Check-in for wine checking: At the Vinum Hotel Plattenhof, in the middle of the vineyards of Tramin, a date with the Gewürztraminer is waiting for you – and a tasteful liaison of design, pool and South Tyrolean hospitality.
What defines a cool hotel? Design, location, furnishings – yes, everything is there. For me it’s this special mix of not wanting to go anymore and wanting to come back quickly. This is achieved by a charming combination of the above mentioned factors, but to a large extent also by the people behind the hotel name. The team that makes sure that the stay is as relaxing as it is exciting. Personalities with lovable corners, edges and hosts, who have really found their calling in their profession. During my trip to South Tyrol I got to know two such locations and would like to introduce them to you in detail. After all, it was a premiere: Yes, it was my first time in South Tyrol. Always on the bucket list, but every time some spoilsport came in the way. Until now. South Tyrol, that was for me a great landscape, good food, beautifully located hotel insider tips with a view pool and of course the pampering of my wine craze. So: where to check in?
With my criteria I quickly landed at the VINUM HOTELS. This is an association of 29 hotels, all of which are located in one of the seven South Tyrolean wine growing regions. And all members share my wine quirk. Translated: In the hotels the focus is on the enjoyment of fruit salads. Each Vinum Hotel South Tyrol is managed very personally by passionate wine connoisseurs, some even have their own winery at the start. So you sit at the source of good mood, you can enjoy wine accompaniment, wine seminars, cellar tours or vineyard tours, get advice when pouring wine and start off with the best views of the mountains or simply switch off. Boom, I was already convinced. I booked the slightly larger rental car (you’d be stupid not to pack one or two cases of wine on site) and off we go – first to the Plattenhof with a view of Lake Kaltern.
14.30 p.m: Check-in into the wine-design-paradise Hotel Plattenhof
Do you know that feeling when you have a date and know at the first hello that this will be a cool evening or day? Because a connection is there immediately and the person opposite was already attractive in pictures, but in live the whole thing is charming again? That’s what happened to me with the Plattenhof. From the drive to the date, the navigation system made a little odyssey through the narrowest and steepest vineyard roads, but when we arrived, we already knew on the vine-framed parking lot: This is a match.
Arrived. You park at Hotel Plattenhof really surrounded by vines. There you have to stay for a gas stop.
The Vinum Hotel Plattenhof in the Traminer district of Söll has only been standing on this panoramic location in the middle of the vineyard since 2018 – host and winemaker Werner Dissertori, who welcomes us radiantly with a bottle of Gewürztraminer from his own cultivation, has said goodbye to a large area of his vines in return. But it was a good decision. 23 spacious suites with a view await the guest, all with a view of the valley, Lake Kaltern and of course the pool.
The wine served as inspiration for the design of the rooms and the hotel. The suites have names like Lagrein or Merlot. The basement is comparable to the wine: warm brown and grey tones create a feel-good atmosphere, the second floor is dedicated to the grape of the Gewürztraminer: golden yellow fabrics and high-quality materials visualize the wine flair in the rooms. The second floor glows in soft green tones, similar to the leaves of the vine. Cool idea, implemented with subtlety but lightness. Light and warmth is loaded into the house through large panoramic windows. The suites offer a lot of space, incredibly comfortable beds, more storage space for clothes than the biggest princess needs and the spacious balcony where you can spend good mood moments at any time of the day. In the morning after getting up and before I went to bed I stood there devoutly and looked into the distance for minutes. How the colors in the valley change, the clouds move over the slopes, at night the highway seems like an endlessly illuminated train: simply magical.
View from the balcony of the Lagrein-Suite, which you see below, in the direction of Lake Kaltern …
Earthy tones are the stylistic device for the rooms in the Hotel Plattenhof, which seem like a view into the seasons of a vineyard. In the bathroom you will find a fancy glazed rain shower in which you might like to stay longer. Everything modern, completely kitsch-free – that’s how relaxed you can interpret a feel-good ambience.
Green fabric, wood and vines as a work of art: in the suites of the Plattenhof Hotel the theme of wine is charmingly present.
