Bolzano - Gateway to South Tyrol wines

Where Italian and Austrian cultures blend seamlessly. The bilingual city center features arcaded streets lined with wine bars serving local Lagrein and Schiava. Take the Funivia del Renon cable car for vineyard views.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Walk the Bilingual Arcaded Streets History · Free

   Walk through these medieval arcades at Piazza Walther (Waltherplatz) in Bolzano's city center where Italian and Austrian cultures blend in bilingual signs (German/Italian) - Bolzano was Austrian until 1919, and the wine culture reflects both traditions. Look for arcaded streets (Lauben/Portici) lined with wine bars, allowing 30-45 minutes to stroll. Stop at any bar with 'Weinbar' or 'Enoteca' sign for a glass of local Lagrein and Schiava (Vernatsch) - the indigenous reds that tell this region's unique cultural story.

   Backup: If weather is bad, head directly to Vino Probierstube for an indoor tasting.

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2. 2 Taste Indigenous Varieties at Vino Probierstube Wine · Price: low

   Order a tasting flight of indigenous Alto Adige varieties that grow mainly here: Lagrein (deep purple, violets, dark cherry), Schiava/Vernatsch (light, strawberry, everyday wine), and Gewürztraminer (aromatic, lychee, spice) at Vino Probierstube wine bar in Bolzano's old town. Ask for 'Lokaler Wein' (local wine) or 'Einheimische Sorten' (indigenous varieties). Flight costs €15-25, with Lagrein from Santa Maddalena especially prized for its distinctive character that locals have perfected over centuries.

   Backup: If Probierstube is full, try any 'Weinbar' in the arcades - all serve local wines.

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3. 3 Take the Renon Cable Car for Vineyard Views Adventure · Price: low

   Ride the 12-minute Funivia del Renon (Rittner Seilbahn) cable car from Bolzano base station to Soprabolzano at 1,200m (€12 round trip) for panoramic views over the Bolzano vineyards and Dolomites. From the top, you see the terraced slopes where Lagrein and Schiava grow in this unique Alpine-Mediterranean microclimate. Cable car runs every 4 minutes, 7:00-23:00 with no reservation needed. Best views in late afternoon when the light hits the vineyards below.

   Backup: If cable car is closed (maintenance), drive up to the Renon plateau instead - the wine views are similar and there are several wine bars in Soprabolzano.

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Insider tips

• Start at Vino Probierstube for a local tasting flight of indigenous varieties

• Visit the South Tyrolean Wine Museum in Caldaro for context before tasting

• Take the Renon cable car to Soprabolzano for cooler-climate wine experiences