On the South Tyrolean Wine Route, spring begins as early as mid-March and the Mediterranean attitude to life is omnipresent. Italian serenity meets Alpine reliability, good food and the right wine are part of the culture. It is a wonderful place to relax and feel good. Unique wine trails with views of mountain peaks still covered in snow lead through the vineyards to renowned wineries. The wine repertoire primarily includes the autochthonous grape varieties Vernatsch with its expressions Kalterersee and Magdalener, as well as Lagrein and the local Gewürztraminer. The South Tyrolean Wine Road is a Mediterranean pleasure experience with activities between vineyards, castles, Ansitzen, wine villages and Lake Kaltern.

Through picturesque vineyards and Mediterranean-looking countryside, the route takes you to South Tyrol's south. ©IDM South Tyrol/Benjamin Pfitscher

THE LAKES IN THE HEART OF THE WINE ROUTE

The warmest bathing lake in the Alps, the Kalterer See with water temperature in spring already above 20°C and charming wine villages invite you to gentle activities and dolce farniente. The area around the wine community of Eppan, the historical center of cultivation of the Pinot Bianco, offers walks around the Mediterranean Montiggl lake landscapes and to various power spots, such as those in the Montiggl forest. Our tip: enjoy the sun with a scoop of ice cream on Lake Kaltern or an aperitivo in the winding alleys of the wine villages. Or would you prefer an Alpine-Mediterranean meal with a suitable wine accompaniment in one of the many traditional inns or a Michelin-starred restaurant? Springtime enjoyment is guaranteed in any case!

Hocheppan Castle as a symbol of the most castle-rich region in the Alpine region. ©IDM South Tyrol/Alex Filz

IN THE SOUTH OF THE WINE ROUTE

The route continues to Tramin, the home of the world-famous Gewürztraminer, and into the South Tyrolean lowlands, where cypress, oleander, fig and olive trees are in bloom. On the opposite side of the Etsch Valley, the Pinot Noir Trail leads through the famous Pinot Noir growing area around Neumarkt and Montan to the ancient cult site of Castelfeder.

SOUTH TYROLEAN ASPARAGUS IN THE NORTH

Here gourmets meet culinary delights: In the wine villages of Terlan and Nals, the gourmet vegetable "asparagus" takes center stage in April/May. The traditional asparagus dishes are accompanied by the well-known white wines of the local wineries. In the wine and apple village of Andrian, the blossoming apple groves can be admired on foot or by bike.

ENJOY TIP

Start of the season on the South Tyrolean Wine Road with spring dishes and Vernatsch as a typical wine companion at the "Culinary Spring Weeks" from March 17 to April 9, 2022.

MOBILE WITHOUT CAR

With the guest cards mobil&activ and WinePass you can discover the South Tyrolean Wine Road comfortably and environmentally friendly.

You can find all spring experiences at suedtirol.info/wine-road