Where to taste Sauvignon Blanc in Alto Adige: the estates that grow it, how the region expresses the grape, and how to book a visit.

Sauvignon Blanc estates in Alto Adige

Cantina Tramin ★ 4.9

DOC Alto AdigeGewuerztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Schiava, Lagrein, Pinot Noir260 haFounded 1898Cooperative (Soc. Agr. Coop) of approximately 300 grower familiesBassa Atesina

Founded in 1898 in Tramin, the homeland village of Gewurztraminer. The cooperative's roughly 300 members farm 260 hectares across Tramin, Auer, Montan and Neumarkt; cellar master Willi Sturz produces the Nussbaumer and Terminum Gewurztraminer cuvées.

Tasting: Guided cellar tours and tastings on reservation at the contemporary cellar building on the Wine Road.

Signature wines: nussbaumer-gewurztraminer, terminum-gewurztraminer, epokale-gewurztraminer, stoan, freisinger-pinot-grigio

Tip: Book ahead in harvest season; the Gewuerztraminer-themed tasting compares Classic, Nussbaumer and Terminum side by side.

Cantina Terlano ★ 4.9

DOC Alto Adige TerlanoPinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Lagrein, Pinot Noir, Mueller-Thurgau190 haFounded 1893Cooperative (1893) of approximately 143 grower familiesOltradige

Founded in 1893 by 24 growers on Terlano's quartz-porphyry slopes. Today around 143 members and 190 hectares produce 1.5 million bottles a year under winemaker Rudi Kofler, including Vorberg Pinot Bianco Riserva and the Rarita library releases that demonstrate Pinot Bianco's 20 to 40 year ageing potential.

Tasting: Reservation tastings include vertical flights of Vorberg Pinot Bianco Riserva and access to the Rarita library releases (10-plus years on lees).

Signature wines: terlaner-i-grande-cuvee, rarita-pinot-bianco, vorberg-pinot-bianco-riserva, nova-domus-riserva, quarz-sauvignon-blanc

Tip: Ask about the Rarita library tasting: late-disgorged Pinot Bianco from the 1970s and 1980s, released annually in small allocations.

Cantina Bolzano ★ 4.8

DOC Alto Adige Santa Maddalena, DOC Alto Adige Lagrein di GriesLagrein, Schiava, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay350 haFounded 2001Cooperative (formed 2001 by merger of Cantina Gries 1908 and Cantina Santa Maddalena 1930)Bolzano

Bolzano's anchor cooperative, formed in 2001 by the merger of the historic Gries (1908) and Santa Maddalena (1930) cellars. Roughly 224 members farm 350 hectares across Gries, Santa Maddalena, Renon and Settequerce; chief winemaker Stephan Filippi has overseen the Gries Lagrein programme for over three decades.

Tasting: ClimateHouse-certified cellar at the gateway to Bolzano; reservation tastings include Taber Lagrein Riserva and Mock Lagrein verticals.

Signature wines: taber-lagrein-riserva, mock-lagrein, huck-am-bach-santa-maddalena, moeg-pinot-bianco, perl-pinot-noir-riserva

Tip: Taber Lagrein Riserva is the city's flagship red; ask for a Gries vineyard tour to see the sandy alluvial fan where Lagrein thrives.

Cantina Andrian ★ 4.6

DOC Alto AdigePinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Lagrein, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Schiava90 haFounded 1893Cooperative (1893), allied with Cantina Terlano since 2008Oltradige

Founded in 1893 in Andriano, allied with Cantina Terlano since 2008 while preserving its own vineyards. Around 50 members farm 90 hectares on calcareous-clay soils; the Andrius Pinot Bianco and Tor di Lupo Lagrein Riserva are the flagship cuvees.

Tasting: Cellar tastings on reservation; small-scale producer (1893-founded) with a Pinot Bianco focus.

Signature wines: andrius-pinot-bianco, floreado-sauvignon, tor-di-lupo-lagrein-riserva, anderle-cabernet-merlot

Tip: The Terlano alliance means you can buy Andrian and Terlano wines from the same cellar; the small Andrian operation focuses on single-vineyard expression.

