Story: Kellerei Bozen | South Tyrol
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Cantina Bolzano - Tradition, Innovation, and a Living Community

An Architectural Landmark on the Hillside
It’s visible from afar: the luminous cube that has majestically risen from the hillside as the new headquarters of Cantina Bolzano since autumn 2018. This impressive low-energy building stands for architectural innovation and uniquely combines functionality with ecological sustainability. The modern design reflects the winery’s ambition to harmoniously unite tradition and progress.

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Viticulture Between 200 and 1000 Meters
Cantina Bolzano is defined by its extraordinary diversity of vineyard locations. Altogether, 340 hectares of the region’s finest vineyards stretch from the warm valley floors up to the cool, alpine slopes at over 1000 meters above sea level. These contrasts are reflected in the wines, which gain their unmistakable character from the interplay of different microclimates and soils.

224 cooperative members dedicate themselves to viticulture with great passion. For them, quality clearly takes precedence over quantity—a principle that has made Cantina Bolzano one of South Tyrol’s leading wineries.

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The Winemaker’s Craft - The Heart of the Winery
The success of Cantina Bolzano is built on the commitment of its 224 winegrowers, united as one large family in the cooperative. They come from long-established farming or noble families, live in historic farmhouses, and cultivate vineyards on often spectacularly steep slopes. Eighty percent of the members focus exclusively on viticulture—a testament to the deep roots and passion that drive their work.

Fifteen different grape varieties are cultivated on a wide range of soils and locations. This diversity results in characterful wines that reflect the multifaceted nature of the region. The flagship wines Lagrein and St. Magdalener are particularly renowned and appreciated far beyond the borders of South Tyrol.

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Living Community and Strong Leadership
The cooperative thrives on the active participation of its members. The chairman is elected democratically—since 2022, Philipp Plattner has held this position. Plattner is a key figure, representing the interests of the winegrowers, leading the board, and acting as a vital link within the community. Fostering members’ identification with “their” winery and strengthening the sense of belonging are central goals. Another crucial figure is cellar master Stephan Filippi. He maintains direct contact with the members, advises them in their daily work in the vineyards, and ensures ongoing communication. Only through this close collaboration can the high quality of Cantina Bolzano’s wines be guaranteed.

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Innovation Meets Tradition
The history of Cantina Bolzano is shaped by bold decisions and a clear focus on quality. The merger of the two traditional wineries, Gries and St. Magdalena, in 2001 was a milestone that paved the way for a successful future. Today, Cantina Bolzano unites the best of both worlds: the experience and tradition of the past with the innovative spirit of the present.

The diversity of vineyard sites, the dedication of the winegrowers, and the modern architecture make Cantina Bolzano a model enterprise that inspires not only wine lovers but also enthusiasts of architecture and nature. Anyone visiting Bolzano should not miss the opportunity to taste the winery’s wines and immerse themselves in its unique atmosphere.

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Conclusion
Cantina Bolzano is much more than just a place of wine production. It is a living example of community, sustainable innovation, and a deep connection to land and tradition. Every drop of wine tells a story—of generations, passion, and the pursuit of the highest quality. A visit is highly recommended to experience South Tyrol’s wine culture at its finest. - Gerardo [TS05/25]