Region Klausen, Barbian, Feldthurns, Villanders

Producing mineral-rich, fruity, elegant mountain wines with their own character: the credo of the Cantina Valle Isarco is as clear as it is simple. This is the youngest of Alto Adige’s cooperative wineries and, with 135 members, also the smallest, as well as the northernmost in all of Italy. And its credo is followed without compromise.

The grapes grow on steep terraces at elevations from 250 to 1,000 meters. The work in the vineyards is hard and in many cases done by hand. Specifically right here, it is necessary to work in harmony with nature, to take the infertile resources into consideration, and for that reason to produce as close to nature as possible. But in any case, it is actually the elevation that also has a series of advantages. For instance, the harvest period is relatively late in the year, which is why the grapes also take along a whole series of sunny and warm autumn days and cool nights with them into the approximately 950,000 bottles that are produced annually.

“The particular climate of the Valle Isarco, its mineral-rich soils, and the late harvest are the optimal conditions for fresh, fruity, and mineral-rich white wines,” explains Stefan Donà, who has been winemaker of the Valle Isarco Winery since 2023. The calling cards of his winery are therefore the outstanding Sylvaner, Kerner, Müller Thurgau, and Grüne Veltliner, which make up no less than 98 percent of the assortment. They score a hit with their unmistakable stylistic direction and acidity structure, and they present themselves as extremely typical of the variety. As they know all too well at the Cantina Valle Isarco, quality in fact knows no compromise.

Typical restaurant and pizzahouse directly in the centre of Klausen/Chiusa!

The Latzfons Cross (2.300m) is the highest pilgrimage site in South Tyrol and one of the highest in Europe.

Sterzing, Italy’s northernmost town, invites you to discover its historic old town with splendid bourgeois houses and Gothic churches.
The medieval atmosphere and hiking trails around Reifenstein Castle make Sterzing a truly unique destination.
The cycling route leads via Brixen and the picturesque Eisack Valley to Klausen.

Klausen, with its charming old town, narrow alleys, and historic buildings, is a paradise for explorers.
The route ends in the medieval artists’ town of Klausen, also known for its wine culture – especially worth visiting in spring, when the region’s culinary specialties are in bloom and the inclines are gentle.

An estate from the thirteenth century and an import from Rhineland Palatinate: the Rielingerhof in Collalbo on the Renon plateau is over eight hundred years old, but only since 2011 has the grape harvest been made into wine at the estate, including Riesling. Winegrower Matthias Messner learned to love it during his years of apprenticeship in Rhineland Palatinate in Germany. And this import from the Rhine has found outstanding conditions here.

As early as the beginning of the thirteenth century, the Rielingerhof in Siffiano, a district of Collalbo on the Renon plateau, was first mentioned in a document. A wine pressing stone from that time is still in the farmhouse – as testimony to the 800 year-old tradition of winegrowing at the estate, which came into the possession of the Messner family in 1956.

And now it is Matthias Messner who holds the reins here. He learned the art of winemaking both in Alto Adige and in Germany. “From the Rhineland, I brought along my love of Riesling, which brings forth such noteworthy quality on these mineral-rich soils,” Messner says. And what provides this is not only the soils, which are ideal for fruity wines with mineral tones, but also the elevation of the two hectare vineyards (at 750 meters!), the southern exposure of the mountainside, and last but not least their slope. “It reaches up to 75 percent,” Messner explains.

In such extreme locations, work by hand is required, added to which Messner manages his Rielingerhof in Collalbo purely organically. All of the wines that originate here are certified organic: the white Blatterle, Müller Thurgau, and Kerner, and the red Schiava and Zweigelt.

The Glangerhof lies at an altitude of 1,000 m and offers a beautiful view over the Dolomites, a deer park with 20-30 deer, small pets and a dairy cattle. The Stube in the 400-year-old farm are decorated with cross vaults and even the baking corner with its oven is worth a visit. Live music completes the amazing offer.

...

Culinary delights

We give our fellow men and women a better understanding of sincere wine through natural sensory perception. We say “less is more”, we deal with our resources gently, and we hope to stimulate reflection. We see the soil in our vineyard as the most important ASSET.

Our task is to protect the vineyards, to create an environment for them in which they feel good. Nevertheless, we have to admit that winegrowing is an intensive form of agriculture. For that reason, we have decided to work together with nature, to stand by the grapevines in support, and consequently to deliver genuine wines year after year.

We strengthen our vines so that they are prepared in advance for changes. We manage 2.5 hectares on gravelly quartz phyllite at elevations between 550 and 700 meters above sea level. In the winery, we intervene as little as possible. No frills, just AUTHENTIC, LIVING WINE. Our wines are juicy, they are quaffable and go down easily. Anyone who drinks our wine ought to eat, laugh, and speak a lot.

home-made cake Day off: Wednesday

“Good wine requires one thing above all else: character.” This conviction leads Peter Wachtler with his work at the Taschlerhof in Bressanone. Since the early 1990s, this has consisted of making four white wines whose longevity, fruity bouquet, and a trace of the exotic have been attested to.