Cantina St. Michael-Eppan ★ 4.8

DOC Alto AdigePinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Gewuerztraminer, Pinot Noir, Schiava390 haFounded 1907Cooperative of approximately 320 grower familiesOltradige

Founded in 1907 in Appiano, named Cooperative Winery of the Year 2021 by Gambero Rosso. Around 320 grower families farm 390 hectares between 250 and 900 metres; production is 80 percent white. The Sanct Valentin selection range and the Appius cuvée anchor the cellar; Jakob Gasser took over as winemaker in September 2024, after Hans Terzer's 48-vintage tenure (Terzer continues as consultant).

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the cellar in Appiano; flagship Sanct Valentin range and the Appius cuvee headline.

Signature wines: sanct-valentin-pinot-bianco, sanct-valentin-sauvignon, sanct-valentin-pinot-nero-riserva, appius, sanct-valentin-gewurztraminer

Tip: Appius is a small-allocation prestige release; check the schedule and book the focused Sanct Valentin tasting.

Cantina Colterenzio ★ 4.7

DOC Alto AdigePinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Lagrein, Gewuerztraminer300 haFounded 1960Cooperative of approximately 300 grower familiesOltradige

Founded in 1960 in Cornaiano under co-founder Luis Raifer, whose initials live on in the LR cuvee. The 300-member cooperative farms 300 hectares; the Lafoa line (Cabernet, Sauvignon, Pinot Nero) is the historic quality flagship, with Gran Lafoa the top tier.

Tasting: Reservation tastings include the Lafoa, Cornell and Gran Lafoa selection ranges.

Signature wines: lafoa-cabernet, lafoa-sauvignon, cornell-chardonnay, gran-lafoa-cabernet, lafoa-pinot-noir

Tip: Lafoa Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the first Alto Adige reds to demonstrate that the region could ripen Cabernet seriously; the vertical tasting is worth the appointment.

Cantina Girlan ★ 4.7

DOC Alto AdigePinot Noir, Pinot Bianco, Schiava, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Lagrein230 haFounded 1923Cooperative of approximately 200 grower familiesCornaiano

Founded in 1923 in a 16th-century farmstead, 200 members farm 230 hectares across Ueberetsch and Bassa Atesina under winemaker Gerhard Kofler. Trattmann Pinot Noir Riserva has earned Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri 13 consecutive years; Gschleier Alte Reben Schiava was named Italy's Wine of the Year by Decanter.

Tasting: Vinotheque tastings on reservation in a 16th-century farmstead in Cornaiano.

Signature wines: trattmann-pinot-nero-riserva, vigna-ganger-pinot-nero, gschleier-vernatsch-alte-reben, flora-pinot-bianco, fass-9-lagrein-riserva

Tip: Gschleier is one of the few serious old-vine Schiavas in Italy; pair it with Schluetzkrapfen at a Stube in Cornaiano.

Cantina Kurtatsch ★ 4.6

DOC Alto AdigeCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Lagrein, Gewuerztraminer, Mueller-Thurgau, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio190 haFounded 1900Cooperative of approximately 190 grower familiesCortaccia

Founded in 1900 in Cortaccia, the southernmost Wine Road commune. 190 members farm 190 hectares from 220 to 900 metres altitude; the Brenntal vineyards (warm valley floor) yield Merlot and Gewuerztraminer Riserva, while the higher Penon and Kofl crus give precise Sauvignon and Pinot Bianco.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the historic cellar in Cortaccia, including the Brenntal and Penon-Kofl cru ranges.

Signature wines: brenntal-merlot-riserva, brenntal-gewurztraminer-riserva, sonntaler-alte-reben-vernatsch, penon-kofl-sauvignon, penon-hofstatt-weissburgunder

Tip: Cortaccia Rossa is the village's Cabernet collective; ask which Cortaccia producers participate.

Cantina St. Pauls ★ 4.5

DOC Alto AdigePinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Schiava, Pinot Noir, Gewuerztraminer175 haFounded 1907Cooperative of approximately 150 grower familiesOltradige

Founded in 1907 in St. Pauls, a hamlet of Eppan/Appiano on the Ueberetsch ridge. Around 150 grower families farm 175 hectares (one hectare per family on average) on dolomite-limestone slopes; the Exclusiv and Passion selection ranges anchor the portfolio.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the cellar in the hamlet of St. Pauls / San Paolo.

