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Episode #282: Alpine sips – Spectacular wines from the Dolomites

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South Tyrol’s wine scene, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites, is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. We explore the region’s unique blend of Italian and German influences, local grape varieties, and alpine winemaking traditions. From crisp mountain whites to hearty cuisine and postcard-perfect landscapes, discover why this lesser-known corner of Italy deserves a spot on your wine travel wishlist. 

Summary

We welcome back Untold Italy’s favorite wine experts, Olivia Windsor and Andrea Mitti Rua of Italian Wine Tales, for this episode on wines of the Dolomites and. South Tyrol region. They share the unique traditions, flavors, and hidden gems of South Tyrol’s vineyards. Learn what to sip, where to visit, and what to eat along the way!

What you’ll learn in this episode

  • Olivia and Andrea return with updates, including welcoming their first baby
  • The pride Italy has in its wine’s biodiversity and regional variety
  • The stunning scenery and mixed Italian-German culture of South Tyrol and the Dolomites
  • Key wines of the region include Pinot Bianco, Lagrein, Gewurztraminer, Teroldego, and more
  • Alongside reds, whites and rosés, be sure to try sparkling Trento DOC and sweet Vino Santo Trentino – perfect with local charcuterie
  • Most wines are small-batch, artisanal, and rarely exported
  • Visiting wineries offers a hands-on, intimate experience
  • Walk the Strada del Vino (wine path) from Bolzano to visit an array of top producers
  • Recommended stops include  Abbazia di Novacella, Kellerei Bozen and Nals Margreid
  • Scenic highlights include Alpe di Siusi, where you’ll find everything from adventurous hikes to gentler walks and even relaxing horse and cart rides through the alpine meadows.
  • Extra local treats: apple juice, craft beer, and traditional festivals
  • Winery visits often include beautiful gardens, views, restaurants, and even art displays

Timeline Overview

  • 01:58 Italy’s pride in biodiversity
  • 07:07 Trento’s tremendous sparkling wine – Teroldego
  • 11:58 The Alto Adige Wine Road
  • 15:17 Abbazia: Historic winery and abbey
  • 18:59 Savory treats and wine pairings
  • 20:59 Hiking and leisure in the Dolomites
  • 23:39 Stress-Free wine touring in the region

<a href=”https://untolditalytours.com/dolomites-tour/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><img class=”aligncenter wp-image-1531172 size-full” src=”https://untolditaly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/untold-italy-tour-banner-dolomites.jpg” alt=”” width=”1048″ height=”300″></a>

About our guests – Olivia Windsor and Andrea Mitti Rua

Olivia, an Australian who moved to Italy in May 2019, and Andrea, an Italian from Piemonte, Northern Italy are based in Rome and run the Italian wine site Italian Wine Tales, where you’ll find not only the best wines to try, but also information on all the Italian wine regions, the best wine tours and wine clubs you can join. Follow them for Italian wine inspiration on Instagram @italianwinetales, join their Facebook group Italian Wine Lovers or sign up for the Italian Wine Tales newsletter here.

Olivia writes a blog called Livguine, named after her love for pasta and her nickname Liv. She has explored the country south to north, working in agriturismi and organic wineries before settling in Turin, Piedmont for a time after meeting a local Piemontese Andrea. They are both now based in Rome and Olivia hosts various Untold Italy Tours throughout the year in Piedmont, Liguria, Tuscany Capri and Puglia.

Follow Liv and Andrea here

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

  • Trento – city in northern Italy, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region
  • Bolzano – city in South Tyrol, near the border with Austria and capital of Alto Adige
  • Abbazia di Novacella – an abbey in South Tyrol, of the Augustinian order, producing wine since the 1100s
  • Alto Adige Strada del Vino – the wine route from Bolzano around producers of the Alto Adige area
  • Kellerei Bozen – a cooperative winery of 224 wine-making families
  • Nals Margreid – winery with vineyards shared around 160 hectares owned by 140 wine-growing families
  • Merano – spa town in South Tyrol
  • Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm – a Dolomite plateau and the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe. Located in Italy’s South Tyrol province in the Dolomites mountain range, it is a major tourist attraction, notably for skiing and hiking
  • Tappeiner Promenade – an easy trail above Merano with scenic views over Merano and the valley

Food / Drink

  • Pino Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay – popular white wines in the region
  • Gewürztraminer – well-known white wine grape used in colder climates like Austria, Germany and Northern Italy
  • Pinot Nero, Le Grein, Schiava/Trollinger – red wine varieties of the region
  • Trento DOC – sparkling wine produced in the classic method with Trentino grapes. Ferrari is the most famous producer
  • Teroldego – a fruity, red wine variety from the Trentino area with notes of raspberry and plum
  • Vino Santo Trentino – dark, sweet DOC wine from the region 
  • morandela – a charcuterie meat popular in the area (not to be mistaken with mortadella)
  • carne salada – salted and spiced, aged beef
  • canederli/knödel – the hearty bread dumplings of South Tyrol
  • Puzzone di Moena/Spretz Tzaorì – DOP hand-produced cheese of the region made from mountain cattle milk
  • speck – a type of lightly smoked mountain ham
  • Schmorbraten – a braised beef roast dish popular in South Tyrol. Slow-cooked, it is often served with potatoes or dumplings for a hearty winter feast

Words / Concepts

  • strada del vino – wine road/route
  • Merano Wine Festival – annual festival which takes place in November, celebrating the wine production of the region

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