Story: Schreckbichl | South Tyrol
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The Schreckbichl Winery - A pioneer of South Tyrolean viticulture
Foundation and development
In 1960, 28 winegrowers laid the foundations for one of the best-known cooperatives in South Tyrol with the founding of the Schreckbichl Winery. Named after a small hamlet south of Bolzano, it was soon joined by other farms in and around Girlan. Today, 290 members cultivate more than 300 hectares of the best vineyards in the region. These benefit from a unique geographical location that combines Mediterranean daytime temperatures and cool Alpine nights in the basin of the Bolzano basin - an ideal climate for the cultivation of quality wines.

Under the management of Luis Raifer, an agronomist with a doctorate, the winery underwent a decisive reorientation in the 1970s. Raifer established clear quality standards and developed an innovative marketing concept. The members undertook to cultivate and deliver their grapes according to precisely defined specifications. Instead of pure quantity, the focus shifted to the quality of the grapes, which was rewarded with strict controls and quality-based remuneration. The motto “Together we are strong” was impressively brought to life in Schreckbichl.

The vision of Luis Raifer
Luis Raifer has shaped the Schreckbichl winery like no other. Under his visionary leadership, Schreckbichl became a flagship of South Tyrolean viticulture. His ability to effectively pool the cooperative's resources, optimize production costs and develop a strong marketing strategy has ensured the winery's success to this day. Despite its cooperative structure, the winery is often perceived more like a winegrowing business - proof of the exceptional work carried out under Raifer's leadership.

A pyramid of quality - the wine lines
The wines of the Schreckbichl winery are divided into three lines, which are structured like a pyramid:

- The Classic Line: This forms the basis and accounts for over half of production. It mostly comprises single-varietal wines that reflect the traditional grape varieties of South Tyrol. The Classic Line is not only attractively priced, but also benefits directly from the quality standards and experience of the higher-class lines.

- The Praedium line: These wines are positioned in the upper class and combine high quality with moderate prices. Despite their outstanding characteristics, they have almost remained an insider tip.

- Cornell and Lafoa line: These premium wines come from prestigious single vineyards with strictly limited yields. They represent the best that the winery has to offer and enjoy high international recognition.

A success story of quality viticulture
Kellerei Schreckbichl combines tradition and innovation in an exemplary manner. The continuous quality improvement initiated under the management of Luis Raifer has not only satisfied the members of the cooperative, but has also made South Tyrolean wine internationally renowned. With a wide range of wines, from inexpensive to premium, the winery has proven that collaborative work and a consistent focus on quality can create true masterpieces.

The wines from Schreckbichl are not only a delight for the palate, but also a reflection of the unique landscape and culture of South Tyrol. - Gerardo [TS01/25]

"The Schreckbichl estate is closely interwoven with the success story of South Tyrolean viticulture. The pioneers of the successful career of this rock-solid company in Girlan are Luis and Wolfgang Raifer, who made the name Schreckbichl known and popular throughout the world. They used such great wines as Sauvignon Lafoa to open the door to international business. However, they also always pursued an intelligent pricing policy in which they never lost their sense of reality." - Gambero Rosso