Exploring South Tyrolean wines
Autumn wine hikes with Alexander Broll
Enjoy a beautiful hike paired with a delightful experience. While you explore the wine region surrounding Brixen on foot, you will stop at a historic winery to taste some exquisite wines. But not on an empty stomach – a South Tyrolean Brettljause (snack platter) will also be also served!
Alexander Broll, our long-time hiking guide and certified sommelier, will accompany you. Alexander’s profound understanding of the world of wine runs deep: his mother comes from a family of winegrowers. Even as a child, he helped out in his grandparents’ vineyard during school breaks, where he became familiar with all the processes, so he knows exactly how much knowledge, effort and passion goes into every glass of wine.
Without a doubt, he is the best guide for this wine hiking experience that begins in Brixen. After a walk through the historic centre of the bishop’s town and the winding alleys of Stufel, the path leads through vineyards and orchards to Neustift. Especially in autumn, the red and yellow vines offer a mesmerising interplay of colours. Along the way, you can watch farmers harvesting their grapes and delve into exciting tales and insights about viticulture, winemaking and terroir shared by Alexander.
After the pleasant hike, you’ll arrive at Neustift and the Pacherhof, a historic winery that dates back to the 11th century. A lavishly laid table awaits, where you can indulge in a hearty South Tyrolean Marende (a typical snack) to replenish your energy. Following the guided tour of the winery, you will head down into the renovated wine cellar and the tasting rooms, where historical elements blend seamlessly with modern aesthetics. The perfect setting to taste and savour the finest wines of the Eisacktal valley with winemaker Michael Leimer.
VIBRANT AND FRUITY – THE WINES OF EISACKTAL
Nestled in the northernmost wine-growing region of Italy, the Eisacktal valley boasts a millennium-old winemaking tradition. Evidence of viticulture in this region can be traced back to the 5th century BC. Today, mainly white varieties are cultivated in the valley. The significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, ample sunshine for a mountainous region, and the silicate-rich soils bestow the Eisacktal wines with a distinctive mineral character, ensuring a refreshing and fruity wine experience. Within this region, seven wines bear the coveted “Südtirol Eisacktaler” designation of origin: Sylvaner, Kerner, Müller Thurgau, Ruländer, Riesling and Gewürztraminer.