Vinum Hotel Spitalerhof: South Tyrol enjoyment adventure in XXL wine barrel

spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

White rabbit? Not a chance. But if, like Alice, you follow the white house dog instead, you’ll discover a down-to-earth fun wine wonderland in South Tyrol at Vinum Hotel Spitalerhof. Including an idyllic garden pool, warm hosts and accommodation in XXL wine barrels with their own Jacuzzi, where you can unpack your own Cheshire cat during the nightly wine tasting. And that’s how it’s vacationing there!

What’s a nice reward for trusting your gut? A gut feeling of the pampering kind. And with that, my decision to stay at the Hotel Spitalerhof was also rewarded. For my birthday, I was looking for a place to inhale a few days of downtime, and it quickly became clear that my sizzling long-distance relationship, the wine and pleasure adventure playground of South Tyrol was right up there for the date.

Way out in front in the thoughtful pouring of wine experiences are the Vinum Hotels Südtirol, a handful of which I have already visited and also presented here – for example, the Plantitscherhof or the Plattenhof. Therefore, I always had an eye on the list of 29 members. Because in the end, you can only check into a hotel that also has rooms available – which is not always so easy. The Spitalerhof near Klausen flirted its way into my attention in 2021. At that time, I came across the first renderings – the tradition-rich hotel in the Eisack Valley has fired up the renovation mode. And the plans – among other things just the enlarged garden area with two oversized wine barrel lodges – has head and especially belly immediately sent direct flirt signals. Spending the night in the XXL wine barrel directly opposite a natural pool? And then in a hotel that not only has its own winery at the start, but also distills its own brandies, grappa or gin? There I was, what actually such wooden barrels do not taste at all: fire and flame.

This crackling has not gone out since then, and therefore the booking was a matter of seconds, when I checked: Oha, for the intended period, the Fassl Lodge baptized XXL wine barrel accommodation has not yet registered a pleasure hiking partner. How this enjoyment hike can look like, why I suddenly found myself at an altitude of 900 meters instead of at the pool, what’s on the plates, what wine adventures are in store and why a trip to the Spitalerhof is worthwhile anyway, you can read here in the report.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Arrived at the Spitalerhof. When vines meet palm trees, it can only be an enjoyable vacation.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

The staircase in the background leads from the underground car park to the reception of the Vinum Hotel Spitalerhof. There, the local terroir on the ceiling and the wine bottle lamps immediately show where the wine hare is running.



Vinum Hotels or in short: in the best wine hands

The prospect that your wine infatuation will meet with reciprocal love and that a real match will be made during the hotel flirtation is guaranteed by the Hotel Spitalerhof’s membership of the VINUM HOTELS . This is an association of 29 hotels, all located in one of the seven South Tyrolean wine-growing regions. And all members share my wine-quirk respectively then theirs with you. Translated: In the hotels, the focus is on fruit salad enjoyment, the cultural asset wine can be experienced in many entertaining ways.

Each Vinum Hotel Südtirol is managed very personally by passionate wine connoisseurs, has selectively filled wine cellars at the start, offers special experiences around South Tyrolean wine or has – as here in the Spitalerhof – its own winery directly at the start. So you sit at the source of good humor, can enjoy wine tastings or the harvest in the vineyard, get advice on pouring, sleep in the deluxe wine barrel and start with the best views of the mountains or simply switch off. This and the combination of thoughtful alpine design, pure hospitality and great bathing experience were the ingredients for an unforgettable stay in Klausen in the Eisack Valley.



