Thanks to its unique geography – with cool basins in the Eisack Valley ideal for white wines and warmer areas near Bolzano and Cornaiano for reds – Novacella skillfully harnesses its terroir to express diversity and precision.
The Abbey of Novacella, founded in 1142 in what is now South Tyrol, boasts one of the world’s oldest continuously operating winemaking traditions. Even in its early days, vineyards were part of the abbey’s holdings, making viticulture an integral part of its identity. Over the centuries, Novacella has developed not only as a spiritual and cultural center but also as a renowned winery that continues to balance tradition and innovation.
In the 20th century, Novacella strategically expanded its wine culture: in 1961, the cooperative WPG Neustift-Brixen and Surroundings was established, and by 1962, around sixty growers began delivering their grapes to the monastery winery – a partnership that still endures today. To meet growing demands for capacity and quality, the cellar was relocated in 1998 to a new facility north of the abbey, and since 2016, an underground extension has been added to preserve and protect the historic ensemble.
Today, Novacella presents itself as a modern winery with several product lines: from the classic range to the premium Praepositus line, and distinctive single-vineyard wines. Thanks to its unique geography – with cool basins in the Eisack Valley ideal for white wines and warmer areas near Bolzano and Cornaiano for reds – Novacella skillfully harnesses its terroir to express diversity and precision. It is also among the first wineries in South Tyrol to achieve CO₂ neutrality, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable production.
With the launch of the Insolitus line in 2020, Novacella increasingly engages in experimentation concerning climate resilience, plant protection, and evolving consumer preferences. At the same time, the abbey remains a magnet for wine enthusiasts, visitors, and cultural tourists – a place where tastings, guided tours, and the interplay between spirituality and wine bring past and present together in a living harmony
