The Überetsch wine region, located just south of Bolzano, is one of South Tyrol’s most traditional and diverse viticultural areas. Surrounded by historic estates, castles and terraced vineyards, Überetsch stretches between Eppan, St. Pauls, Kaltern and the Kalterer See (Lake Caldaro). The area enjoys an alpine-Mediterranean climate with warm days, cool nights, and the regular breeze of the Ora wind from Lake Garda, creating ideal conditions for fresh, structured and elegant wines.
Both fragrant white wines and characterful red wines with excellent aging potential are produced here. Typical varieties include Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and especially Vernatsch (Schiava), which thrives here with soft, fruity, and delicate expressions. The higher vineyards in Eppan Berg and St. Pauls are also home to Pinot Noir and other Burgundian varieties – cultivated with great success for over a century.
The region hosts many of South Tyrol’s leading wine producers. Wineries like Eppan Winery, Schreckbichl (Colterenzio) and Girlan are renowned for consistently high quality and internationally awarded wines. Alongside them, numerous small family-run wineries shape the character and authenticity of the Überetsch. The Ritterhof Winery in Kaltern bridges tradition and modernity. Peter Sölva, one of the oldest wine families in the region, produces balanced, powerful wines under the "Amistar" label. Klaus Lentsch, with roots in the historic Braunbach winery, focuses on terroir-driven wines made from Lagrein and Schiava. Castel Sallegg, located directly on Lake Kaltern, blends aristocratic heritage with modern winemaking, known for its deep white wines and silky reds. The Bergmannhof, a small family-run estate in Eppan, practices sustainable viticulture and crafts expressive Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir with artisanal precision. Thomas Niedermayr in Pillhof is a pioneer of organic viticulture and PIWI grape varieties. Likewise, the Abraham estate in Eppan creates authentic and complex wines with sensitivity and precision – especially Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon. Lastly, the Niklaserhof
stands for local varieties, natural cultivation, and a strong connection to seasonal rhythms.
The Überetsch is a region of contrasts and character – from traditional Vernatsch to taut, mineral-driven Sauvignon, from large cooperatives to artisanal boutique wineries. A true hidden gem for wine lovers who appreciate terroir, diversity and South Tyrolean identity.