Signature wines: exclusiv-pinot-bianco, passion-sauvignon, exclusiv-pinot-noir, pulpo-bianco

Tip: Smaller-scale and quieter than the big-name cooperative neighbours; the St. Pauls hamlet itself is a postcard-perfect stop on the Wine Road.

Cantina Kaltern ★ 4.6

DOC Alto Adige Lago di Caldaro ClassicoSchiava, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Lagrein, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio420 haFounded 1900Cooperative of approximately 530 grower familiesLago di Caldaro

Founded in 1900 around Lake Caldaro, the warmest lake in the Alps. Around 530 grower families farm 420 hectares; the Quintessenz selection line includes the Kalterersee Classico Superiore. Kellermeister Thomas Scarizuola took over in March 2023 after Andrea Moser's nine-year tenure.

Tasting: Cellar tastings on reservation; the Quintessenz Kalterersee Classico Superiore is a long-standing cooperative Schiava expression.

Signature wines: quintessenz-kalterersee, quintessenz-pinot-bianco, saltner-lagrein-riserva, punkt-rosato

Tip: Combine the cellar tasting with a swim in Lake Caldaro and lunch in Kaltern village; the lake-side vineyards are walking distance from the cellar.

Cantina Nals Margreid ★ 4.5

DOC Alto AdigePinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Lagrein, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewuerztraminer160 haFounded 1932Cooperative of approximately 138 grower familiesOltradige

Formed by the 1985 merger of the Nals (1932) and Margreid cooperatives. 138 grower families farm 160 hectares across 14 vineyard parcels between Nals in the central Adige valley and Magre in the south, giving an unusually wide altitude and exposure spread.

Tasting: Cellar tastings on reservation, including the Baron Salvadori Pinot Bianco and Sirmian crus.

Signature wines: sirmian-pinot-bianco, baron-salvadori-pinot-bianco-riserva, mantele-sauvignon, berg-cassiano-pinot-nero-riserva

Tip: Berg Cassiano Pinot Nero from the southern Magre vineyards is a value alternative to the Mazon icons.

Cantina Meran Burggraefler ★ 4.6

DOC Alto Adige MeraneseSchiava, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Lagrein, Pinot Noir260 haFounded 2010Cooperative of approximately 400 grower familiesMeranese

Formed in 2010 by the merger of Cantina Vini Merano (1952) and Cantina Burggraefler (1901). Around 400 grower families farm 260 hectares of vineyard on the porphyry slopes around Merano, producing about 1 million bottles annually; the panoramic cellar at Marlengo is a marquee Wine Road visit.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the Marlengo panoramic Enoteca; second tasting point at the Merano City.Vinothek under the Portici arcades.

Signature wines: festival-pinot-bianco, graf-von-meran-pinot-bianco, schickenburg-schiava, graf-von-meran-pinot-grigio

Tip: The panoramic Enoteca at Marlengo has a roof terrace with full Texel-range views; pair the Schickenburg Schiava with Speck and local apple cake.

Tiefenbrunner ★ 4.8

DOC Alto AdigeMueller-Thurgau, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Lagrein, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir77 haFounded 1675Tiefenbrunner family (5th and 6th generation)Cortaccia

A castle estate in Entiklar (Cortaccia) run by the Tiefenbrunner family for 5 to 6 generations on grounds dating back over 800 years. 77 hectares of vineyard culminate in the Feldmarschall von Fenner Mueller-Thurgau, planted on the high Penon-Fennberg plateau at around 1000 metres.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at Castel Turmhof in Entiklar, including the Linticlarus and Vigna ranges and the high-altitude Feldmarschall.

Signature wines: feldmarschall-von-fenner, linticlarus-cabernet-riserva, linticlarus-pinot-nero-riserva, vigna-rachtl-sauvignon, linticlarus-chardonnay

Tip: Castel Turmhof has a restaurant and Wein-Stube; book lunch alongside the tasting for the full Cortaccia experience.

