Why You Need to Explore the Beautiful & Surprising Südtirol Wine Route Italy

The Südtirol wine route is one of those wine routes in Italy that is not well known — at least among most Americans.

In fact, the province of Bolzano (also known as Südtirol) is one of those areas of Italy that many Americans don’t make it to. 

Of course, I’m trying to change that because this province — part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region — is spectacular. 

The awesome Dolomite peaks.

Gorgeous lakes.

Stunning valleys.

And beautiful vineyards.

I’ve explored just a wee bit of this wine route, but if you’re a wine lover, then consider a trip to this piece of Italy.

Because you’ll be surprised at the quality of the wines.

Let’s dive into this area.

So where exactly is the Südtirol wine route?

This route starts in Salorno / Salurn in the south and ends in Nalles / Nals in the north. 

If you were to drive this it would be about 150km but it’s about 42km as the crow flies (or an airplane).

The Alto Adige Wine Road website has a nice map you can check out right here.

So it’s not a super small area, yet it’s also not that large.

You could feasibly spend about a week in the area and see quite a bit.

However, you know me, I prefer slower travel. 

But that’s another topic.

I know you’re asking, “Why should I visit the Südtirol wine route, Lynne?”

There are a few reasons so let me break these reasons down into sections.

#1 Fabulous wines (and beautiful wineries and vineyards)

Duh!

This is the obvious reason.

After all, it is a “wine” route.

I would add this — the wines are quite underrated.

Because they are really, really, really good.

And — as I said — Americans don’t tend to know wines from this area.

Now the Italians — and the Germans and Austrians who come here — know the wines are excellent in this piece of Italy.

But most Americans (and perhaps some other English speaking folks) don’t know that there are amazing wines in Alto Adige.

So the Südtirol wine route is going to offer up some delicious wines for those who are really into wine and even those who are casual wine drinkers.

And, contrary to popular belief, the reds are just as good as the whites.

Because it is further north and at higher elevations than say, Tuscany, the white varieties may be the stars.

Think Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc (they tend to just call it Sauvignon), Gewürztraminer and Riesling — and a wee bit of Chardonnay. 

Oh and maligned wines such as Müller-Thurgau and Slyvaner — many of which are pretty darn good!

But you’ll also find some outstanding red wines as well along the Südtirol wine route.

Schiava (also called Vernatch) is a light, local red (grape of the same name) that is wonderful for warmer temps. 

You can actually put a bit of chill on it like you would a French Beaujolais.

Lagrein is a medium-bodied local wine that has an intense purple color that has become a favorite of mine.

Both are wonderful local grapes and wines that pair well with the food of Südtirol.

But you’ll also find incredible Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

My top pick for a visit is Peter Sölva Winery in Caldaro / Kaltern.

I recently made a second visit to this winery and Stephan Sölva is so amazing. 

You can check out a post on my first visit right here.

And be sure to tune into the podcast next week for a bit more info on this winery tour and tasting. 

Tip: Do make appointments well in advance, especially during summer and autumn. And some wineries may need advanced notice for English speaking tours.

#4 Gorgeous nature (and chances to get out on some trails)

I think the most surprising aspect to the Südtirol wine route is the plethora of trails and opportunities to get out in nature.

I had it in my head that it would be all about wine and yes, maybe a few small towns.

But I was so surprised at the trails and the lakes.

Yes, I knew about Lago di Caldaro / Kalterer See, the lake by Caldaro / Kaltern.

And I had seen a lot of cyclists along the main road back in 2019.

But I didn’t realize there were all these unpaved trails through the trees and up to castles.

Nor did I know of some of the other “hidden” lakes such as Monticolo — both the small one and the larger one. 

I came to understand that the Südtirol wine route is about more than wine.

I walked up the road from Weisshauserhof to the natural trail to both Monticolo lakes. 

It’s a lovely walk through the trees.

First you come to the smaller lake — Piccolo Monticolo.

It’s a beautiful lake with an easy trail around it. 

People were swimming as it was a warm afternoon.

There were flowering lily pads.

It was peaceful.

Then I walked to the larger lake.

Again there were some folks swimming in this gorgeous lake.

I saw a small boat with people fishing from it.

And I saw some stand up paddle boarders.

There’s a good trail around this lake too.

You’ll also find a hotel and the ruins of some important person’s summer home. 

However, Grande Monticolo was still serene.

These lakes and the trails were definitely a wonderful surprise for me. 

There are also loads of cycling trails — both paved and dirt. 

So if cycling — road, mountain, e-bike — is your thing, you’ll find loads of opportunities to get on 2 wheels.

Yup.

Lots of ways to be active and get into nature along the Südtirol wine route

All the wonders of the Südtirol wine route

I know other stops along this wine route hold some treasures as well.

But I have to admit, I’m partial to the area around Caldaro and San Michele-Appiano.

Come for the delicious wine, but stay for the charm of the villages, the intrigue of the history and the beauty of the nature.

Seriously.

This piece of Italy needs to be on your list.

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