In South Tyrol, vineyards are concentrated in just a few thousand hectares within the province of Bolzano. They lie on the hillsides rising along the course of the Adige and Isarco rivers, in a territory marked by great variability. Elevations range from 220 metres in the valley floor to over 1,000 metres in areas like Bassa Atesina and Renon, where limestone, silt, and porphyry alternate. The ampelographic richness is extraordinary, as is the immense fragmentation of the vineyards, where thousands of families interpret the land and the harvest in their own way.
The result of this vast puzzle is wines of the highest calibre, increasingly capable of expressing their nuances with precision. Today, wineries no longer cultivate all grape varieties permitted by the denomination, but only those with a strong link to the territory. Old, struggling vines are not replaced automatically but substituted with more suitable varieties, seeking freshness at higher altitudes or enhancing warmer exposures with the right grapes.
The most widespread grape varieties in South Tyrol
Thus, while the vineyards in the Magrè and Sella areas are perfect for Chardonnay and Sauvignon, the basin around the capital city finds its signature variety in Lagrein. Mazzon is renowned for its vocation for Pinot Noir, though the nearby area of Appiano Monte increasingly stands out as well. Schiava, though now less common, remains the absolute star in the most suitable areas of Caldaro and Santa Maddalena.
Pinot Bianco asserts itself as a historic grape variety in many areas—from Sirmian near Nalles, to Tirolo in the Burgraviato, and again in Terlano, where it features both as a varietal wine and in blends such as Terlaner. Riesling has found its ideal terrain in the highest areas of the Val Venosta and Valle Isarco, just like Sylvaner and Grüner Veltliner, which are strongly tied to the easternmost part of the region. The same goes for Kerner, a variety that produces one of the region’s great white wines. Developed in Germany in 1929 from a cross between Schiava and Riesling Renano, it was awarded DOC status in 1993.
The Kerners with the best quality-to-price ratio
Here are the best Kerners selected plus one slightly over the limit, which reached our finals. All labels were reviewed in the Berebene 2025 and Vini d’Italia 2025 guides by Gambero Rosso.
A. A. Valle Isarco Kerner Aristos 2023 – Cantina Produttori Valle Isarco
Once again, the Kerner Aristos from Cantina Produttori Valle Isarco leads the production of the cooperative. The 2023 vintage brings intense citrus notes—mandarin interwoven with floral nuances—and a curious smoky touch. On the palate, the wine shows the strength of its terroir, with richness and especially a vibrant acidity that stretches and sharpens the sip. We included it here because—although not always under 20 euros—it can be found at a slightly higher price. Travelling up the Isarco from Bolzano, the valley alternates between narrow, forested stretches and wide areas where viticulture dominates the hillsides, often with small vineyards supported by dry stone walls climbing skywards. The Chiusa cooperative is the region’s most important producer, primarily focused on the area's white grape varieties.
A. A. Valle Isarco Kerner 2023 – Villscheiderhof Florian Hilpold
At 700 metres above sea level, in a beautiful position, Florian Hilpold has been running the family estate for 25 years. The wines are typical of the Valle Isarco. Here, we highlight the Kerner 2023.
A. A. Valle Isarco Kerner 2023 – Köfererhof – Günther Kerschbaumer
Günther Kerschbaumer runs the family estate near Varna, a small South Tyrolean town known mainly for the impressive Abbey of Novacella. The vineyards here climb from 600 metres and upwards, where the grapes capture extraordinary aromas and freshness. All white varieties, interpreted by Günther in a rich and vibrant style. Here we highlight the Kerner 2023.
A. A. Valle Isarco Kerner 2023 – Strasserhof Hannes Baumgartner
Summer days in the Valle Isarco are hot and sunny, followed by much cooler nights. Here, Hannes Baumgartner manages the family estate—just a few hectares of vineyards facing southwest, between 680 and 750 metres in altitude. The vineyards are planted with the valley's traditional white grapes, resulting in wines with tension and finesse. Hannes' wines are marked by stylistic precision. We focus here on the Kerner 2023.
A. A. Valle Isarco Kerner 2023 – Taschlerhof Peter Wachtler
On the right side of the Isarco, just before Bressanone, a dense pattern of dry-stone walls supports small vineyard plots ranging from 530 to 730 metres, with a southeast exposure. Many of these belong to Peter Wachtler, nestled among meadows and woodland patches. His production focuses on the traditional white grapes of the valley, producing refined and vibrant wines. We focus on the Kerner 2023.
A. A. Valle Isarco Kerner 2023 – Tenuta Ebner Florian Unterthiner
The Valle Isarco is undoubtedly one of the prime areas for South Tyrolean viticulture, typically associated with slender, aromatic whites. However, Brigitte and Florian Unterthiner interpret their vineyards—located at the southern end of the valley and nearly overlooking the city basin—with a distinctive style. Their wines show aromatic intensity and especially richness and texture on the palate, as seen in the Kerner Karneid 2023.
A. A. Kerner Karneid 2023 – Glögglhof Franz Gojer
In a region where acquiring vineyards is nearly impossible, Franz Gojer has managed to expand his holdings from the Santa Maddalena area near the city centre to the higher elevations of Cornedo all’Isarco, where white grapes thrive. The family-run estate on via Rivellone sees Franz working alongside his wife Maria Luise and son Florian. Here we highlight the Kerner Karneid 2023.
A. A. Kerner Luxs 2023 – Niklaserhof Dieter Sölva
A. A. Kerner Libellula Mondevinum Ris. 2021 – Niklaserhof Dieter Sölva
The Sölva family estate has for generations revolved around Lake Caldaro—one of South Tyrol’s best-known wine zones. The vineyards closest to the lake enjoy warmth and sunshine, climbing towards the Mendola in search of freshness. The vineyard holdings are spread across many plots in different areas, allowing each grape variety to be grown in its ideal environment. We highlight two Kerner wines here: Luxs 2023 and Libellula Mondevinum Ris. 2021.
A. A. Kerner Palladium – Martini & Sohn 2023
The historic Weingut in via Lamm is one of the key players in the Oltradige region, with a complex vineyard portfolio including both estate-owned and locally contracted vines. This diversity allows for a high-quality production divided into varietal wines that clearly express their grapes and the Palladium line, which involves careful grape selection. The Maturum line is the crown jewel, reserved for the best plots. A broad wine range is offered, with labels that impressed our panels. We highlight the Kerner Palladium 2023.
The splendid Wolf family estate unfolds in the area of Cermes, at the gates of Merano. Among their offerings is the Kerner 2023.
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