… and towards the pool and the village of Tramin. Every perspective: pure wanderlust gold.
15 p.m: small tour
Tip after check-in: get an overview first. The nice thing about Hotel Plattenhof: You don’t vacation in a huge concrete facility, but actually in a small, fine garden. Everything is right on the doorstep. From the main entrance to the left around the corner is the Plattenhof Restaurant with terrace and the spacious garden area with weeping willow, palm tree and vines. Here you can sit, look at the mountains, have breakfast or a glass in the evening.
Dreamlike: the idyllic garden of the hotel Plattenhof with an amazing view. And of course a few vines.
Host Werner Dissertori takes us on a short tour of the location in Tramin. He is probably one of the least bossy chefs I have ever met. A host through and through, who scurries back and forth between the restaurant, reception, pool and vineyard with an alert eye, but is always available for any request. No question is too stupid, every wish may be addressed. Werner used to be the mayor of the village, now the eloquent and quick-witted winegrower and host of the hotel acts at the same time as head waiter and encyclopedia for hikers and wine curious people. I have never experienced anything like this before, but I am impressed and this closeness, this hospitality with personality makes a hotel stay pleasantly relaxed and unexcited. It’s like checking in with friends and not having to pretend. Great Like right at the beginning. But we are in a Vinum Hotel in the heart of the Gewürztraminer growing area. And I have never tasted the grape variety. Not tasting wine would be like ordering a steak restaurant with only vegetable side dishes. So: get to the glass.
To make sure that you arrive immediately, host Werner Dissertori serves us Gewürztraminer with a matching South Tyrolean cold cuts match. Did not survive for long. And phew it was delicious!
Cheers to well-being!
From the front part of the garden you have a great view of the pool area and you can also walk directly downstairs. We will do the same, but first we have a little wine adventure waiting for us.
16 p.m: Wine tasting at Cantina Tramin
The Cantina Tramin has for me something of futuristic soccer stadium meets charming wine bar and winery. From Hotel Plattenhof it’s only a 5 minutes drive – perfect for a cool tasting excursion to South Tyrolean wines. And of course the Cantina is also a nice location for photos.
Bottle Art: The wine cellars of Cantina Tramin are a real design spot. And: fruit salad paradise.
Tramin is one of the first winery cooperatives in South Tyrol to take up the challenge of sustainable agriculture. Today, about 15 hectares of vines are cultivated there according to organic and biodynamic principles. The Cantina Tramin is one of the most traditional winery cooperatives in South Tyrol and is located directly on the Wine Road. The owners of the winery are 300 winegrowers who work their land in the small area of Tramin, Auer, Neumarkt and Montan on a total area of about 260 hectares. In the store of the winery Tramin you can spontaneously drop by, taste the whole available collection of wines and of course fill your bags or trunk with wine. And the best thing is that you can taste it for a small contribution towards expenses, between 50 cents and one euro, plus the dignified view of the countryside.
No red light district, but still erotic: the barrels of South Tyrolean wine in the Tramin Winery.
Yes, it could be somewhere in the Design Museum, but it is the staircase from the basement to the Cantina’s tasting room. I especially like the play of colors from green to yellow to red.
It tastes even better if you have an impression of how wine becomes wine. For this purpose, the Cantina offers guided tours of the winery from April to October. After a brief introduction to the characteristics of the area and a tour of the cellar premises – which are truly impressive from an architectural and design point of view – five wines are tasted. Sounds good? Is good! Our cool guide Günther wasn’t too keen on counting, but we were totally satisfied: It was simply exciting to see how many different Gewürztraminer, white or red wines from the region can taste. And any questions about wine are answered with patience and understandable expertise. A great way to start your vacation with wine.
A guided tour makes you smart, but also thirsty. It’s good that you can try the coolest fruit salad thirst quenchers at the Cantina Tramin.