1 PM: Check-in at the Spitalerhof Fassl Lodge and small aperitivo


If you leave from Brennero, and at the entrance of Chiusa stop at the crossroads on Strada Statale 12: You can have a look at the Spitalerhof at your leisure. Because the destination is diagonally opposite on the left – and usually you have plenty of time before you can finally turn off. But that doesn’t matter, because as soon as you stop in the underground parking garage and get out, you’re enveloped in a switch-off vibe that makes you forget all your travel hassles. Also because downstairs you get a foretaste of what is completely lived one floor up. Down-to-earth hospitality with a focus on wine. The ceiling of the underground garage is covered with the stone terroir of the surrounding area. This gives you a direct, architecturally smart and sexy glimpse of what the hotel stands on and what the specially cultivated wine grows on. This use of materials then continues up the stairs at the reception and the front restaurant area.


spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

From the terrace you have directly a beautiful view of the pool and the two Fassl Lodges. Time to move in!


According to its own statement, the Vinum Hotel Spitalerhof is a place to go for gourmets, leisure winemakers, bikers and mountain lovers. And that’s exactly what the location radiates. And it does so completely without airs and graces, which you can feel right away when you check in. I like the mix of yesterday and today, of rustic details and modern design. South Tyrolean down-to-earthness, which, however, does not keep its own personal character under the hat. Apropos: hat is my keyword, the trademark of course had to go. And the same I have pulled minutes later in front of the Fassl Lodge, because the accommodation is really as unique as smart.


spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

There are two XXL barrels, which are located above the pool and below a vineyard, between them is still a small green terrace. Each Fassl Lodge has 21 square meters of space, a double room, wooden floor, box-spring bed, clothes rail and satellite TV, as well as an adjacent rain shower and toilet behind a curtain. Just in case: You will find the WLAN access prominently placed on a sign at the end of the bed. There is also a private terrace on board and the highlight: a private whirlpool. By the way, it’s ready to go 24/7; simply open the cover and then close it again so that ants or wild rabbits don’t get the idea of having a private party in it.

The round architecture immediately gives a cozy feeling. The materials are of high quality, the colors chosen with sensitivity. The size is sufficient, the box spring bed ultra-comfortable – and you don’t need more space than that, since you’re actually on the move most of the time between pool, terrace, restaurant and co. anyway. If you arrive with 2 average trolleys, you definitely won’t have any problems moving between the bed and the bathroom. If weekender with extra clothes are added, you should stack smart. The toilet door behind the curtain is shadowy frosted glass, but the shower glass is transparent as a Wet Tshirt winner, so it’s a good idea to check in with someone you’re reasonably familiar with. For everything else, you have a large terrace.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

The two overnight barrels, including the pool terrace, are built in such a way that they offer full privacy.


spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Plenty of room in the small barrel. Even a dignified rain shower is on board.


spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

It was a flirtation at first sight: The own whirlpool as a tasting location and the wines from the in-house winery.


spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey
© Gentlemens Journey

spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

My favorite: the crisp, elegant Grüner Veltliner MUGA, named after the host’s nickname.


spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

The Fassl Lodge lives up to its name: the terrace is a great place for tasting while overlooking the pool.


Because host Michael can probably smell my wine quirk five kilometers against the wind, there is a small tasting of the house’s own wines to move in. With a glass of MUGA, a crisp, elegant Grüner Veltliner named after the winemaker’s nickname, we let the first impressions sink in, cast our first flirtatious glances at the jacuzzi, and then set off for a little exploration.



2:30 PM: Discovery tour


Ican only recommend such a small mini-hotel excursion, because you get a direct impression of which attraction is located where on the vacation adventure playground. The construction of the little oasis is quickly seen through. The Spitalerhof is built into the vineyard, so to speak. Below the Fassl Lodges at the foot of the mountain is the natural pool with a wooden border and several sunbathing areas. Everything is embedded in a well-tended plant ensemble. From the pool and the lodges, you continue to the right to the main house with around 37 rooms and suites – you don’t necessarily have to open a barrel there to spend the night. Between the pool and the entrance to the reception and restaurant is the genuinely charming terrace with two pergolas, fountains and plenty of seating next to flowerbeds and palm trees. Oh yes: The fact that the hotel is located on a road with a lot of traffic is already ignored after the first few hours. This is ensured by the well thought-out architecture of the conversion.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Forms a very inviting setting for the pool and wine experience at Spitalerhof: the well-tended garden.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Open, relaxed, elegant, inviting: the terrace with two pergolas is the perfect place for a coffee or a glass of wine in between.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Here in the glass: the in-house rosé, which runs faster than many a professional sprinter.