J. Hofstaetter ★ 4.9

DOC Alto AdigePinot Noir, Gewuerztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Lagrein, Mueller-Thurgau, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc50 haFounded 1907Foradori-Hofstaetter family (Martin Foradori Hofstaetter)Bassa Atesina

Founded in 1907 in Tramin and run by Martin Foradori Hofstaetter, the family produces Italian Pinot Noir from the Mazon plateau. Vigna S. Urbano is the single-vineyard flagship; the estate also bottles Gewurztraminer from the Kolbenhof vineyard.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the historic cellar in Tramin's main square; Pinot Noir verticals featuring Mazon and Vigna S. Urbano are the headline.

Signature wines: barthenau-vigna-s-urbano-pinot-nero, mazon-pinot-nero-riserva, kolbenhof-gewurztraminer, yngram-pinot-bianco-riserva, barthenau-vigna-roccolo-pinot-bianco

Tip: Hofstaetter introduced the Vigna single-vineyard designation to Alto Adige in 1987; their Mazon and Vigna S. Urbano verticals are an essential tasting.

Alois Lageder ★ 4.9

DOC Alto AdigePinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewuerztraminer, Lagrein55 haFounded 1823Lageder family (Alois Clemens Lageder)Demeter CertifiedDEMETERBassa Atesina

Founded in 1823 in Bolzano and based at Toer Loewengang in Magre since 1934. The Lageder family farms 55 hectares biodynamically (Demeter-certified since 2008) and sources additional Demeter and organic grapes from around 60 partner growers across 85 hectares. Cor Roemigberg Cabernet and Krafuss Pinot Nero are the flagship reds; Porer Pinot Grigio brought skin-contact orange-style winemaking into the regional mainstream.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at Toer Loewengang in Magre; the Paradeis bistro adjacent to the cellar pairs the wines with seasonal cuisine.

Signature wines: krafuss-pinot-nero, cor-romigberg-cabernet, lehenhof-sauvignon, porer-pinot-grigio, beta-delta-cuvee

Tip: The Paradeis bistro shares the cellar building and is open for lunch most days; book the biodynamic-focused vineyard walk that visits the Loewengang vineyard.

Elena Walch ★ 4.8

DOC Alto AdigeGewuerztraminer, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Lagrein65 haFounded 1869Walch family (Elena, Karoline and Julia Walch)Bassa Atesina

Founded in 1869 and modernised by Elena Walch from 1985 onward. The family farms 65 hectares between Tramin and Castel Ringberg on Lake Caldaro, including the famous Kastelaz vineyard (63 degree slope) for Gewuerztraminer and Vigna Castel Ringberg for Chardonnay Riserva. VIVA sustainability-certified since 2024.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the 17th-century cellar in Tramin; the Castel Ringberg estate on Lake Caldaro adds a second visit point.

Signature wines: beyond-the-clouds, kastelaz-gewurztraminer, castel-ringberg-chardonnay-riserva, aton-pinot-nero-riserva, 20-anniversarium-cabernet

Tip: Castel Ringberg is the single-vineyard monopole; book the dual-cellar tasting that includes Kastelaz Gewuerztraminer and the Beyond the Clouds white blend.

Manincor ★ 4.9

DOC Alto Adige Lago di CaldaroSauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewuerztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Lagrein50 haFounded 1608Goess-Enzenberg familyBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDLago di Caldaro

Founded in 1608 by Hieronymus Manincor Ehrenhausen; the residence and 50 hectares of vineyards above Lake Caldaro have been farmed biodynamically since 2005 and certified biodynamic under respekt-BIODYN since 2009 by the Goess-Enzenberg family. Lieben Aich Sauvignon Blanc and Mason Pinot Nero are the cellar's defining cuvees. Count Michael Goess-Enzenberg founded the respekt-BIODYN biodynamic association in 2007.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the 1608 Manincor Residence above Lake Caldaro; the cellar is partly carved into the rock.

Signature wines: lieben-aich-sauvignon, mason-pinot-nero, reserve-della-contessa, castel-campan-cabernet-merlot, moscato-rosa-le-petit

Tip: The cellar is partly underground; combine the tour with a swim in the lake just below the residence.

