseradish, pumpkin seed bread, and much more to sample. Those of you who prefer something a bit heartier—like me—can also get a warm pumpkin cream or mushroom soup, or have chef Martin Fauster serve you Bavarian suckling pig with a fresh Ayinger beer. The regional delicacies seem endless. 🙂 Of course, those with a sweet tooth haven't been forgotten with Styrian apple strudel (already noted—I'll try it!). A little aside about the Styrian apple, the "culinary flagship" of Eastern Styria. These apples grow in vast plantations and orchards in Styria, representing both old and new varieties. The unique climate of the Styrian region gives them their distinctive taste, color, aroma, and balanced sugar-acid ratio. If you're ever in Styria, be sure to try some of the delicious apple products, such as juice and nectar, liqueurs, or jams, or perhaps an apple cream soup or a hearty roast pork in a Styrian restaurant.

Back to the autumn festivities at the Rindermarkt: Besides culinary delights, there are various other stalls to discover – from entertaining to exciting, there's something for everyone. Whether it's the aforementioned five-meter-high, walk-in barrel, which serves not only as a platform for wine tasting but also as a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the market. You can also watch various artisans at work and/or visit the "Graz Pavilion" and sample the full range of Graz culinary specialties. True to Styrian tradition, as befits a successful autumn festival, the event also features live music. On the adjacent alpine stage, a typical "Schuh-Plattler" (a traditional Styrian folk dance) is performed several times a day by Styrian musicians, and on Friday and Saturday evenings, young and modern bands showcase their musical talent. The Styrian side is thus made a complete experience at the autumn festival, not only in terms of cuisine, but also music and craftsmanship.

If you'd like to round things off with some more information about Styria itself, here's a glimpse: Styria is an Austrian state, divided into 10 regions, with over 1.2 million inhabitants. It's known for its high-quality products from diverse origins, sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Styria is renowned for its consistently top-notch quality, not only in the delicacies mentioned above, which you can sample at the autumn market, but also, as briefly mentioned, in its beer, fish, meat, cheese, herbs, gingerbread, fruit, and much more. Besides its beautiful natural scenery, Styria is a major draw, especially for its culinary delights and, of course, its exquisite wines, some of which you can taste over the four days.

Directions, information and more about the Styrian Autumn Festival

From the opening of the Autumn Festival (September 3rd / 12:00 PM) onwards, you can enjoy the festival stalls daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, indulging in delicious food and having a great time. Only on September 6th, the last day, will the market close at 7:00 PM. A wide variety of food, excellent wines, a great atmosphere, and a festive mood are guaranteed. If you're there and fancy a chance to win a fantastic vacation, you could be in with a bit of luck at the holiday raffle at the Almbühne stage – that's all I know for now. The best way to get to Rindermarkt is by taking subway lines 3 or 6, or any S-Bahn line (Marienplatz station). Remember to bring cash for the stalls. If you're there, let me know, maybe I'll be at a stall with a glass of wine or at the alpine stage with my apple fritter while watching the Schuhplattler. 😉

Event: Styrian Autumn Festival
Address: At the cattle market (Marienplatz)
Website: Styrian Autumn Festival

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