South Tyrol Wine Road – along pleasure, nature, and tradition

The South Tyrolean Wine Road is much more than just a connection between charming wine towns – it is an overall experience for all the senses. Winding its way through one of the most picturesque Genusslandschaften (pleasurable landscapes) in Europe, between an alpine backdrop and Mediterranean flair, it is one of the most appealing routes in Italy for those who love driving, culture, nature, and gastronomy. Spanning about 70 kilometers, from Nals in the north to Salurn in the south, it opens up a world full of small discoveries: elegant wine estates, historic castles, vibrant town centers, and panoramas that make you involuntarily slow down.

Route Guide: Three Stages Full of Landscape, Culture, and Wine

The South Tyrolean Wine Road is ideal for a three-day tour that allows for plenty of spontaneous stops, enjoyable breaks, and cultural excursions. The individual stages are chosen to create a visually and thematically cohesive experience while also setting individual accents – from tranquil vineyard rows to lively old towns to fine wine experiences.

Stage 1: Nals – Andrian – Terlan – Bolzano

The tour begins in Nals, an elegant wine village with well-kept architecture and a touch of southern lightness. Through a varied landscape of apple orchards, chestnut forests, and vineyard slopes, one reaches Andrian, the oldest wine village in South Tyrol. An ideal place to enjoy the first cappuccino – with a view of the Etsch valley basin.

Shortly after, one arrives in Terlan, known internationally for its white wine. Here, a guided tour of the historic winery is recommended before continuing to the state capital of Bolzano. This city surprises with its blend of Italian joie de vivre, Tyrolean groundedness, and urban dynamism. It's perfect for an extended city stroll or for spending the first night in the heart of South Tyrolean wine culture.

Stage 2: Appiano – Caldaro – Termeno

The second stage begins with a drive through South Tyrol's Castle Country: Appiano boasts more than 180 historic estates, ruins, and castles. The roads gently wind through slopes lined with cypress trees and grapevines – a landscape that almost resembles Chianti, but with an alpine touch.

Caldaro welcomes travelers with its lively town center, the sparkling Lake Caldaro, and top-notch wineries. A walk through the vineyards or a break by the lake makes the trip unforgettable. Next, it goes to Termeno, home of the Gewürztraminer. The drive there offers magnificent views over the Etsch Valley – a true highlight for those who love cruising in the open air.

Stage 3: Salurn – Leifers

The final stage begins in Salurn, where the landscape and language of South Tyrol noticeably change at the Salurner Klause – this marks the end of the German-speaking area. The historic town center with its old wine estates and a rock-protected location invites a short stroll.

From there, the route leads over well-developed roads with changing elevation profiles to Leifers. This small village south of Bolzano feels calm and original – a relaxed place for a final pause or a concluding glass of South Tyrolean wine. The route itself offers once again everything that characterizes this region: vistas, landscape changes, and Mediterranean colors – ideal for winding down and taking a break.

Tips for Your Cabriolet Tour on the South Tyrolean Wine Road

Plan enough time for spontaneous stops – at viewpoints, wineries, or small villages. In the low season (May, June, and September), the climate is particularly pleasant, the roads are not overcrowded, and the winemakers have time for personal conversations. Many wineries offer small tastings that can be easily reserved with a little advance notice. Good parking options are usually available at the outskirts of the towns – often just a few minutes' walk from the sights.

Those who wish can combine individual sections of the wine road with smaller detours – for example, to the Mendel Pass road or to Renon. Culinary openness is also worthwhile: from traditional wine taverns to upscale regional cuisine, high-quality dishes are prepared here – often with a direct view of the vineyards.

Driving a Cabriolet on the South Tyrolean Wine Road

This cabriolet tour combines the best from several worlds: grandiose landscapes, winding roads, cultural depth, and culinary delights. Despite its manageable length, the South Tyrolean Wine Road is one of the most diverse routes in the Alpine region – ideal for an extended weekend or as a relaxed start to a trip to Italy. Those traveling here enjoy not only the driving but also the special connection of nature, wine, and joie de vivre that makes this region so distinctive.