18 p.m: short (Whirl)Pool-Date
Back at the hotel it’s time for pool fun. The bio-pool already looked seductive on the pictures, believe me, in live it is even more dreamlike. There are vines all around the pool, towards the hotel you can see the most diverse shades of green, and behind the Jacuzzi plants, which are protected by a hedge, you can see the way up towards the garden. In addition: absolute silence, in between a short, cool breeze. Three extremely comfortable cabanas for two stand at the front of the pool, plus plenty of loungers – no one has to throw in the towel early.
Cozy spot: the Jacuzzi accessible to all. In the background: host Werner Dissertori, who also allows himself a well-deserved short break.
Floating in the 7th pool heaven? No problem in the Plattenhof!
The bio pool is heated to 25 degrees, may sound like little, but due to the perfect hillside location the pool heats up so pleasantly that you can swim comfortably until the evening hours. Before dinner we gladly switched to the Jacuzzi heated to 37 degrees. It is accessible for all guests – even when covered. Although only a few meters away from the pool area, you feel right at home thanks to the stone garden area in front of the SPA, which is truly planted with concept and ideas.
19.30 p.m: Dinner
Bathing, photographing and wine tasting makes you hungry. So let’s go to the light-flooded restaurant on the first floor of Hotel Plattenhof. Here you can also find the vine-oriented colors of the rooms. And right at the entrance you will greet the hotel’s own jewel: the wine cabinet. The first course of the menu is composed of cheese, antipasti and co. at the buffet. Then you choose the appropriate main course, usually meat, fish and a vegetarian dish – and off you go. You set the pace yourself. Each course is redeemed with a small card. As soon as you hand it over to the service, the kitchen will take care of serving it. Smart idea, so you can take a short break outside and have more space to inhale all the delights that are served.
The quality of the dishes is world class for me. Whether it is pasta with ragout …
… or bison filet and vegetables: You can taste that the ingredients come from the region.
At dinner, the next moment follows which shows that lastingly impressing hotel experiences are coined/shaped particularly by the humans behind it and genuine character heads. We get to know Wernfried, the restaurant and service manager. An absolutely unique piece of work, a bit like the fake giants from Jim Knopf. From a distance he may seem a little unconventional, but coming closer he makes sure with his own personality that all the guests’ needs are met. With all his heart. He always has advice, no matter if it’s a hint where to buy cigarettes in the strict Italy or which hiking trail might be especially suitable for whom. In addition, he garnishes wine orders or the dishes with amusing comments and is happy about little things that guests give back, like the entry with thanks to him in the guestbook. Service is gladly taken for granted. It is not his. You are in good hands.
The jewel in the restaurant area is the elegant wine cabinet with the best good mood makers of the region.
Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to take it with me, but I was in a good mood anyway.
22 p.m: wine-tasting at the terrace
When the menu ends with the dessert, the evening at the Hotel Plattenhof just starts. We take a short break in the room, pack a jacket (you never know) and walk over to the restaurant Plattenhof, casually relaxed on the terrace. This area takes over the function of the bar, and here you can taste the hotel’s own wines (Gewürztraminer and a red cuvée, which is served chilled) in a relaxed vibe. Water is also available, of course. Cosy, easy, and the boss always drops by for a quick chat. Or toast with you.
A cozy evening, a light breeze, and then a short walk to the Plattenhof Restaurant, which including the garden serves as a bar.
9.30 a.m: breakfast
Start your day right at the small fine buffet. From local cheese with great chutneys and cold cuts to muesli and fruit, everything is on offer. On Sundays there is champagne and strawberries – charming. And a great selection of egg dishes: Please try the fried egg with sensationally salty-crispy bacon and the Happiness-Omelette with “I-believe-I-want-one-more” combination of ham and melted cheese. And yes: breakfast outside is allowed.
Thanks to fantastic weather we enjoy the delicious breakfast with eggs, ham and cheese in …
… picturesque garden area. That’s the way to approach vacations, isn’t it?
12.30 p.m: little lunch at the Restaurant
The restaurant Plattenhof is only a stone’s throw away from the hotel entrance and is also a popular destination for excursions and hikes. A visit is not part of the half board, but I still recommend at least one enjoyable hike there. A figurehead are the pizzas, but they are only available from 5 pm. Lunch is served from 11.45 to 14 o’clock, and wow, is that delicious.
