Discover Trentino-Alto Adige’s Wine Country
Nestled in the Italian Alps, Trentino-Alto Adige offers a unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures, reflected in its wine production. This region boasts stunning mountain landscapes, medieval castles, and world-class wines.
Towns and Villages
Explore Trento, the region’s capital, known for its Renaissance architecture and sparkling wines. Visit Bolzano, home to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and gateway to the Dolomites.
Don’t miss Merano, a picturesque spa town surrounded by vineyards, or Bressanone, one of the oldest towns in Tyrol with its beautiful Baroque cathedral.
Wine Producers
Visit Cantina Terlano, renowned for its long-aged white wines. Tour Ferrari Trento, pioneers of Metodo Classico sparkling wines in Italy.
Explore Elena Walch in Tramin, known for elegant Gewürztraminer, or Alois Lageder in Magrè, a leader in biodynamic winemaking.
Accommodations
Stay at Hotel Greif in Bolzano, a boutique hotel with a contemporary art collection. For a luxurious spa experience, book Vigilius Mountain Resort accessible only by cable car.
Try Agriturismo Flachenhof near Bressanone for a traditional farm stay amid vineyards. In Trento, Villa Madruzzo offers elegant rooms and a peaceful garden setting.
Dining
Savor Michelin-starred cuisine at Zur Rose in Appiano, featuring innovative South Tyrolean dishes. Enjoy traditional fare at Wirtshaus Vögele in Bolzano, one of the city’s oldest restaurants.
Try Ristorante Al Vò in Trento for excellent pasta and local wines. For stunning views and regional specialties, visit Oberholz Mountain Hut in the Dolomites.
Wine Shops & Bars
Vinothek Ansitz Pillhof in Appiano offers an extensive selection of local wines. Vineria Paradeis in Bolzano features a cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.
Visit Enoteca Gandolfi in Rovereto for rare vintages. Vinothek Vinum in Caldaro provides tastings with stunning lake views.
Other Shops
Browse Thun Shop in Bolzano for locally-made ceramics. Loacker in Auna di Sotto offers factory tours and wafer tastings.
Shop for traditional Tyrolean clothing at Luis Trenker in Ortisei. Find local cheeses and speck at Degust in Bressanone.
Attractions
Explore the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, home to the famous Iceman. Take a cable car to Renon/Ritten plateau for panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Visit Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano, featuring stunning botanical gardens. Tour the Messner Mountain Museum network for insights into alpine culture and history.
Events
Attend Merano WineFestival in November, showcasing wines from Trentino-Alto Adige and beyond. Experience Südtirol Jazz Festival Alto Adige in summer, with concerts in unique alpine settings.
Join Vino in Festa in May for wine tastings along the South Tyrolean Wine Road. Enjoy the Christmas markets in Bolzano, Merano, and Bressanone during winter months.
Appellations
Trentino DOC covers a wide range of wines from the southern part of the region. Alto Adige DOC (Südtirol) represents wines from the northern area.
Trento DOC is dedicated to sparkling wines made using the traditional method. Teroldego Rotaliano DOC focuses on the native Teroldego grape variety.
Grape Varieties
Trentino-Alto Adige boasts a diverse array of grape varieties. Teroldego and Lagrein are indigenous red grapes, while Nosiola is a unique white variety.
International varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Gewürztraminer thrive in this Alpine region. Schiava (Vernatsch) is widely planted in Alto Adige.
Main Wine Styles
- Sparkling wines: Trentodoc, made using the traditional method
- Crisp whites: Pinot Grigio, Müller-Thurgau, and Sylvaner
- Aromatic whites: Gewürztraminer and Kerner
- Full-bodied reds: Teroldego, Lagrein, and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Light reds: Schiava and Pinot Nero (Blauburgunder)
Food Specialties
Trentino-Alto Adige’s cuisine blends Italian and Austrian influences. Speck, a smoked and cured ham, is a regional staple.
Try canederli (bread dumplings), polenta, and apple strudel. Local cheeses like Puzzone di Moena pair wonderfully with regional wines.
Drives & Walks
Scenic Drives
- South Tyrolean Wine Road: A 42-km route connecting charming wine villages
- Dolomites Grand Tour: A breathtaking drive through the UNESCO World Heritage site
Wine Walks
- Merano Wine Trail: A 6-km path through vineyards and orchards
- Kalterer Weinweg: A circular route around Lake Kaltern with stunning views
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Tour
- Day 1: Explore Trento, visit Ferrari winery, taste Trentodoc
- Day 2: Drive the South Tyrolean Wine Road, stop at Cantina Tramin
- Day 3: Discover Bolzano, taste wines at Cantina Bolzano
Week-Long Adventure
- Start in Trento, explore local wineries
- Visit Val di Non for apple orchards and Groppello di Revò wine
- Explore Merano and its thermal baths
- Discover the Isarco Valley’s aromatic white wines
- End in Bolzano, tasting Lagrein and visiting the Ötzi museum
Getting There & Around
Trentino-Alto Adige is accessible by train, car, or plane. Verona Airport is the closest major international airport.
Rent a car for flexibility in exploring vineyards. Public transportation is reliable but may limit access to remote wineries.
Key Train Stations
- Trento
- Bolzano
- Merano
Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early fall offers ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities.
Visit during September and October for grape harvest events and autumn foliage.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Blooming orchards, wine festivals
- Summer: Outdoor concerts, mountain hikes
- Fall: Grape harvest, food festivals
- Winter: Christmas markets, skiing
Sustainability Efforts
Many wineries in Trentino-Alto Adige prioritize sustainable practices. Look for organic and biodynamic certified wines.
The region promotes eco-friendly tourism through initiatives like Green Way and Alpine Pearls.
Sustainable Wineries
- Alois Lageder
- Manincor
- Nals Margreid
Language Tips
Italian and German are widely spoken. Learn basic greetings in both languages for a richer experience.
Wine-related terms often have both Italian and German versions. Familiarize yourself with key wine vocabulary.
Essential Wine Terms
| English | Italian | German |
|---|---|---|
| Wine | Vino | Wein |
| Winery | Cantina | Weingut |
| Cheers! | Salute! | Prost! |
Further Resources
Consult local tourism boards for up-to-date information and events. Strada del Vino websites offer detailed wine route maps.
Download wine apps like Vivino or CellarTracker to enhance your tasting experience.