You can stop on the terrace at any time – whether for an espresso, an Aperol Spritz, a wine or, as on our date in September, one of the specially developed summer drinks. Another Spitalerhof safari destination is right next to the reception: the tasting room complete with walk-in wine cabinet. They take adventure playground seriously here.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Short pre-inspection of the wine arena: Here you can see the tasting room including the adjacent walk-in wine cabinet.



4 PM: Pool Time


Anyone who follows the blog knows that I have a soft spot for cool pools. It doesn’t always have to be a pool with a faraway view or a spectacular pool on concrete stilts. A charming pool in the middle of an idyllic garden landscape is just as sexy. Keyword cool: The pool at Spitalerhof definitely takes this more literally than other representatives, but it’s also simply because it’s not heated, but pure nature. At the time, Sepp, the grandfather of the family, not only had the idea of planting vines in the best locations on site, but also the smart idea of slamming his own swimming facility on the map in front of the hotel. Now the natural pool, framed by wooden planks, shines in a modern guise.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Has a refreshing character: The natural pool Seppl See. At the back: the shallower and warmer entry area with a palm tree ambience.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

The next favorite spot at Spitalerhof: the shallow end of the pool with a beanbag and hanging swing for chilling out.


If you’re not staying at Fassl Lodge and have a hankering for a hot tub, look for a date in the spa area.


In the back area as well as in the front at the corner of the stairs there are reclining possibilities. In sufficient quantity. At no time during our stay was a space problem apparent. The front area of the pool is much shallower – therefore warmer. Here you can also just drop into a beanbag or a hanging swing deluxe (please without running), dip your feet into the water and treat yourself to a glass of wine. And one more thing, it’s vacation. If you are looking for even more wellness, you will find it in the small, fine spa in the main building with organic pine sauna, Finnish sauna, whirlpool, cold pot and cozy relaxation room.



19 PM: Dinner-Date


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

The sock-flower match looks like it was coordinated, but it was a coincidence. Polo and chelsea boots are absolutely fine for dinner.


The accommodation and the ambience definitely whet your appetite. And after the first arrival, one is relatively quickly hungry for more. Or rather: The stomach feeling announces itself out of self-interest. The culinary orientation at the Spitalerhof is not based on “higher-better-further”, but on heartfelt cuisine with handicraft. Responsible for this: Michael’s wife Claudia. A family matter, a matter of honor. Seasonal, local products are put on the plate. Many of the ingredients used in the kitchen, as well as in the wine cellar, distillery and ice cream factory, come from their own vineyards, orchards, gardens and fields. Even the eggs. All with as few meters delivery distance.as possible.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey
© Gentlemens Journey

You get a fixed seat when you check in, which means: your head has a break, where you dine, you also have breakfast. Supereasy. No one has to lay out a reservation towel. The restaurant design is modern and open, dominated by tones that reflect vineyards and mountains, in addition to wood. The ceiling with wooden check structure is a real highlight. The menu for the evening is always laid out in the morning at the breakfast table, and on the day of arrival you can then fill in what may go on your plate when you check in. The game plan for dinner is easy. Take a seat, choose your wine, go to the salad buffet. It’s small but nice, everything you need is there. And the emphasis is not for nothing on salad, you are not here on an international all inclusive mass event buffet.

