The first early blossoms are springing up along the paths, and the vineyards are shining in a soft shade of green. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the spring sun along the wine trails of southern South Tyrol. Read on to learn more!

Spring awakening in southern South Tyrol

South Tyrol and wine go hand in hand. But HIKING and wine? For me, right now, when the air smells of spring, it’s the most beautiful time of year to learn more about viticulture on the sunny wine trails and educational paths that make up the Alto Adige Wine Road.

The ‘wein.weg’ wine trail in Kaltern
The wine village of Caldaro al Lago/Kaltern am See is a popular holiday destination – and not just because of its turquoise swimming lake! Here, between the lake and the Mendola/Mendel ridge, you can appreciate the full diversity of South Tyrolean viticulture. In this narrow space, local wines, such as the red Kalterersee and Lagrein, are cultivated alongside classic varieties, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The ‘wein.weg’ wine trail starts at the Piazza Principale/Kalterer Marktplatz (market square) and leads you down to the lake and then back to the starting point via the higher vineyards surrounding the village of Pianizza di Sopra/Oberplanitzing in about four hours. On the way, you will learn exciting details about wine-growing in Kaltern – for example, what the poetic vineyard names such as ‘Salt’ or ‘Plantaditsch’ are all about.



The Gewürztraminer trail in Tramin
Slightly further south of Lake Kaltern lies the historic village of Termeno/Tramin, the home of Gewürztraminer. The aromatic white wine, with its distinctive spicy aroma, is one of the most popular wines of South Tyrol. Plan to take at least 1.5 hours to walk the Gewürztraminer trail in order to fully enjoy the beautiful view of the light green vines on the hillsides, the blossoming orchards in the valley and the distant mountain peaks, which in spring are still white. Along the way, lovingly designed rest stops with interesting info boards about Tramin viticulture and wine-themed artwork invite you to slow down and take a break. The well-signposted wine trail starts in the Bethlehem district in the centre of Tramin and leads through traditional wineries; the trail alternates between easy and steeper sections, finishing in Rungg, the southernmost part of Tramin.



The Kurtatsch-Margreid educational wine trail
The oldest educational wine trail in South Tyrol begins in Cortaccia/Kurtatsch and leads to the historic wine village of Magré/Margreid. On this 4km adventure trail, the world of wine is not just something to be explored – it’s to be experienced with all your senses. Detailed info boards demonstrate the yearly cycle of viticulture. In small clay amphorae along the way, you are invited to identify the wine varieties by their scent. The entertaining themed trail is suitable for prams and, due to its limited length, can be easily explored by children.



The hiking experts in southern South Tyrol have more wine hiking tips.

Yours from the heart,
Sabine