Castello Rametz — Winery in Merano

One of the most renowned wineries in the region, on sun-drenched slopes surrounded by centuries-old vineyards. A special feature: some of the vines are still trained the traditional way on chestnut-wood "pergole" (trellises). The castle itself is one of the most atmospheric wine destinations in Merano. A tasting in the wine shop without a tour is possible from 13.00: simply walk in and taste wines of your choice at the bar of the historic vinotheque. The guided tour with tasting starts with a short walk through the vineyard, where you learn about the work in the vineyard and the history of the castle (wine has been made here since 1227, and in 1860 the very first Pinot Nero vine in all of South Tyrol was planted here). Then comes the wine museum and the descent into the 18th-century porphyry cellar, by their own account the most beautiful in the whole Burggrafenamt, including a "treasure chamber" with vintage bottles going back to 1964. The visit ends with a tasting of five of the house's top wines, served with Kaiserspeck, an artisan bacon speciality once served to imperial guests.