Here, everything revolves around fine wines: the most important winegrowing region in South Tyrol is located in the area around Caldaro and Appiano, with its Mediterranean climate, the Alps to protect it from the cold in the north, and the easily heated soil. The area is strongly committed to the ruby red Vernatsch, which in recent years has led to a significant increase in the quality of this traditional red wine. Well-structured Merlot wines and balanced Cabernets come from the surrounding area, while Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir develop in the higher vineyard sites; the South Tyrolean lowlands are also home to Gewürztraminer. Magnificent estates and castles steeped in history adorn the landscape.

For the 120th anniversary of the Kurtatsch Winery in 2020, the new wine shop was inaugurated - an architectural masterpiece. The wide entrance front skilfully takes up the aesthetics of the surrounding rock walls. ©Florian Andergassen

SPECTACULAR NATURAL PHENOMENA

With a water temperature of up to 24 degrees in summer, Lake Kaltern is one of the warmest bodies of water in the Alpine region. As early as April, not least warm winds blowing up from Lake Garda , to the Überetsch Unterland ensure pleasant temperatures. This is also the time when the apple, almond and plum trees are in full bloom - a real highlight for springtime hikes or bike tours through the hilly landscape. In South Tyrol's southernmost nature reserve, the Trudner Horn Nature Park, holly, laburnum and forest orchids line the paths.

©Florian Andergassen

Impressive natural spectacles can be experienced in the Bletterbach Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of South Tyrol", and at the Eppan Ice Holes. Due to a rare natural phenomenon, a variety of high alpine plants thrive here at 500 meters. What people interested in cultural heritage should not miss in the region is a visit to wineries, a guided apple tour and, for example, the Kalterer market festival, which starts on July 29. Numerous wine festivals in autumn are the crowning glory of the calendar of events in the region.

Gourmet tips

OSTERIA ACQUAROL

The contemporary tavern in the historic centre of the small village of St. Michael near Eppan may adorn itself with a Michelin star. acquarol.it

The "Osteria Acquarol" focuses on originality without frills. Vegan tasting menus are also available upon request. ©Carlo Baroni

RESTAURANT PATAUNER

Built in 1664, the inn in the centre of Siebeneich is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. Good home cooking with a twist. restaurant-patauner.net

Hotel tips

LAKE HOTEL AMBACH

©Helmut Rier

Directly on the shores of Lake Kaltern, the hotel designed in 1973 by South Tyrolean architect Othmar Barth still awaits its guests in the spirit of the Seventies. A total work of art! 

Seehotel Ambach
Klughammer 3, 39052 Caldaro, South Tyrol, Italy
Tel.: +39 0471 96 00 98
Web: seehotel-ambach.com
Price: double room including half board from € 97,- per person

MANNA RESORT

The ambience of this special place in Montan south of Bolzano are characterized by exquisite materials, objects, art and memories of distant countries. Favorite place: the spa with its Asian ambience. 

Manna Resort
Klammgasse 3, 39040 Montan, South Tyrol, Italy
Tel.: +39 0471 1430 095
Web: manaresort.it
Price: Suite including breakfast from € 560,- per day

WEINEGG

The cozy place invites you to slow down between wine terraces and mountain peaks. Mediterranean lightness and alpine coziness promise boundless vacation pleasure. 

Weinegg*****
Lammweg 22, 39057 Girlan/Eppan, South Tyrol, Italy
Tel.: +39 0471 66 25 11
Web: weinegg.com
Price: double room including half board from € 202,- per person

THE PANORAMA DESIGN HOTEL

The hotel above the historic village centre of Kaltern awaits its guests with a modern spa, top views, reduced design and regional cuisine. 

The Panorama Design Hotel**** 
Penegalweg 21, 39052 Caldaro, South Tyrol, Italy
Tel.: +39 0471 963205
Web: designhotel-panorama.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 76,- per person

FELDER BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Guests of the only 22 rooms and suites relax under palm trees and olive trees in the Mediterranean garden and spa - or they go exploring in the surrounding nature. 

Felderer Boutiquehotel 
Saltnerweg 4, 39052 Caldaro, South Tyrol, Italy
Tel.: +39 0471 962545
Web: felderer-boutiquehotel.com
Price: double room incl. breakfast from € 170,- per person

Shopping tips

Lovingly handmade
Once a stylist at Valentino, Silvia DellaGiacoma is now the designer of her own label. Her handmade pieces bring a smile to your face. From € 35,-. internodiciotto.com

©Internodiciotto

Small and fine
From weather stains to silk blouses and scented candles, the Glücklich store has everything. Bestseller: "Ferdinand" backpack in orange. At € 199,-. happy.it

©happy

Text: Marie-Theres Auer, Marion Genetti and Michaela Hessenberger