After that, there is a 3-course menu to choose from, where you can choose from two starters and two main courses. Note on the side: Vegans or vegetarians have little to no joy with this choice. Mine was on the other hand directly brighter than the North Star, directly as the first welcome dish was a tartare on the table. Very unique with our own beetroot and garden herbs, but tasty as from the hands of Goethe: a poem. On the wine list, you’ll find all the wines from the in-house winery – five whites, one rosé and two reds – both open by the glass and by the bottle for an ultra fair price. In addition, a nice selection of mainly South Tyrolean wines – Vinum Hotel – logo, but not necessarily the big ones that can be found on most cards, but also sometimes smaller insider tips. We started with the Spitalerhof Grüner Veltliner, casually crispy, fruity but with the right pinch of spiced crisp humor.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Tartar of local beef with mustard mayo. To go with it: the Grüner Veltliner from Spitalerhof.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Roast onion with spaetzle and jus.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Ice, Ice, Baby: And what a culinary earworm this forest berry ice cream from in-house production is, please. Never eaten a better ice cream.



10 PM: Wine & Whirlpool at Fassl Lodge


If you don’t quite finish your bottle, or the second one is still open, no problem. The really nice service will bring a wine cooler on request, and you can take your wine date with you to the Fassl Lodge. Better: to and in the whirlpool. Leaning back with a glass in the bubbling water and reviewing the day by magical lantern light, while all everyday life stands still, is simply priceless. This is also one of the plus points of Fassl Lodge. You have that private chalet feeling, but you are also in the middle of the pool in just a few steps.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Becomes in the Spitalerhof immediately a combination with sex appeal deluxe: the own whirlpool in the Fassl Lodge and in-house wine.



9.30 AM: Breakfast

spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Anticipation: At breakfast you get a preview of the evening’s menu and can choose the main course. In addition, there are always theme nights, such as the Alpine BBQ.


For the start of the day, everything you need is there if you don’t want to hype for Instagram. In other words: a down-to-earth selection of fine cold cuts, cheese, rolls, bread, mueslis, spreads. No airs and graces. You can squeeze your own juices from fresh fruit and vegetables, order your choice of coffee – and the same goes for egg dishes. Scrambled eggs, fried eggs with bacon or omelets are freshly prepared and filled with tomatoes, zucchini, onions or bacon as desired. Oh yes: playtime is from seven to ten o’clock. Staying longer at the table is of course no problem, only the delivery gates for the plates are then closed.



11 AM: Grape harvest


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

It’s a good thing that I was as hungry as a morning hour long-finger at breakfast, because afterwards host Michael had a spontaneous birthday surprise for me. Instead of the pool, I found myself a little later at an altitude of over 900 meters – in the middle of the vineyard. First I had to digest the view. And the view of the Eisack Valley and the imposing Säben Monastery leave you speechless. Occasion of the tiny pleasure hike: I was allowed to help with the grape harvest. At the site, Michael had some beautiful rows of Müller-Thurgau, and the grapes were lined up to hop into the basket. Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Suddenly, instead of standing by the pool, you’re 900 meters higher on the vineyard. And the view is priceless.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Guests have the opportunity to help with the harvest by appointment. I can only recommend it: You get a new look at the craft behind a glass of wine.


While you slowly develop a sense for the right steps to get the grapes as accurately as possible from the vine into the box, this also ensures that you discover a different awareness of wine making. Behind every glass is real manual labor, a lot of commitment, and before a classic hangover even comes into view, it has to get in line behind the sore muscles. Joking aside: actions like these also create a more humble view of what winemakers put into their wine, and why certain prices are charged in the end. Craft and quality have their price, and you can taste that in the end. Very important, because we are talking about a down-to-earth hotel: Wine experiences like this can be experienced by every guest at Vinum Hotel Spitalerhof. Michael always offers to help with the grape harvest by arrangement, you just have to be there during harvest time – starting at the beginning of September. By the way, I did not just put this for the picture, but neatly pulled through the line. Which was then rewarded with a culinary highlight. A really unusual, but also unforgettable start to the birthday.


South Tyrolean snack plate deluxe as a lunch reward after reading. A relaxed wine to go with it – that’s all you need.



1 PM: Lunch in Chiusa


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Noon in Chiusa. Time for the next culinary stage.


