Be a part of it
The secret of fine wines
The lovely thing about a winery is that all kinds of good things are growing just outside the door or are stored in the cellar. And there is always all sorts going on. We treasure our life in the rhythm of nature, as wine makers and farmers. And we are delighted to share this life, craft and knowledge with our guests. How does a fine wine reach the glass? Which ancient vine varieties are especially at home around the Spitalerhof? What happens during the grape harvest? What is the secret of a good grape marc spirit? The best way to find out is to get involved! In our winery and distillery, you are welcome to slip into the skin of a wine maker or moonshi... [ahem!] schnapps distiller for a day.
Quality is rooted in the vineyard and not in the cellar. This calls for manual skills.
Wine knowledge
Favourite place
Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc. Schiava, Pinot Noir and Lagrein. Things that are music to the ears of wine connoisseurs might sometimes cause others to frown. No matter which group you belong to - after a visit to the Spitalerhof you will know what we are talking about. They are the types of wine that are pressed at the Spitalerhof from our own - in some cases very old - grape varieties. However they are also typical South Tyrolean wines that flourish here so well with good reason. Insiders know that a particular grape variety can only unfold its full aroma, power and personality in its favourite place.
Back to the beginning
Monastery’s blessings
So what were the beginnings of the Spitalerhof? That’s right: it was once a smallholding with a mix of arable and livestock farming. A long time ago, when the Bishop still had his seat in Säben Monastery, and our Spitalerhof and all its fields belonged to the diocese. It was in a strategically good location with excellent lines of sight. Then we came along - or more accurately, our forefathers. And with them, the wine. A fortunate coincidence - after all, not every grape has the good luck to ripen with a monastery’s blessings.
In the year dot
Moonshiner
The love of the good stuff is nothing new at the Spitalerhof. Even in days gone by everything that happened in the Spitalerhof’s distillery was a well-guarded secret. Naturally, the reliable quantities of home-distilled beverages were never enough to get through the year... especially not if one hoped to make the odd lira or two by selling it. And that is probably why our grandmother Moidl, at the tender age of 27, ended up in court in Bolzano and was ultimately convicted of bootlegging! Tut! The women of the family!
A must
Wine talk & tasting session
A wine tasting session with our favourite winemaker, Michael, is an absolute must-do at the Spitalerhof. Not only do we have the very best vintages from our own cellar to offer, but also the odd well-guarded winemaker’s secret. You will discover all kinds of interesting facts about vine varieties, grape growing and wine making and learn to recognise the characteristics of our indigenous grape varieties and wines. Don’t forget to put it straight on to your holiday to-do list!
Our general wine tastings with 3 of our wines
take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. (free with the Guest Pass)
We charge a surcharge for a detailed wine talk with Michael and tasting of 5 wines.
Please book in advance!
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