Published on 4 September 2026
PIWI International Wine Excursion 2026
Wine, knowledge and culture in Trentino and South Tyrol
The annual wine tour is one of the key events in PIWI International’s annual programme. It offers the opportunity to gain exciting experiences and insights first-hand, to discover new estates and viticultural approaches, whilst at the same time fostering personal interaction amongst the participants. In addition to visits to fellow winegrowers, the culture and history of each region also play an important role.
This year’s trip took us to Trentino and South Tyrol and was largely organised and led by our colleagues from PIWI Italia. This meant that, right from the start, the focus was on personal exchanges with our Italian PIWI colleagues and the region’s winegrowers.
Kick-off in Trento
To start with, we headed to the city of Trento, whose history is closely intertwined with that of Europe. In the Middle Ages, Trento fell within the sphere of influence of the Holy Roman Empire and was shaped for centuries by prince-bishops. This special historical connection is still evident in the cityscape today.
Accompanied by a guide, the tour group visited the impressive Buonconsiglio Castle, one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks. Afterwards, there was still time for a brief stroll through the old town before the first official highlight of the trip was on the programme in the early evening: the presentation of the PIWI Gold Awards at the Palazzo Roccabruna.
The next day, the journey took us to South Tyrol to the Laimburg Research Centre. In addition to the experimental facilities and cellar technology, the participants were given an insight into the numerous microvinifications. Of particular interest was the comparison of Sauvignac from different altitudes, as well as the tasting of other PIWI varieties such as Artaban and Vidoc.
The group then visited Thomas Niedermayr’s organic winery in Appiano. During a tour of the vineyards and cellars, followed by a group wine tasting, the philosophy behind the family-run business was impressively conveyed.
In Bolzano, we visited the historic Schmid Oberrautner winery. As well as a classic Chardonnay sparkling wine, the orange wine „Spur“, made from Souvignier Gris, was particularly impressive.
The third day began with a short walk to Silvano Clementi’s vineyards in Pressano. Silvano gave us a tour of his vineyards and explained the specific conditions there and the numerous variety trials being carried out in collaboration with the Fondazione Edmund Mach. At the subsequent tasting at Villa Persani, highlights included the PIWI sparkling wine „Candido“, made from Souvignier Gris, and the complex „Aromatta“.
Another highlight of the trip was the visit to the Fondazione Edmund Mach in San Michele all’Adige. As well as gaining an insight into the history of this long-established research institute, the group were able to taste numerous new, disease-resistant hybrids and subsequently tour the experimental vineyards. Of particular interest were new crosses of Schiava, Lagrein and Teroldego, as well as the already registered varieties Nermantis and Termantis. This clearly demonstrated the importance of breeding work for the future of sustainable viticulture.
The final day of the trip took the group to the Valle dei Laghi. At Pravis in Lasino, the participants gained an insight into the estate’s long-standing work with new grape varieties. Amongst the wines tasted were the Johanniter sparkling wine „Naran“, various Schiava wines and the experimental „Tirollinger“ wine, made from a resistant Schiava crossbreed. The traditional Vino Santo made from Nosiola also met with great enthusiasm from the participants.
We then continued along the stunning panoramic road to Santa Massenza and the Distilleria Francesco Poli. As well as wines and Vino Santo, we were able to sample a variety of spirits. Particularly impressive was a grappa made from Vino Santo pomace, which had been aged in former Vino Santo barriques.
As well as the technical elements of the programme, there was no shortage of cultural highlights. The historic towns of Trento and Toblino, the landscape of the Valle dei Laghi and the impressive terraced vineyards around Cembra made the trip a special cultural experience too.