Dignified tater, grilled vegetables finely marinated in olive oil with buffalo mozzarella and a carafe of Gewürztraminer: indulgence.
Flirt really well with Gewürztraminer: the best spare ribs I have eaten in a long time.
The Gewürztraminer from the Plattenhof immediately puts you in a good mood. For me the white wine smells and tastes like creamy Almdudler water ice.
Risotto meets Sauvignon: discover the magnificent Pepi by Cantina Terlan.
On the menu you will find South Tyrolean specialties from Genuss-Brettln with cold cuts and cheese, Schlutzkrapfen, in addition Rissotto, great noodles and also for kids a large selection of dishes. At the enjoyment level of the dishes, many highly praised restaurants can cut themselves a slice, that’s really an experience. And all this in this uncomplicated atmosphere. Have I already mentioned the good wine with it?
14 p.m: pool treatment
Well, if the second date at the pool does not directly lead to a longer (long-distance) relationship, I don’t know. Even if the hotel was fully occupied, it is never crowded in the bathing area, everyone can swim, jump in or take lanes in peace. In the breaks in between the eye has so much food: the mountain views, the plants, the clouds moving over the mountains. And of course, you look ahead to see if the whirlpool is occupied or when it is about to become free.
Spoiler: The bio pool will quickly become your favorite place. The colors are really so cool!
You could also take a bath in the Gewürztraminer from the Plattenhof winery.
Once inside, you don’t want to get out. And in addition this view (of course also the one of a glass of wine later).
The Jacuzzi is located in the middle of a small, screened garden between pool and SPA – and was my favorite place after bathing and before dinner.
Of course you will also find a SPA in the Hotel Plattenhof. Because host Werner Dissertori and I agree that a 7000 square meter area is completely unnecessary, because you don’t have enough space for vacation because of all the planning, what you do and when, the small but well thought-out area is absolutely sufficient. In the Sauna World with Turkish steam bath, Finnish sauna, bio-sauna as well as sauna garden and experience showers no relaxation wish remains unfulfilled. Treatments are also offered, please inquire or reserve at least one day in advance.
Now switch off! A SPA with saunas and fancy luxury steam bath is also on the starting line.
19.30 p.m: Dinner
In this locality you get an appetite, don’t you? I like the menu composition, it is always varied and yet has local influences. Also nice: every day there is a new wine of the day on the menu, served open in a glass. Of course, all wines can be ordered as bottles at any time.
In the evening, there is a four-course menu plus buffet. Believe me: every taste will be satisfied.
Actually not part of the menu, but the host of the Hotel Plattenhof makes it possible for us: Once the delicious house pizza as an intermediate course.
22.00 p.m: Late Night Wine
The after-dinner program is clear: wine. You can decide which one. The wine cabinet is full of local treasures and insider tips. You can first feel your way around the Plattenhof restaurant on the terrace, then on the balcony, or right away on the balcony – I’ve always done both. Double and longer pleasure, sometime the service wants to sleep. My advice: try the in-house Gewürztraminer and the red wine cuvée slightly chilled. Easy, tasty, cool.
No problem at all in the hotel: Just ask nicely, then you can enjoy a glass of the delicious wine (Gewürztraminer and a red Vernatsch-Merlot-Cabernet-Cuvée from the in-house winery) also at the pool or on your own balcony.
Hollywood-ready open-air nature cinema: the balcony in the Plattenhof. By day and night.
In the evening it can be a bit fresher, but for the undisturbed wine or water enjoyment on the terrace or in the garden you can pack a thin jacket. The combination of views and glass flavours is unbeatable.
9.30 a.m: breakfast and strolling around
Don’t worry, just an inspiration – breakfast is served until 10.30, so you can sleep in peace. Whenever the weather permits, take advantage of the possibility to have breakfast with an open air view.
I could get used to breakfast in this garden. Whenever possible, grab the plates and sit outside.
Romanticism does not always need hearts and can also be interpreted in a cool way – like on the Kanzel bench in the Plattenhof vineyard.
