While sharing a Provincial border with Trentino, Alto-Adige has always boasted its own personality, identity, and wines. They are similar in some ways, but they are also very different provinces (although combined) offering very different wines. 

Where to start your wine experience? The “Strada del Vino” is a good place to start, which runs almost the entire length of the provinces wine region and can be experienced by car or bike. You can find wineries, wine information, and tourist information centres along the way.

Wines of focus: Pinot Nero, Schiava, Lagrein, Gewurtztraminer

• Pinot Nero, my personal favourite from the wine region, grows well in cool climates and at high altitudes, such as the case for many in Alto-Adige. It boats savoury, mineral flavours, with of course fruity berry notes. Alto Adige was the first place in Italy to import this varietal, and still reigns as the area of Italy to look for beautiful Pinot Noirs. Gravitate towards The Mazzon hills “Collina di Mazzon” when looking for the best wines. 

Wineries to check out: Castelfeder, Cantina Gottardi, Franz Haas

• Have you ever heard of Schiava? Schiava, the juiciest wine grape you have ever imagined, produces a light juicy red wine. Indigenous to the Alto-Adige wine region, look around Lake Caldaro or Merano, which are the areas that home to the DOC of the variety. While it is not the most famous wine (or award winning for that matter) it can be quite nice and is definitely a very interesting wine for a wine tasting adventure because of how different wineries manipulate and play with its characteristics. It is a light red wine with floral and berry tones, a great red wine while wine tasting in the summer. 

Wineries to check out: Franz Haas, Cantina Girlan

• Lagrein, a grape on trend, boasts a full body, peppery notes, and pairs well with everything from a hearty dinner meal to a light aperitvo. Words to describe Lagrein have often been “elegant” or “noble” which may be based more around history than taste, but expect a smooth yet full bodied hearty wine, found specifically around Bolzano.

Check out: Alois Lageder 

• Gewurtztraminer, taking you to the sweeter side of things, is an aromatic sweet wine, much sought after and extremely delicious. This wine pairs well with dessert, or even fresh water fish. Expect rose, tropical fruits, luxurious mouth feel. 

Check out: Kellerei Terlan 

A fifth wine to try? For all the sparkling wine fans out there, I see you, and if you are looking for a great sparkling wine “Sudtiroler Sekt” check out a small winery of the region called Haderburg (call for an appointment for a tasting, and ask to see the amazing cellar). 

What to eat? Canederli, Spatzle, cured meat (Speck), cheese from the region, and for dessert: Strudel. 

Enjoy the beautiful hills with the spiky mountain views in the background. This wine region is filled with lakes, hikes, cozy restaurants, and beautiful gardens. Every small town I have stopped in has been full of character, history, and charm. If its your cup of tea, try to check out an antique market in many of the small towns or even in the capital city, Bolzano, on weekends. One thing is about the Alto-Adige wine region is for sure, you will eat and drink well!