Muri-Gries ★ 4.7

DOC Alto Adige Lagrein di GriesLagrein, Pinot Noir, Schiava, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewuerztraminer35 haFounded 1845Benedictine Monastery of Muri-GriesBolzano

The Benedictine monastery cellar in Gries (Bolzano), continuously operating since the monks of Muri (Switzerland) relocated to Gries in 1845. 35 hectares in the best Bolzano sites yield the Lagrein Abtei Muri Riserva, alongside Cantina Bolzano Taber a regional Gries Lagrein.

Tasting: Reservation tastings inside the Benedictine monastery complex in Gries.

Signature wines: lagrein-abtei-muri-riserva, lagrein-gries, klosteranger-pinot-nero, lagrein-rosato

Tip: The monastery courtyard tasting feels nothing like a commercial winery; book early in the day before the religious community's afternoon hours.

Falkenstein ★ 4.8

DOC Alto Adige Val VenostaRiesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Gewuerztraminer, Pinot Noir12 haFounded 1995Pratzner family (Franz and Bernadette Pratzner)Vinschgau

Founded in 1995 in Naturno on the threshold of Val Venosta when Franz and Bernadette Pratzner gave up apple cultivation for wine. 12 hectares between 550 and 900 metres are planted to Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Gewuerztraminer and Pinot Noir; the Riesling is widely cited as the best south of Germany.

Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the Naturno estate; the ageing cellars are dug into the rock.

Signature wines: riesling, riesling-alte-reben, riesling-anaduron, sauvignon-blanc, pinot-noir

Tip: Anaduron and Alte Reben Riesling are the limited Riesling library bottlings; buy what is available at the cellar door.

Franz Haas ★ 4.8

DOC Alto AdigePinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewuerztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Kerner60 haFounded 1880Haas family (Maria Luisa Manna and son Franziskus Haas, after Franz Haas Sr d. 2022)Bassa Atesina

Founded in 1880 in Montagna; Pinot Nero is the focus, with the Schweizer single-vineyard cuvée from Mazzon-area vineyards and Pondedrei from higher elevations. Manna is the signature white blend of Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Kerner and Sauvignon Blanc. Run by Maria Luisa Manna and son Franziskus after Franz Haas Sr's death in February 2022.

Tasting: Reservation tours and tastings at the Montagna cellar, including the Manna and Schweizer cuvees.

Signature wines: schweizer-pinot-nero, manna, pinot-nero-pondedrei, moscato-rosa, lagrein

Tip: The Schweizer Pinot Nero from the Mazzon zone is the cellar's headline red; ask for the side-by-side with Pondedrei.

Tenuta Pfitscher ★ 4.6

DOC Alto AdigePinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Gewuerztraminer, Lagrein, Mueller-Thurgau12 haFounded 1861Pfitscher familyORGANIC CERTIFIEDBassa Atesina

Three generations of the Pfitscher family have made wine in Montagna since 1861, with current production led by Klaus Pfitscher across 12 organic hectares. Matan Pinot Nero Riserva is the flagship; the Sauvignon Mathias rounds out the white range.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the contemporary cellar in Montagna; the Matan Pinot Nero Riserva is the flagship flight.

Signature wines: matan-pinot-nero-riserva, fuxleiten-pinot-nero, mathias-sauvignon, stoffhof-gewurztraminer, saxum-pinot-bianco

Tip: The cellar building itself is a ClimateHouse-certified showcase of low-impact winery design; book the cellar architecture tour alongside the tasting.

Peter Dipoli ★ 4.7

DOC Alto AdigeSauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon7 haFounded 1987Dipoli family (Peter Dipoli)Bassa Atesina

Founded in 1987 by Peter Dipoli, the Laives-born Laimburg-trained pioneer who replanted a 1.2-hectare parcel in Penon (Cortaccia) to Sauvignon Blanc and bottled the first Voglar in 1990. The estate now farms 7 hectares across Egna, Magre, Termeno and Cortaccia, producing only three wines: Voglar (Sauvignon Blanc), Iugum (Merlot-Cabernet) and Fihl (Merlot).

