From afar, very close: In this section, I introduce winemakers and wine enthusiasts who talk about their region, their winery or hotel, their own wanderlust dreams and wines that you absolutely have to try. The first Fern-Glas journey goes with the great Vinum Hotels to South Tyrol.
If you can’t get there in person, great vacation destinations just have to and can come to us. I have fallen in love with South Tyrol since my first trip last year and have already met some of the hosts of Vinum Hotels Südtirol (you can find the hotels listed below and the report linked to them), of which hopefully many more will follow.
Who or what are Vinum Hotels?
The Vinum Hotels association stands for hosts who are winemakers themselves or share my wine quirk and have an extensive wine cellar at the start, offer special tastings or explain and bring the topic of wine closer to the guest in a multifaceted, descriptive and above all drinking-friendly way. In every hotel there is an appropriately trained sommelier at the start, and you can also immerse yourself in the South Tyrolean wine world through a wide variety of activities in the surrounding area. If you can only dream of such a region from a distance, it helps to reach for the glass – and that’s why I asked some of the Vinum Hotels hosts to pour me some pure wine based on a few questions – about their home, their hotel and, of course, recommendable wine.
Romantik Hotel Oberwirt, Fam. Waldner (Barbara und Vater Sepp Waldner)
What defines the fascination of wine for you?
The vine is a unique plant, if it is lovingly cared for, it rewards the winemaker with great wines. As my dear friend and wine pope Hans-Günter Schwarz from the Palatinate always says: “Maximalism in the vineyard and controlled idleness in the wine cellar”- is the guarantee for first-class wines. But wine is also a millennia-old tradition and innovation at the same time. It is art but also pleasure. And at the same time so versatile!
What defines the fascination of South Tyrolean wines for you?
We have in our small country such a great diversity of different sites, soils and climates. Therefore, in a very small area it is possible to produce a wide range of quality wines. It is rare to find such a wide range in a relatively small area under vines.
What was the last wine that surprised you?
The new vintage of our Gloria Dei 2019. A wine that already inspires and still has a lot of potential.
A great wine for a first date?
A fruity red wine, such as our Baccarà, is perfect for spending time together in front of the winter fireplace or at a summer dinner in a romantic mood with your chosen one.
A great wine to toast with the parents?
I always tend to go for our Gloria Dei here. It is a perfect aperitif wine and delights everyone in the family.
How do you introduce wine to newcomers?
We as a family as well as our employees (the Oberwirt has several certified sommeliers) are happy to answer any questions our guests may have. For those who would like to gain an insight into wine production, I recommend a visit to our winery. Oenologist Martin is always happy to share his work with our guests.
© Romantik Hotel Oberwirt 
© Romantik Hotel Oberwirt 
© Romantik Hotel Oberwirt 
© Romantik Hotel Oberwirt 
© Romantik Hotel Oberwirt
The favorite place in your hotel?
I don’t have a chosen “favorite place”. I love to sit in our guest garden, to chat with my guests in our cozy parlors, to retreat to our newly designed wellness relaxation rooms…
The best place to enjoy a glass of wine?
Wherever at the Vinum Hotel Oberwirt, preferably in pleasant company.
Whoever checks in with you should definitely …
Make a trip to our winery. Gladly as part of the weekly tasting or on your own with our electric MTB. The idyll and the panorama reward every effort and who then still tastes the wonderful Eichenstein wines, what more could you want?
How, why, Vinum?
In the Romantik Hotel Oberwirt in Marling in the wine-growing region of Merano, tradition meets innovation, timeless architecture meets cozy elegance. Since 1748, the Waldner family has managed the fortunes of the former inn with associated agriculture (cattle breeding, farming, fruit-growing and viticulture) and for 11 generations, the Waldner family has been cultivating and growing wine in the Eichenstein winery on Freiberg above Merano. In the associated Vinarium you can taste the noble drops (Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot/Cabernet), and those who want to get particularly close to the wine can check into the elegant vineyard chalet complete with pool. In addition, wine enthusiasts can look forward to a tasting with sommelier Heinrich or vineyard tours with the Waldner family every Friday. Overnight stays start from 118 euros, including half board. Vinum Hotel Romantik Hotel Oberwirt, more Infos here.