Wachtler himself asserts that the Taschlerhof at the southern part of Bressanone works “with the right portion of passion and a tiny bit of boldness.” In plain language, that means that he is pleased to exchange information with his winegrowing colleagues throughout all of Europe, but he still follows his own path in the vineyard and the winery.
That all begins in the Taschlerhof’s vineyards at an elevation of over 500 meters, where the not very fertile slate soils, southeastern exposure, and intense rays of the sun are ideal for white wines. Wachtler places great value here upon purposefully reducing the yields and only harvesting the grapes “at their absolute physiological maturity,” since, “Only in that way are the quality and the typical characteristics of the extreme growing locations maintained.”

At the Taschlerhof in Bressanone, the concentration is on four varieties: Sylvaner, Riesling, Kerner, and Gewürztraminer. Around 60 percent are matured in large acacia barrels, and around 40 percent in stainless steel tanks. “My young wines mature through late spring with constant contact with the fine yeast,” Wachtler says, “and for that reason they are only ready to drink by late summer.” Individual wines, as we learn, need time.

This easy family tour begins at the market place in Klausen (parking area nearby) near the north entrance to the town. The cycle path runs directly from here. Head north, mostly along the Eisack, right into Brixen town centre. When you get to the Adlerbrückengasse in Brixen, turn left towards the town centre and on the Domplatz square. Brixen has a wealth of art and architecture, and a good walk through the town is a must. One absolute must-see is the Diocesan museum in the Hofburg castle, which houses countless artistic treasures. For the homeward route, take the same cycle path back to Klausen

We have from 17:00 - 24:00 open Closed on Tuesdays We also offer exhibition space and conference rooms. As well as a Törggele way for buses.

On the sunny slopes above the Valle Isarco in Velturno is found the Garlider Estate Winery. Christian Kerschbaumer follows a very particular philosophy here having to do with maintaining the characteristics of the grapevine and soil in the wine. Organic cultivation is one puzzle piece of this philosophy.

But sustainability is not the only topic which, in the eyes of Kerschbaumer, speaks for organic growing. The effects upon the wine are also smaller with this type of cultivation than with the conventional. In the winery, the Valle Isarco winegrower also uses primarily indigenous yeasts – another tile in the mosaic of an unadulterated wine.

And incidentally, “wine” at the Garlider Estate Winery stands for white wine. First and foremost, but not exclusively. On a small plot, the only Pinot Noir in the Isarco Valley is grown, with the large remainder of the vineyards bringing forth five white varieties. “In the Valle Isarco, the white wines find hard but very good conditions that substantially shape their character,” Kerschbaumer says with conviction.

These conditions include warm days, fresh, cool nights, good aeration, and soils that consist of a mixture of quartz phyllite. “All of this together gives the whites their fruity, subtle aromas, sleek elegance, and individual, dry tanginess,” explains the head of the Garlider Estate Winery in Velturno.

So it is no wonder that the Garlider wines are making headlines. For English wine critic Stuart Pigott, Kerschbaumer is one of the ascending stars in the Valle Isarco. He writes, “Above all, his white wines are in a special class.”

Mountain inn, accessible only on foot or by mountain taxi.

Our Restaurant is located in the heart of Latzfons, a village on 1160 m above sea level.

Get pampered in the rustic knight's cellar deep beneath the houses of Chiusa/Klausen, on the sun terrace with its picturesque views of the Isarco/Eisack river esplanade or right in the romantic alley of the historic centre. Our typical regional delicacies, varied menus and our wide range of Italian specialties leave nothing to be desired. In addition, choose from our great selection of quality wines or try our home-brewed "Gasslbräu" beer . Experience true pleasure at the Walther von der Vogelweide restaurant.

The Radlseehütte (2284 m) in the Sarntal Alps is located in a beautiful location at the Radlsee east of the Königsangers peak (2436 m).

Moar zu Viersch - an idyllic retreat for indulgence and coziness. The tavern in Verdings/Pardell, above Kloster Säben, invites hikers and Törggelen guests to experience South Tyrolean hospitality to the fullest. Surrounded by a breathtaking mountain panorama, countless hiking trails (including the 'Keschtnweg' or the 'Birmehlweg'), and ancient chestnut trees, Moar zu Viersch promises a special destination, especially in the autumn. In summer, the farm also serves wonderfully as an event location. Here, one can escape everyday life and fully enjoy the beauty of South Tyrolean nature. From early October to late November, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the tavern opens its historic 'Stube' and invites guests to traditional Törggelen. Guests who wish to experience this delicious South Tyrolean tradition in this unique atmosphere can reserve a table via email at info@moarzuviersch or by phone at +39 333 302 24 46.

Popular lodge and accommodation facility for walkers with a unique panoramic view of the Dolomites.

Enjoy our own fresh food. For dinner the junior Boss is cooking for you italian and alpine food.