The city center of Klausen is just around the corner from the Spitalerhof. You can easily arrive via bus (with the Klausen Card included in the stay, stop directly in front of the Spitalerhof), on foot (about 15 minutes) or by car (parking directly on site). We use a tip from the host for lunch. The old town is super charming and full of winding alleys. In one of these cozy side streets there was then a stop at the Gassl Bräu, a pub with inn cuisine and its own brewery. On the menu: Helles, Pale Ale or even chestnut beer. Nice. Top marks for the location, and on the plate honest South Tyrolean classics like goulash and dumplings. Just ignore the unnecessary pizzas on the menu. And if you want to reconcile with your patronizing conscience right afterwards, just take the stairs around the corner. It takes about 45 minutes to climb up to the Säben monastery. Or rather: It would lead.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Dumplings, goulash – and beer for once: But that’s all it takes for a moment of culinary bliss.



3 PM: Terrace date and pool flirtation


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Was directly one of my favorite places for a glass of wine: the wooden seating area with Riviera vibes on the terrace.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Refreshingly attractive from every perspective: the natural pool.


4.30 PM: Wine Tasting


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Frame it, take it with you: The view of the wine cabinet in the Spitalerhof is truly mesmerizing. By the way, I was not responsible for the accumulation of corks.


You can talk extremely much about wine. But let’s be honest: It also becomes extremely dry extremely quickly. And nobody wants that. If you want to embark on the adventure of wine, you simply have to do one thing: be curious and taste it. Taste. And keep on tasting. Find out: What are the grape varieties that suit me? What appeals to me? Which growing regions, which countries? In the barrel, rather without? White wine? Red wine? I use opportunities like this, to get to know the winemaker personally, as in the Spitalerhof just super happy. And I am also grateful for the opportunity. It’s no longer a secret that I have a crush on South Tyrol and its wine flirts. So what fits better with my tour like Alice through the wine wonderland than to get to know the wines of the house better at a tasting?

Michael’s white wines include Grüner Veltliner, Sylvaner Sepps alte Reben, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Grüner Veltliner MUGA, which is lightly aged in wooden barrels. In addition, a rosé, as well as the red wines Lagrein and Blauburgunder. As a rule, he offers a tasting for guests twice a week, each time in the afternoon. Simply sign up at the reception desk, show up on time, and you’re done. And: Have the courage to ask questions. After all, Michael also brings along courage, and throws on a polo shirt and jeans. Good, also because his wife there easily a word, he would hold that also loosely in rubber boots. But it is exactly this kind that characterizes the hosts and the approachable mood of being able to discover wine. And also this fear may be taken: There is no right and wrong when describing wine. Everyone has different taste experiences that can be used as a comparison, everyone has different emotions in mind. Bringing them all together is ultimately the magic of wine. And of good hospitality.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Markus in the bottle wonderland.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

In addition to the house’s own wines, the menu also features other cool wines from South Tyrol selected by the host, but not going with the mainstream – plus insider tips from the rest of the world.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

During the tasting, the wines from the Spitalerhof winery are tasted – and each guest is allowed to quench his thirst for knowledge.



7 PM: Dinner Date


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

What is the best way to appear for dinner at the Spitalerhof? Just as you feel comfortable right now. And if it matches the color of the surroundings – it happens.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Down-to-earthness turned on its head: The ceiling at the reception and the front restaurant area shows the rock of the surrounding area including vine roots.


A question that kicks in harder than the one on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Which bottle of wine to drink with dinner? Classic challenge, sure, positive outlook: the longer you have booked, the more you can try. I can assure: there are enough cool, exciting, refreshing and casual wines waiting (especially from South Tyrol), as well as glass acrobats with depth and spice. Here, too, curiosity wins out. Besides, with the house wines of one’s own winery, one is, after all, busy for a while. And beware: They flirt hard.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Den Auftakt macht diesmal: Psairer Saibling, Krenhäubchen, Rote Beete Mouse.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Pink roasted saddle of veal, colorful vegetables, baked potato, jus.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

For dessert, there was a delicate four-pack in specially made tree trunk box to open. Love is in the details.


