Cantina Bolzano

Cantina Bolzano traces its roots to two pioneering cooperatives founded in the early twentieth century. The Gries cooperative was established in 1908 by 30 growers focused on Lagrein, while the Santa Maddalena cooperative followed in 1930, founded by 18 growers committed to Schiava (Vernatsch). The 2001 merger of these two historic operations created one of Alto Adige's largest quality-focused wine producers. In 2018, the cooperative opened a landmark new headquarters in the Moritzing district, a 20,000 square meter underground production facility that became Italy's first ClimateHouse Wine certified winery, featuring a gravity-fed vinification system that minimizes mechanical intervention.

• Gries cooperative founded 1908 by 30 growers, originally focused on indigenous Lagrein
• Santa Maddalena cooperative founded 1930 by 18 growers specializing in Schiava (Vernatsch)
• Merger in 2001 united both operations under the Cantina Bolzano name
• 2018 facility in Moritzing is Italy's first ClimateHouse Wine certified winery

The cooperative's 350 hectares span more than ten municipalities in the Alto Adige, with vineyard elevations ranging dramatically from 200 to 1,000 meters above sea level. This vertical range, sheltered by the Dolomites and influenced by warm Mediterranean currents traveling up the Adige Valley, creates an alpine microclimate defined by warm days, cool nights, and over 300 days of sunshine annually. Soils vary considerably across the estate, including porphyry, alluvial deposits, limestone, glacial moraine, and quartz. This diversity underpins the cooperative's emphasis on terroir-expressive, minimal-intervention winemaking.

• Vineyards sit between 200 and 1,000 meters elevation across more than 10 municipalities
• Over 300 days of sunshine annually with a strong diurnal temperature range
• Soil types include porphyry, alluvial deposits, limestone, glacial moraine, and quartz
• Sheltered by the Dolomites with Mediterranean air currents from the Adige Valley

Lagrein and Schiava (Vernatsch) remain the indigenous anchors of the portfolio, reflecting the founding missions of both predecessor cooperatives. Lagrein produces deeply colored, structured reds with dark fruit and mineral character, while Schiava yields lighter, approachable reds with distinctive almond notes. The portfolio extends to a full range of international and regional varieties, including Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Moscato Giallo. The flagship Lagrein Riserva Taber is sourced from century-old vines and represents the pinnacle of the estate's red wine production.

• Lagrein and Schiava (Vernatsch) are the historic indigenous focus varieties
• Flagship Lagrein Riserva Taber comes from century-old vines
• Portfolio spans aromatic whites including Gewürztraminer and Pinot Bianco alongside international reds
• Winemaking emphasizes minimal intervention and terroir expression

Stephan Filippi has served as Chief Winemaker since 1988, providing exceptional continuity of vision across the cooperative's evolution and the 2001 merger. Matthias Messner joined as Director in November 2022. The winery holds certification from the Ökoinstitut Alto Adige for its sustainable and organic viticulture practices, and its 2018 production facility carries Italy's first ClimateHouse Wine certification, recognizing its energy-efficient design and low-impact construction. The gravity-fed vinification system in the new facility reflects the winery's commitment to gentle handling at every stage of production.

• Chief Winemaker Stephan Filippi has been with the cooperative since 1988
• Director Matthias Messner joined in November 2022
• Ökoinstitut Alto Adige certified for sustainable and organic viticulture
• Gravity-fed vinification system installed in the 2018 underground facility