Tasting: Tastings by appointment with the founder; small-allocation cellar in Egna.

Signature wines: voglar-sauvignon-blanc, iugum, fihl-merlot

Tip: Voglar (first vintage 1990) was the wine Peter Dipoli built the estate around; ask about the 1.2-hectare Penon parcel and the 1988-1991 replant from Schiava to Sauvignon Blanc.

Hans Rottensteiner ★ 4.5

DOC Alto Adige Santa Maddalena, DOC Alto Adige Lagrein di GriesLagrein, Schiava, Pinot Bianco, Gewuerztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc12 haFounded 1956Rottensteiner family (Hannes Rottensteiner)Bolzano

Founded in 1956 in Bolzano and now run by the third-generation Hannes Rottensteiner. The estate's Lagrein and St. Magdalener bottlings, especially the Select Lagrein Gries Riserva, are the cellar's signature.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the cellar on Via Sarentino in Bolzano; focused Lagrein and Santa Maddalena flights.

Signature wines: select-lagrein-gries-riserva, lagrein-riserva, premstallerhof-santa-maddalena, cresta-pinot-bianco

Tip: Easy walking distance from central Bolzano; pair the tasting with a Lagrein-and-Speck Stube lunch in Gries.

Loacker Schwarhof ★ 4.6

DOC Alto Adige Santa Maddalena, DOC Alto AdigeLagrein, Schiava, Gewuerztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot8 haFounded 1979Loacker family (Rainer and Hayo Loacker)Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDBolzano

Established in 1979 by Rainer Loacker on the Schwarhof and Kohlerhof estates at 500 to 550 metres in the Santa Maddalena zone above Bolzano. The family pioneered biodynamic farming in Alto Adige (treatments by biodynamic and homeopathic protocols since the late 1970s); the Gran Lareyn Lagrein Riserva is the flagship red.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at Schwarhof above Bolzano in the Santa Maddalena zone.

Signature wines: gran-lareyn-lagrein-riserva, morit-santa-maddalena, atagis-gewurztraminer, tasnim-sauvignon

Tip: The Loacker family also farms in Montalcino and Maremma; ask about the trans-estate vertical tastings when visiting Schwarhof.

Pranzegg ★ 4.5

DOC Alto AdigeSchiava, Lagrein, Gewuerztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc4 haFounded 2008Gojer family (Martin and Marion Gojer)Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDBolzano

Martin and Marion Gojer run a 4-hectare biodynamic natural-wine estate on steep slopes around the Bolzano valley basin. Manual harvest, spontaneous fermentation, extended lees contact, no fining or filtration and minimal sulphur define the cellar; old vines of Schiava, Lagrein and Gewuerztraminer drive the range.

Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the small estate above Bolzano; natural-wine focus.

Signature wines: tonsur, caroline, miau, vernatsch

Tip: Pranzegg is a well-known natural-wine grower in Alto Adige; the Miau and Tonsur cuvees punch well above their tiny allocation.

Tenuta Lieselehof ★ 4.5

DOC Alto AdigeSchiava, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Resistenten varieties (Solaris, Bronner, Souvignier Gris)5 haFounded 1993Morandell family (Werner Morandell)ORGANIC CERTIFIEDLago di Caldaro

Werner Morandell's organic estate in Caldaro has been producing wine since 1993 across vineyards rising from 250 metres at Lake Caldaro to 1250 metres in the Dolomites. The on-site vine museum trail showcases 350 international grape varieties; the cellar produces a Julian Orange skin-contact white among the experimental cuvees.

Tasting: Reservation tastings and apartments at the Caldaro estate; the South Tyrolean Vine Museum educational trail with 350 grape varieties runs through the property.

Signature wines: julian-orange, lieselehof-pinot-bianco, solaris, schiava

Tip: The vine educational trail is a viable rainy-day visit and uniquely informative on disease-resistant Piwi varieties.