You can also take the insider tip walk here directly on the day of arrival, as long as you do it. If you walk to the left towards the vineyards, walk from the Hotel Plattenhof to the front of the slope and then on the last row of vines into the left-hand bend and on to the very back. At the end of the vineyard (yes, the host allows the walk, I asked explicitly) the pulpit is waiting for you. In short: an inaccessible viewing bench, where you can let your eyes wander over Lake Kaltern while enjoying a glass of wine (the host also supports this with wine, I also asked for that), and have a kind of mini picnic in the vineyard. There is an idea behind it, and I really celebrate something like that. At the latest with this, he really deserves the Vinum Hotel medal.
Every guest can see where the Gewürztraminer grows. Of course it can also be served with liquid food.
11 a.m: Check-out and (unfortunately) departure
What was already known at the beginning: The farewell will be difficult. I will miss the cuvée of design, personalities, wine and pool. But hopefully I will enjoy it again very soon. Two cases of house wine from the Plattenhof winery are packed. If you like, you can of course book a late check-out, but you can still use the pool and SPA until your departure. Only the room should be free. But we can’t take another bath, the rental car has an expiration date in its underground garage. On the outward journey it was anticipation, on the return journey we took a special experience with us and the quickly decided certainty that this was certainly not the last Vinum Hotel we visited. With the delicious combination of hotel and wine indulgence you get a taste for it.
Ciao Hotel Plattenhof and South Tyrol. See you soon, hopefully!
Vinum Hotel Plattenhof: what you need to know
- There is no dress code. As long as you don’t come to dinner wearing only swimming trunks or bikini, everything is fine.
- Enjoying wine as a young family? For children there is a modern playground in front of the house and on the menu there is a nice selection of kids dishes.
- The famous pizza in the restaurant Plattenhof is available from 5 p.m. and only there, so be sure to try it!
- There is an extensive selection of SPA offers, just ask for an appointment the day before or even before your arrival, then it works.
- At the weekly wine tasting, your host Werner Dissertori will tell you everything about the specially colored grape, the cultivation, the production of the award-winning Gewürztraminer and last but not least about the taste of the queen of white wines. Just register at the reception upon arrival.
- Information and tips on hiking routes through the (wine) mountains are available at the reception
- Enjoy the journey via the South Tyrolean Wine Route – if you come from Munich, like us, I recommend the journey via Switzerland in the direction of St. Moritz. Much more attractive than via the Brenner Pass!
Vinum Hotel Plattenhof: what i love
- The cuvée of design, location, environment, wine and hospitality.
- The view whether from the pool, the balcony, the pulpit bench or the garden
- The heads of character – from Wernfried in service to all-around all-rounder host Werner.
- The restrained but inviting color scheme in the hotel and rooms.
- The size of the rooms and the storage space of the cupboards.
- The balcony. Just. Wow.
- The proximity to Lake Kaltern and the location directly in the vineyard
- The wine of the house. Both Gewürztraminer and the red cuvée are so uncomplicated and fun to drink.
- The casual ambience.
- The wonderful garden, designed with love, where you always find a place for yourself.
- The cozy Jacuzzi, which gives the right degree of privacy through deliberate planting.
- The organic pool with the surrounding vines.
- The pizza in the restaurant. Ham, grilled peppers, tomatoes: You can taste as many aromas pure as you would like.
- The wine offer. There is a weekly tasting, you have the vineyards on your doorstep, the Cantina Tramin in the village, a deliciously filled wine cabinet with top wines from South Tyrol.
- The price/performance ratio.
Full of colours: the location matches the outfit.
Hotel Plattenhof: travel info
Overnight stays with half board start at the Hotel Plattenhof in Tramin from 125 Euro, more information can be found at vinumhotels/plattenhof or directly via www.plattenhof.it
This experience was part 1 of my South Tyrol road trip. The report on the second Vinum Hotel I had the pleasure to try, the Matillhof, you will also read here shortly.
*This contribution was created with the wine-loving support of Vinum Hotels, but as always, it corresponds 100% honestly to my opinion.