Vinum Hotel Weinmesser (Christian Kohlgruber, graduate sommelier,)
At Vinum Hotel Der Weinmesser, host Christian Kohlgruber brings together wine indulgence and wellness switch-off.
What defines the fascination of wine for you?
Every time I drink a wine, I am surprised at how different, wines can smell, taste and go with food.
What defines the fascination of South Tyrolean wines for you?
Verblüffend ist die Vielfalt der unterschiedlichen Terroirs, der Rebsorten, der Weintypizitäten, auf diesem kleinen Gebiet.
What was the last wine that surprised you?
Lagrein Riserva Ansitz Waldgries: fresh, elegant, spicy and a long finish.
A great wine for a first date?
Südtiroler Sekt Pas Dosé – Tip: Haderburg
A great wine to toast with the parents?
Vernatsch, since my father is a winemaker himself and is a convinced Vernatsch fan.
How do you introduce wine to newcomers?
Everything can, nothing must! In our wine tasting, the guests are first professionally introduced to the topic of wine and tasting and the goal is, at the end of the evening, to take away the fear of saying something wrong when describing a wine. Wine drinking should be fun for everyone and everyone should individually give free rein to their taste.
Dein Lieblingsort in eurem Hotel?
Abends Sauna mit Champagner und Früchten.
The best place to enjoy a glass of wine?
In unserer Vinothek!
Whoever checks in with you should definitely …
.… be open to other ways to wine.
How, why, Vinum?
This Vinum Hotel is prepared for gourmets, sniffers and all who can not know enough about the world of wines: In Schenna (near Merano), two passionate sommeliers, Doris and Christian Kohlgruber, have created a unique hotel for gourmets with their great love for fine wines. At Hotel Der Weinmesser, a multifaceted gourmet world, design, (wine) wellness and a highlight program under the motto “a passion for wine & nature” go hand in hand. Host Christian, for example, provides insights into proper wine tasting, and on request there are also Wine & Dine evenings including a tasting menu and matching wine accompaniment. Doesn’t that arouse curiosity? Vinum Hotel Der Weinmesser, more Infos here.
Vinum Hotel Elefant (Rüdiger Bonell)
The name of the historic inn comes from the elephant “Soliman”, which stopped here in 1551 as a gift from the Portuguese king to Emperor Maximilian.
The hosts at Vinum Hotel Elefant: the Bonell family.
What defines the fascination of wine for you?
The incredible diversity and the great variety of different flavors that can be found in a wine. The subject is incredibly large and fascinates me again and again.
What defines the fascination of South Tyrolean wines for you?
Our region is almost forced to focus on quality due to its small structures and the limited area available for cultivation. Last but not least, South Tyrol has one of the highest percentages of DOC wines in Italy compared to the total amount of wine produced.
What was the last wine that surprised you?
Rosé – Weinmanufaktur Luis Oberrauch from Auer // the youngest and smallest winery in Auer – Innovative and at the same time tradition-conscious.
A great wine for a first date?
Südtiroler Sekt „Pas Dosé“ – Weingut Haderburg // Sparkling and exciting.
© Hotel Elefant 
© Hotel Elefant 
© Hotel Elefant
A great wine to toast with the parents?
Südtiroler Lagrein Riserva “Barbagòl” DOC – Landesweingut Laimburg // Powerful and with good finish.
How do you introduce wine to newcomers?
Try, try, try!
Your favorite place in your hotel?
Our wine cellar from the 15th century.
The best place to enjoy a glass of wine?
Not the place, but the person with whom you may enjoy the glass is crucial.
Whoever checks in with you should definitely …
… Bring time to enjoy!
How, why, Vinum?
In the heart of the Blauburgunder wine region, an imposing wine cellar in a 15th-century ashlar structure awaits guests at the Elefant in the village of Auer. The natural oasis around Lake Kaltern invites you to a feel-good vacation, as does the family atmosphere in the house. At weekly wine tastings, where five wines each are tasted with local veteran Helmuth Zelger, or guided tours, you can get to know the quaint wine village of Auer and the local wines in an entertaining way. Overnight stays start from 69 euros including half board. Vinum Hotel Elefant, more Infos here.
