< Continued from page 1

Next, head up the valley, along route S12, tagging northwest along the Adige river towards one of the region’s premier wine cooperatives, Cantina Terlano (a wine “cooperative” is a collection of growers that pool crops and resources together to bottle wines under a collaborative label). Cantina Terlano offers up unbelievable white wines with extraordinary aging potential.

Further up the road (route S38) you’ll come to the resort town and wine country of Merano.


This sparkling city is known for it’s thermal spas, an immaculate river walk that borders both sides of the Passiro river - carving its course through the heart of the city, and the prestigious Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. The Merano Wine Festival takes place in November and provides an upscale opportunity to tour the Italian wine and culinary scene all under one roof, something to keep in mind if your travel plans allow for an autumn Alto Adige excursion. A 30-minute drive back down the valley brings you to Tesimo, home of Castel Katzenzungen, where Europe’s oldest grapevine resides (estimated at 350 years). You can get a combined ticket that will allow you to tour both the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff and Castel Katzenzungen (with a free shuttle service connection between the two sites if needed) for around 30 euros.

If you’ve got a bit more time, navigate up the northeast side of the Alto Adige “Y” (along route S12 again) to the Isarco Valley and check out the region’s northernmost winery, Abbazia di Novacella, a 12th century working abbey.

The abbey maintains a thriving viticultural business, with white wines that show intensity and varietal vigor and red wines that showcase broad palate appeal with texture and refinement that maintain a good balance of elegance and approachability. Try the 2007 Pinot Grigio for fresh cut floral notes and palate power dominated by juicy citrus tones and granny smith apple. Or savor the crisp, balanced profile of Abbazia di Novacella’s Sylvaner, in either the classic or Praepositus line.

Castles, Iceman, Hiking and Skiing: There are plenty of sites to see and trails to scour beyond the charming vineyards and ample apple orchards of Alto Adige (the region produces 30% of Italy’s apples, including such familiar favorites as Gala, Braeburn and Granny Smith). With over 75 castles guarding the area, Ötzi the 5000+ year old ice man well-preserved at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, and plenty of alpine hiking or skiing options (depending on the season), Alto Adige is a "must-see," treasured gem in Italy's viticultural and travel landscape.