One thing in advance: At the Spitalerhof, no one has to worry about going to bed hungry. I would even go so far as to advise not to escalate too much at the salad buffet so that you can still make it through with dessert. The portions of the three courses are very fair and sufficient. One tastes the product quality and at the same time the ingenuity. Even though there are no four stars on the outside on purpose, there is definitely four-star cuisine in here. No matter what meat was served, it was always roasted to perfection, butter-tender, finely seasoned. The dishes are modern-creative arranged, and are simply fun. Exactly what Herzensküche wants to achieve. My personal highlight, however, are the special culinary events. For example, there is a menu at regular intervals, each of which is characterized by one of the in-house wines. It can be found in sauces, for example, or there is a wine foam soup or perfectly coordinated dishes. If that’s not a wine adventure you can enjoy, I don’t know what is.

There are also food evenings under the motto “peasant food” or, for me one of the highlights of the stay: the Alpine BBQ. Instead of a pure salad buffet, there are all kinds of antipasti, pasta salads, rice salads, bresaola and various appetizers on top, before the barrel is really opened on the grill. Pulled lamb, chicken wings, grilled mushrooms, potato wedges, incredibly tender ribs, roast beef, plus a selection of really tasty dips: You can imagine how the flirt action with the wine sparked.



10 PM: Good Night Wine Adventure


To deal with a wine solo, tickles out one or the other new facet. That’s why I think the attitude at Spitalerhof is cool to take your wine, including refrigeration, with you to the Fassl Lodge. Choose a nice wine from the menu, retire to the terrace, and go on a glass adventure under the South Tyrolean starry sky. For us, this was definitely a cherished ritual. Whereby on the last evening, of course, a certain melancholy resonates at the bottom of the glass. And again noted: If you have questions about the wines or want to know more about the house wines, you just have to: ask. Quite uncomplicated in this location.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Where, if not here? At the Spitalerhof, the glass of wine as an accessory replaces the handbag and co. And you can easily take your bottle from dinner to the barrel.


spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

In the Fassl Lodge, the wine is allowed to make itself comfortable. The Spitalerhof is not a member of Vinum Hotels for nothing.



9.30 AM: Breakfast

You know the pitch, you know the tactics, you know which ingredients are in the starting lineup: enjoy. But maybe you’d like to try a different egg variation? Curiosity wins out, especially at the buffet. And it makes strategic sense to have a tasty snack on board before heading home.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Inviting not only because of its colors: the Spitalerhof in South Tyrol’s Eisack Valley.



11 UHR: Check-out und leider Abreise aus dem Spitalerhof


spitalerhof, Fassl Lodge, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

No secret: saying goodbye to Fassl Lodge and checking out was really hard. Yes, also because the room has to be vacated at ten in the morning. Wonderful for morning people who are still in training. Back to the serious part. Just the evening wine date by and in the hot tub has gone from the first hot flirtation to real love. This feeling of freedom to just choose when to chill by the pool, take a quick drive to the little town of Klausen or the surrounding area for an authentic lunch, day-drinking on the terrace, the curiosity and anticipation of dinner, the countless learning effects when it comes to wine: yes, to become at home as quickly on an away game on vacation as you do at the Spitalerhof, that’s real luxury for me. Of course, this was due to the gut feeling and the wine caresses that a Vinum Hotel promises. But above all, it was due to the fact that the host family sees their profession not as a job, but as a vocation. And such an honest and entertaining hospitality cannot be fixed in stars or points, it is more of a class difference that appeals to the stomach and heart – with the famous feeling.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Travel provisions with foresight: One, two, three bottles of the in-house wines or brandies as souvenirs should definitely be planned.



spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Wine adventure and enjoyment hike can the Spitalerhof impromptu.