Vinum Hotel Paradies (Rosmarie and Klaus Pircher )
What defines the fascination of wine for you?
The variations of possibilities between food and drink
What defines the fascination of South Tyrolean wines for you?
The possibilities of working only with South Tyrolean wines and winemakers.
What was the last wine that surprised you?
Muga Selection Grüner Veltliner (Spitalerhof Klausen).
A great wine for a first date?
Comitissa (Sektkellerei Martini GIRLAN).
A great wine to toast with the parents?
Meraner Hügel (Pardeller Marling).
Here the wine is in the spotlight.
The team of the Vinum Hotel Paradies in Marling.
How do you introduce wine to newcomers?
Through daily tastings and experience our passion for wines and landscape.
Your favorite place in your hotel?
The restaurant in the original heated wooden wine barrel.
The best place to enjoy a glass of wine?
In the vinum garden in front of our hotel.
Whoever checks in with you should definitely …
Having fun with wine and stories.
How, why, Vinum?
Due to the personal connection and proximity of the landlords to local winegrowers, guests at the Hotel Paradies, about a 30-minute walk from the center of Merano, come to unforgettable, individual wine experiences at wine evenings that focus on South Tyrolean wine passion and life culture. Wine fans can participate in the daily wine tasting with sommelier Elisabeth Pircher, try the Marlinger wine praline, taste a meal in the wine barrel or go on a wine hike along the Marlinger wine culture trail with the master of the house. Overnight stays start at 86 euros including half board. Vinum Hotel Paradies, more Infos here.
Granpanorama Hotel StephansHof (Lukas and Matthias Egger)
What defines the fascination of wine for you?
The immense diversity of wine varieties, cultivation methods and terroirs.
What is the fascination of South Tyrolean wines for you?
The passion of the winemakers who work to achieve the best quality in the steep vineyards.
What was the last wine that surprised you?
The new wine lien of Weingut Röck in Villanders.
A great wine for a first date?
The exotic and exciting „600 Blancs de Blanc“ Südtirol Sekt Riserva DOC Pas Dosé
A great wine to toast with the parents?
Lagrein Riserva „Taber“ by Kellerei Bozen; from old vines, very elegant and wise.
How do you introduce wine to newcomers?
Through a horizontal tasting of a wine from different growing areas to convey the diversity and importance of the terroir.
Which wine would you like? I would work my way through from left to right in a concentrated manner.
Perfect for wine tasting: the panoramic suite with whirlpool.
Cozy and cozy – this also applies to the garden area including the pool.
Your favorite place in your hotel?
Our new wine lounge.
The best place to enjoy a glass of wine?
Our panoramic terrace with a view of the Eisack Valley and its vineyards and the Dolomites.
Whoever checks in with you should definitely …
… should definitely drink a glass of Eisacktaler white wine.
How, why, Vinum?
The Vinum Hotel Stephanshof is a homey location on the sunny plateau of Villanders, which attracts especially with panoramic views from every room of the Dolomites world and the Eisack Valley. But in the Eisack Valley, Italy’s northernmost wine-growing region, wine is naturally the main protagonist. At the Vinalpinum Spa you can enjoy alpine wine grape wellness and discover wine experiences for body and soul. Guided tours through Eisacktal’s wineries and cellars then bring you closer to the varied South Tyrolean wine culture in a relaxed way. Overnight stays start from 106 euros including 3/4 pension. Granpanorama Hotel StephansHof, mehr Infos findet ihr hier.
Vinum Hotels Südtirol x Gentlemens Journey
Here again collected the links to the hotel tests and reports with the Vinum Hotels in Alto Adige, which I have already had the pleasure of visiting – and can only recommend all adventure playgrounds for wine design and enjoyment fans to you.
Wine paradise Vinum Hotel Ansitz Plantitscherhof
Vinum Hotel Plattenhof, Tramin
Vinum Hotel Mein Matillhof
Cheers & have fun being inspired.