Ignaz Niedrist ★ 4.6

DOC Alto Adige Lago di CaldaroPinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Schiava, Merlot, Syrah, Lagrein12 haFounded 1989Niedrist family (Ignaz Niedrist)ORGANIC CERTIFIEDCornaiano

Ignaz Niedrist's family has been growing grapes since 1870; he started home-pressing in 1989. 12 organic hectares between 450 and 650 metres across Girlan, Eppan Berg, Caldaro and Gries supply Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Schiava, Merlot, Syrah and Lagrein for a low-intervention small-production range.

Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the Hof in Rungg above Cornaiano.

Signature wines: berger-gei-pinot-nero, berger-gei-sauvignon, ries-lagrein, lago-di-caldaro-superiore

Tip: The Berger Gei single-vineyard cuvees show what 600 metres of altitude does to Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc; book the comparison flight.

Tenuta Kornell ★ 4.5

DOC Alto AdigePinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Lagrein, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Schiava12 haFounded 1325Brigl family (Florian Brigl)Oltradige

An estate documented since 1325, owned by the Brigl family at the foot of Greifenstein castle in Settequerce. 12 hectares across porphyry and limestone slopes for Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc and Lagrein; the Patricia and Florianus single-vineyard ranges anchor the portfolio.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the Kornellhof in Settequerce, just outside Bolzano.

Signature wines: patricia-pinot-bianco, florianus-lagrein-riserva, kerin-sauvignon, patricia-pinot-nero

Tip: Easy day-trip from Bolzano (about 10 minutes north); pair with a hike to the Greifenstein castle ruins above the vineyards.

Weingut Plonerhof ★ 4.4

DOC Alto Adige MeranesePinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Schiava, Pinot Noir, Gewuerztraminer4 haFounded 1998Tutzer family (Erhart Tutzer and Herta Schaefer)Meranese

Erhart Tutzer and Herta Schaefer converted a fruit farm above Marlengo into a 4-hectare vineyard estate, with slopes up to 40 percent gradient. White cuvees combining Sauvignon, Riesling and Pinot Bianco are the cellar's calling card; the cellar also produces a Meranese sparkling wine.

Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the steep-slope estate above Marling; sparkling wine specialism alongside the still range.

Signature wines: weisscuvee-sauvignon-pinot, schiava, pinot-bianco, riesling

Tip: The estate doubles as a viewpoint over the Adige valley; book the tasting before lunch and stay for the Meranese Schiava with Speck.

Tenuta Ritterhof ★ 4.4

DOC Alto Adige Lago di CaldaroSchiava, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewuerztraminer, Lagrein, Pinot Grigio15 haFounded 1986Roner familyLago di Caldaro

An estate winery on the Wine Road in Caldaro, founded 1986 and run by the Roner family. 15 hectares around Lake Caldaro produce Schiava-led whites and reds with a strong restaurant programme attached.

Tasting: Reservation tastings and shop on the Wine Road in Caldaro; also a vineyard restaurant.

Signature wines: lago-di-caldaro-classico-superiore, ritterhof-paratus-sauvignon, rierhof-pinot-bianco, ritterhof-manus-lagrein-riserva

Tip: The Wine Road location makes Ritterhof a logical lunch stop between Tramin and Caldaro; the restaurant pairs Schiava with locally-cured Speck.

Gump Hof - Markus Prackwieser ★ 4.6

DOC Alto AdigePinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewuerztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Mueller-Thurgau6 haFounded 1997Prackwieser family (Markus Prackwieser)Bolzano

Markus Prackwieser farms 6 hectares around Fie allo Sciliar between 450 and 700 metres, on the dolomite slopes east of Bolzano. The Praesulis range showcases Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Nero from one of Alto Adige's higher producing zones; the Renaissance Pinot Grigio is the cellar's signature white.

Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the Hof above Voels am Schlern; high-altitude focus.

Signature wines: praesulis-sauvignon, praesulis-pinot-nero, renaissance-pinot-grigio, freres-pinot-nero

Tip: Combine the tasting with a hike at Alpe di Siusi above the estate; very few wineries operate at this Dolomites altitude.

