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.
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.
DOC Alto Adige Lago di CaldaroSchiava, Lagrein, Pinot Bianco, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato Rosa, Merlot30 haFounded 1851Counts of Kuenburg (since 1851)Lago di Caldaro
An historic estate above Lake Caldaro, owned by the Counts of Kuenburg since 1851. The 30 hectares span three vineyards (Preyhof, Leisenhof, Seehof); the Moscato Rosa is a regional speciality and the Bischofsleiten Lagrein Riserva the structured red flagship.
Tasting: Reservation tastings at the historic castle estate above Lake Caldaro; also hotel + event venue.
Signature wines: bischofsleiten-lagrein-riserva, moscato-rosa, kalterersee-classico, imperial-cabernet-merlot
Tip: Stay overnight at the Castel Sallegg estate hotel; the Moscato Rosa makes an unusual after-dinner pairing with apple strudel.
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.
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.