Spitalerhof: What you need to know


  • There is no dress code. As long as you don’t come to dinner in just a bathing suit or bikini, everything is fine – but we sensed (and had fun with) that people are dressing a bit more smart casual for dinner. The dress code on the plate is also appropriate.
  • Breakfast is always included, at dinner as part of half board, a 3-course menu (plus salad buffet as an appetizer) is served for dinner, where you can choose between 2 alternatives each for appetizer and main course.
  • There is enough parking space. Either covered in the underground garage or an adjacent parking lot around the corner.
  • 2x a week there is a wine tasting with the host – exact dates can be found at the reception.
  • There is no reason to set the alarm clock to reserve a pool lounger. There are plenty of loungers available, and most visitors didn’t arrive until around mid-afternoon. The pool was not full at any time.
  • Dare to ask. No question or request is too silly, they always help at the front desk or in the restaurant. The hosts are always approachable and help with expertise wherever possible.
  • In general: Come as you are. Wear what you like, bad hair days are allowed: At the Spitalerhof, you can be yourself with a clear conscience. And even order Aperol Spritz number 4.
  • Do not feed the dog! But he is allowed to pet and cuddle.


spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Even if time seems to stand still during a stay at the Spitalerhof, it unfortunately always passes quite quickly. But: We will be back, and turn back the clocks.


Spitalerhof: What i love


  • The self-contained charming feel-good garden oasis with the mix of architecture, location, plant playground, pool, wine and hospitality.
  • Especially the honest, down-to-earth joy of hospitality and winemaking.
  • The well-kept garden area, which is taken care of daily. Various trees, palms, flowers, grasses, picturesque colors – dream.
  • The view – whether from the Fassl Lodge terrace, from the balcony, from the pool, or while walking through Klausen. South Tyrol in all its facets.
  • The countless places to linger, to look at the hotel or, like us, to sit down with a glass of wine.
  • The warm character heads around host Michael with his wife, family and team, which also remembers small details and simply goes about their work in an approachable manner and with a twinkle in their eye.
  • The charming Fassl Lodge with everything you need: Most comfortable bed, shower, private terrace including highlight whirlpool. Yes okay, and WLAN is of course also at the start.
  • The carefully, finely and entertainingly compiled wine list with lots of (also lesser known) entertainment from South Tyrol, from established to young and wild.
  • The pergolas on the terrace.
  • The remixing of old South Tyrolean recipes, the preservation of kitchen culture with a new twist.
  • The product quality in the restaurant, the focus on regional ingredients, the growing and serving of own grown products.
  • The informal, charming ambience.
  • The distilling for distilling. From home-grown apples or apricots, honest, fine brandies are crafted.
  • The in-house wines. All have the same honest signature, are accessible, without airs and graces, but have their own character, from fresh-crisp with more acidity to the refreshingly creamy variety. And for the colder days, Blauburgunder and Lagrein entertain with the necessary pinch of velvety spice. All wines can also be packed for home in the store directly on site – which I can only recommend.

spitalerhof, Südtirol, vinum hotels, gentlemens journey

Vinum Hotel Spitalerhof: Travel documents

Where: Leitach 46, 39043 Klausen, Südtirol

How: By car you can reach the Spitalerhof from Munich in about 3.5 hours.

What: For gourmets exciting: the offer “Fassl Gourmet”, soon again in the period from November 25 to December 22, 2022, January 8 to March 19, 2023 and April 6 to October 9, 2023. Included are the overnight stay in the XXL wine barrel, the winemaker’s breakfast and a 5-course gourmet menu with wine accompaniment. The package starts from 225 euros per person.

Hotel Spitalerhof, Overnight stays in the Fassl Lodge from 137 Euro, more info under www.spitalerhof.it

*THE TRIP WAS MADE WITH THE HOSPITABLE SUPPORT AND INVITATION OF THE HOTEL SPITALERHOF AND VINUM HOTELS, BUT AS ALWAYS OBJECTIVELY REFLECTS MY HONEST OPINION.

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