Tenuta Egger-Ramer ★ 4.5

DOC Alto Adige Lagrein di GriesLagrein, Schiava, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Gewuerztraminer9 haFounded 1880Egger-Ramer familyBolzano

Small Bolzano private cellar with over a century of Lagrein winemaking. Lagrein Kristan Riserva is the cellar's flagship; vineyards sit on the Guntschnaberg above the city.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the historic Guntschnaberg cellar in Bolzano, with Lagrein Kristan as the flagship flight.

Signature wines: kristan-lagrein-riserva, lagrein-gries, sauvignon-buchholz, weissburgunder

Tip: Walk from central Bolzano up the Guntschnaberg vineyards on the Oswaldpromenade path before the cellar tasting.

Erbhof Unterganzner Josephus Mayr ★ 4.7

DOC Alto Adige Santa Maddalena, DOC Alto Adige LagreinLagrein, Schiava, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Kerner8 haFounded 1629Mayr family (Josephus, Barbara, Katharina and Josef Mayr)ORGANIC CERTIFIEDBolzano

The Mayr family has cultivated grapes at this 17th-century Hof since 1629, at 285 metres on the porphyry rocks where the Eggentaler joins the Eisack east of Bolzano. Lamarein Lagrein Riserva is the flagship.

Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the 17th-century Hof in Cardano; the Lamarein Lagrein Riserva is the flight headliner.

Signature wines: lamarein-lagrein-riserva, santa-maddalena, sauvignon-blanc, kerner

Tip: One of Alto Adige's most respected traditional Lagrein producers; reservations book ahead and the family hosts the tastings in person.

Stroblhof ★ 4.5

DOC Alto AdigePinot Noir, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewuerztraminer14 haFounded 1664Nicolussi-Leck familyOltradige

A 1664-founded estate in Pigeno (Appiano) run by the Nicolussi-Leck family across vineyards, restaurant and a 4-star hotel. 14 hectares for Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon Blanc; the Pigeno Pinot Nero Riserva is the cellar's calling card.

Tasting: Tastings + hotel + restaurant at the Ueberetsch estate in Appiano; combined wine + hospitality stays.

Signature wines: sepp-hanni-pinot-nero-riserva, stroblhof-strahler-pinot-bianco, weissburgunder-riserva, sauvignon

Tip: Multi-day stays at the Stroblhof hotel give you full access to the cellar plus a vineyard pool; book the Pigeno cellar visit on arrival.

Castel Rametz Vinotheque ★ 4.4

Pinot Nero, Lagrein, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, GewurztraminerWalk-ins welcomeMaia Alta, Merano

Vinotheque and 18th-century porphyry cellars at Castel Rametz on the Maia Alta moraine hill, planted with the first Pinot Noir vine in South Tyrol in 1860 and pouring five estate wines with house Kaiserspeck.

Vinothek Ansitz Pillhof ★ 4.5

Gewurztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Lagrein, Pinot NeroWalk-ins welcomeFrangart, Eppan

Restored Renaissance manor vinotheque at Ansitz Pillhof in Frangart near Bolzano, with a walk-in climate cabinet pouring top Alto Adige labels alongside Italian and international references in a Mediterranean courtyard.

Pur Sudtirol Bolzano Vinothek ★ 4.4

Lagrein, Schiava, Pinot Bianco, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon BlancWalk-ins welcomeWalther-Platz, Bolzano

Pur Sudtirol's flagship Bolzano gourmet market and wine bar near Walther-Platz, pouring 600+ Alto Adige references from 500 producers and farms with paired regional speck, cheese and apple boards.

Tenute Loacker Schwarhof ★ 4.8

Alto Adige DOC / Santa Maddalena DOCLagrein, Schiava (Vernatsch), Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, CabernetFounded 1979Loacker family (Rainer Loacker bought Schwarhof 1979; Hayo Loacker has managed since 1998)Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDSanta Maddalena (St Magdalena) DOC, Bolzano

Biodynamic St Magdalena estate above Bolzano, Schwarhof farmhouse from 1334, biodynamic since 1979. Lagrein and Schiava are the Alto Adige core.

Tip: The Loacker family also runs Corte Pavone (Brunello di Montalcino) and Valdifalco (Maremma); Schwarhof tastings sometimes include cross-property comparison flights. Booking ahead recommended.

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