Autumn is the ideal time to discover the Alto Adige Wine Route, a route that winds between Nals and Salorno (there are 16 municipalities crossed: Nals, Andriano, Terlano, Bolzano, Appiano, Caldaro, Termeno, Cortaccia, Magrè, Cortina, Salorno, Egna, Montagna, Ora, Bronzolo and Vadena) for approximately 150 kilometres, immersed in a landscape characterized by lush vineyards, medieval castles and modern cellars.
Also known as Südtiroler Weinstraße, the South Tyrolean Wine Route it represents a real homage to the centuries-old winemaking tradition of the region, a place where you can spend a wonderful holiday full of many different experiences.
The charm of the vineyards
The region is a paradise for wine lovers: with over 4,000 hectares of vineyardsis the largest wine-growing area in Alto Adige, the renowned wineries in the area use over 20 varieties of grapes, and produce excellent quality wines. Among the most renowned wines, Gewürztraminer stands out, famous for its delicate but intense taste, or Lagrein and Schiava, native vines of the highest level. Equally famous are Pinot Noir and the white Sauvignon, Pinot blanc and Chardonnay, which also represent the wine excellence of the area.
A journey into the history of 2,500 years ago
Traveling along the Alto Adige Wine Route means immersing yourself in a thousand-year-old culture, where viticulture was already practiced 2,500 years ago: the harvest, which begins in autumn, is still carried out by hand today, in full respect of ancient traditions.
Walking among the vineyards, farms and cellars, both historic and avant-garde, you can touch this heritage firsthand and live a singular experience that combines past and present in a tangible way.
At the Alto Adige Wine Route it is possible to admire vineyards with orderly rows that extend as far as the eye can seesilent witnesses of generations of winemakers who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of winemaking, where each bunch of grapes tells a story of sacrifice, passion and dedication, handed down from father to son.
Protected by thick stone walls, you can visit the ancient cellarswhere the wooden barrels (strictly hand-carved) tell of a time when each phase of wine production required in-depth knowledge and respect for natural cycles. Entering these cellars means taking a step back in timebreathe in the smell of must and wood, and understand the importance of waiting in the refinement of wine.
At the same time, modern cellars, thanks to technology, demonstrate how tradition can evolve without losing its essence: even by using innovative methods, these companies manage to keep the memory and pride of ancestral practices alive.
Discovering the South Tyrolean Wine Route
The landscapes along the Wine Route are fascinating in every season, but in autumn they offer a particular magic. Thanks to the mild climate, walks among the rows of vines and medieval fortresses become an unforgettable experience, while the educational trails and wine itineraries allow you to discover the secrets of winemaking and taste the wines in the cellar, taking part in guided tours or exploring independently, by bicycle or along the various thematic paths.
To experience the Wine Route in a sustainable way with the Alto Adige Wine Pass you can travel by public transport for free, a card provided by partner structures that offer free use of public transport and participation in various experiences at a reduced cost, or for free. Thanks to the cards it is possible to move more easily between the different locations, and take advantage of discounts both for mobility and for participation in wine and cultural events in the area.
Cities, ancient villages and traditions
The journey along the Alto Adige Wine Route can only start from Bolzanothe provincial capital, a true gateway to the world of South Tyrolean wine. Bolzano is not only the commercial and cultural center of the region, but also a melting pot of languages, customs, cultures and contradictions. The city is the link between north and south, between Tyrolean tradition and Mediterranean vitality.
The city is also a cultural center of importance, with art exhibitions, events and concerts of all kinds, without forgetting the Archaeological Museum of Alto Adige, famous for hosting “Otzi, the iceman”.
Bolzano is also a city of wine: the hilly area around the city is particularly suitable for the cultivation of Vernatsch from which St. Magdalener is obtained, while Lagrein populates the family-run vineyards found in the plain, with soils particularly suited to its production.
Continuing along the Strada del Vino, you arrive at Caldaroa place where wine and water are the undisputed protagonists. The Lake Caldaro it is the warmest bathing lake in the Alps, a paradise for activities such as swimming, surfing and sailing, which can even be practiced as early as April. And the shores of the lake itself are surrounded by vineyards that enjoy mild temperatures, ideal for growing wines such as the eponymous Kalterersee wine, made from the native Schiava grape variety. The provincial wine museum, however, invites you to discover viticulture.
To Appian beyond the cultivation of wine, there are numerous points of historical and cultural interest. Among these, Castel Boymont and Castel d’Appiano offer a glimpse into the medieval history of the region and can be discovered by undertaking the three castles excursion: Castel d’Appiano, Boymont and Corba.
Curtain on the Wine Route, the smallest municipality along this fascinating route, is another excellent example of how family traditions can define the image of a town.
Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, Cortina is a vital and protected environment, with eleven biotopes that safeguard the original flora. Also in this area, in Magrè, is the oldest vine in Alto Adige (1601). The vines that hug the facades of houses are often planted on the occasion of the birth of the first child, when the farm is handed over or during the construction of a new house.
Traveling along the Alto Adige Wine Route is a journey through enchanting landscapes and centuries-old winemaking traditions. Termeno for example, it is the land of Gewürztraminer, and represents a perfect example of how viticulture and local culture are closely intertwined; Egnaone of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is famous for its arcades and Pinot Noir.
In addition to the locations mentioned, there are other jewels to discover such as Bronzolo and Vadenaimmersed among vineyards and apple orchards, Andrian with its suggestive Castel Festenstein, and to the north Nalles and Terlanoknown for their excellent white wines. Each stop along this route promises an unforgettable experience, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich winemaking tradition and beauty of this region.
Castles and tastings
The South Tyrolean Wine Route is also one of the richest areas of castles in Europe: you can find them here over 800of which the majority is located in the Appiano Castle Region, near Bolzano. The ancient residences are located in the city centres, while it is possible to come across castles on the hills around the Wine Route.
As for food and wine experiences, autumn is the ideal time to discover the wines and gastronomy of Alto Adige, thanks to events such as the Autumn Experiencewhich will be held from 2 September to 24 November 2024. The various events offer a good number of activities, from local wine tastings to guided bike tours, always immersed in the beauty and traditions of the place.
Wine melodies along the South Tyrolean Wine Route
From 18 October to 2 November 2024the ancient walls of homes and castles that wind along one of the most beautiful wine routes in Europe will host numerous prestigious events, combined with the wine excellences of the area. Wine, stories behind the production and great music will be the protagonists of the second edition of Wine Melodies along the Alto Adige Wine Route. The events will include concerts and various tastings, offering a journey to discover the best of the production of these magnificent places.
The South Tyrolean Wine Route in autumn is a perfect destination for a holiday that combines nature, culture and food and wine. Among golden vineyards, fascinating castles and picturesque villages, every visit becomes a unique and memorable experience.
Don’t wait any longer: pack your bags and come and discover this wonderful region, where every corner tells a story and every sip of wine celebrates a centuries-old tradition.
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