From the bishop's bishop's seat of Brixen with its medieval alleyways, it’s less than ten minutes to the Plose ski area, which stretches over two of the three peaks of the Plose mountain area. Once you’ve arrived at an altitude of over 2,000 m above sea level, a magnificent panorama opens up in all directions. As you ski the southern slopes of the Plose and the Pfannspitze mountains, you’ll have a clear view of the Dolomites’ distinctive rock pinnacles. To the north, the main chain of the Alps towers in the distance. Will you have the courage to venture down the 9-km legendary "Trametsch" valley ski run? Ways to explore the snow-covered landscape are limitless: Hike along the numerous hiking trails and ski tourers will discover untouched powder snow on the slopes of the Gabler in the Puez Geisler Nature Park. On the "RudiRun," one of the longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol, fun is guaranteed for the entire family. From the mountain station to the valley, speed down nearly 10 km and descend 1,000 metres in altitude.

For an impressive 27 years, Thomas Dorfmann was the winemaker at the Eisacktaler Winery. A dream job in the wine sector, and yet in 2018, he turned his back on it. The reason for the decision was an even bigger dream: that of his own estate winery.

And that dream was fulfilled on one of the warmest spots in the whole Valle Isarco, at which the former lord over the cooperative winery went independent with the Thomas Dorfmann Estate Winery in Velturno. With two hectares of grape growing areas at an elevation from 550 to 650 meters, the estate winery is small. The vineyards, up to 70 percent of which are steep, are surrounded by dry stone walls and tended only by the Dorfmann family.

“I can bring all of my experience and live out my own wine philosophy in my estate winery,” Dorfmann waxes enthusiastically, “and thus create wines that are specific to the area and the variety: through sustainable working of the vineyards and being extremely protective of quality in the winery.”

Because Dorfmann’s focus lies on typical Valle Isarco varieties, his product line is first and foremost white: Sylvaner, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling. But Dorfmann also grows and makes Pinot Noir – “a rarity in the Valle Isarco”, as he himself says. And there is another rarity at the Thomas Dorfmann Estate Winery in Velturno: the white wines are delivered with a screw-top. “For me, that is the seal of the future,” the winegrower says.

Cosy atmosphere and excellent cuisine, for any occasion and idyllic countryside.

The Radoarhof in Velturno is situated at no less than 850 meters above sea level – and directly at the Chestnut Path in the Valle Isarco. It is thus one of the highest winegrowing estates in Alto Adige. And one on which Edith and Norbert Blasbichler have been working strictly biodynamically for a quarter century: according to the phases of the moon, with herbal teas, and with exclusively natural yeasts.

But biodynamic or not, it doesn’t matter: work is work. The leaf trimming of the vines that are up to forty years old takes place at the Radoarhof just like everywhere else, and it is also taken just as seriously. And yet the work in the vineyards of the Radoarhof that are situated at 900 meters and encompass three hectares differs fundamentally in many ways from those that are more conventional, and that is also reflected in the results: Norbert Blasbichler is convinced that “The use of biodynamic preparations, various herbal teas, the planting of greenery, and the consultation of the phases of the moon yield special grapes.”

Contributions to the “special grapes” are also made by the slate soils and the constant sunshine. And they are also processed specially in the winery. For the fermentation, for instance, only natural yeast is used, and the wines – Müller Thurgau, Kerner, Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir – are allowed to mature after that for nine months, some of them in large oak barrels.

And by the way: at this winegrowing estate so close to the sky, top-quality distilled spirits are also produced. Biodynamically, of course.

Interested can see at the show destillery very closely as fine noble fires originate. They get to know like aromas from very best fruit into the fires are integrated and of course(naturally) the fuel process is explained(declared) to you in detail. And you will learn the different smells.

“Wasserer” is not the German word for someone who waters, but rather the name of a farm in Novale di Fiè which has a view of the southernmost end of the Valle Isarco. The Wassererhof in Fiè allo Sciliar is run by the twin brothers Christoph and Andreas Mock. Christoph takes care of the agriculture (and thus of winegrowing), while Andreas handles the cooking at their Buschenschank farmhouse inn.

The Wassererhof in Fiè was once called “Hof zu Wasser”, meaning that it was close to a spring which promised sufficient water and thus fruitfulness. Built in 1366 by the lords of Lichtenstein, the historical farmhouse fell more and more into a state of disrepair until 1996 when, greatly in need of renovation, it was purchased by Franz Mock, the father of twin brothers.

Because the senior in Coste near Bolzano was running his own estate winery and Christoph had furthermore completed the Technical College of Agriculture, the decision was obvious to also turn the Wassererhof in Fiè into a winegrowing farmhouse. Since that time, Christoph has run it with determination, expert competence, energy, and a philosophy all his own. “Our goal is to create wines with aspirations, beauty, and grace,” he says, “and flowing into this goal is all of our knowledge that has grown over generations and our passion for the vineyard and the cellar.”

It is out of knowledge and passion that a product line has come into existence at the Wassererhof in Fiè that consists of Schiava, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, and Pinot Blanc – wines, in fact, with aspirations, beauty, and grace.

Culinary delights