Updated July 2023
Best Wineries in the Alto Adige wine region
Alto Adige, also known as South Tyrol, is a wine region in northern Italy that borders Austria to the north and Switzerland to the northwest. The region is known for its production of white wines, particularly Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer. However, Alto Adige also produces some excellent red wines, such as Lagrein and Schiava.
History of the Alto Adige wine region
The history of winemaking in Alto Adige dates back to the Roman era. In the 19th century, South Tyrol became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During this time, the region’s wine industry flourished, and many new grape varieties were introduced.
Then after World War I, Alto Adige was given to Italy and is now one of the country’s most important wine regions.
Quick Facts about Friuli & Goriska Brda Wine Region
- Topography: Alto Adige is a mountainous region, with the Alps dominating the landscape. The region’s vineyards are located at altitudes ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters (650 to 3,300 feet). The high altitudes and cool climate of Alto Adige are ideal for growing white grapes.
- Climate and Geography: Hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The region receives an average of 600 millimeters (24 inches) of rain per year.
- Grape Varieties: The most important white grape varieties grown in Alto Adige are Pinot Grigio, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, and Riesling. The most important red grape varieties grown in Alto Adige are Lagrein, Schiava, and Merlot.
- Cooperative: 70% of the wine produced in Alto Adige is made by cooperative wine cellars; most started a century ago after WW1, forming during economic hardship.
How to Visit Alto Adige
The largest city is Bolzano, with the closest international airports in Venice (VCE) and Milan (BGY). Alternatively, you may decide to fly into Austria or Switzerland first and then make your way south.
Where to stay in the Alto Adige Wine Region
If you’re looking to base yourself in a proper city, check out Bolzano or the smaller Merano. Just outside of Merano is a wonderful spot that we highly recommend: Miramonti Boutique Hotel (pictured above).
Perched on the top of the mountains in Alto Adige, this spa themed hotel is a relaxing way to enjoy the region; you can also learn about the region via the on-site restaurants’ deep wine list, knowledgable sommeliers and wine-themed events.
Best wineries in Alto Adige
Foradori
A family-owned boutique winery that focuses on regenerative and biodynamic farming. They are starting to do more work with Amphorae and smaller under-appreciated varieties like Teroldego, Manzoni Bianco.
The winery is located a bit further south towards Trento, so if you have time, also consider visiting the Valpolicella region (home of Amarone).
Cantina Terlano
A larger producer due to its cooperative standing requirements, but it’s the smaller production, higher-end labels that make this spot worth visiting. The Quarz label is the best Sauvignon Blanc we’ve ever tasted, period. 100+ year old Sauvignon vines with 30% steel / 70% foudre fermentation and aging.
The winery likes to work a lot with batonage + lees, but holds back on full malolactic for many of the white wines. This gives the nice balance of crisp taste with round, textured mouthfeel.
Weingut Niedrist
This family-owned winery & farm was started nearly 200 years ago, but had to stop wine production in 1922. Then in 1989, winery operations were restarted and the results are several stellar whites and reds.
Their Riesling “Berg” and Merlot “Vigna Muhlweg” are our two favorites.
Weingut Falkenstein
Another small family-owned winery gem located west of Merano, near the border of Austria. White wines are the stars here, such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurtz–all high altitude vines.
The juice is aged in large acacia wood casks, which gives the wines a different flavor and texture versus those spending time in more traditional steel or french oak.
Where to eat in Alto Adige
- Tree Brasserie (Bolzano): Modern, upscale with a wine list focused on natural wine.
- Restaurant Patauner (near Bolzano): Great food, upscale but authentic, amazing wine list.
- Casa del Vino (Rovereto): Popular, authentic restaurant (also with nice accommodation).
- Baita Daniel (Val Gardena): Great pitstop for amazing views/food/wine list if you are hiking (take the funicular up from Col Raiser and walk a moderate ~30 min).
- Rifugio Col Alt (Corvara): Another hiker’s refuge with an amazing menu and views, right at the top of the Col Alto funicular
