Dolomites Private Food & Wine Tour

This morning, your friendly, professional chauffeur will be waiting for you at Verona (or Venice) airport. Hit the road for Alto Adige/South Tyrol! with your first wine tasting experience at the leading Alois Lageder wine estate.

This family-owned winery has been in the wine business for over 200 years, and today is one of the most important biodynamic wine producers in Italy. Their tidy vineyards comprise part of their sustainable, holistic farm in an impossibly picturesque setting under the mountain peaks. The property also features the 13th-century Casòn Hirschprunn estate, centuries-old gardens, the family Renaissance palazzo, their Vineria Paradeis wine cellar bar, courtyard, and atmospheric fountain. They organize important art and music events throughout the year, with a wine theme, and they offer super-premium wine hospitality.

Today you will receive a private VIP tour throughout the estate and wine cellar, culminating with a three-course organic, gourmet meal with estate bottlings. Carry on next then for an invigorating, digestive vineyard walk and wine tasting at Castel Ringberg, a Habsburg dynasty manor built-in 1620, on the panoramic terrace overlooking blissful Lake Caldaro. This prestigious property is owned and run by the Elena Walch winery, a mother/daughter-run operation, and Alto Adige wine royalty. Their wines are made in their winery in Tramin and then aged in the wonderful castle cellar here, which you will visit before tasting some of their best Chardonnay, Lagrein, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Sauvignons. Terrific experience and out of this world scenery!

The day keeps getting better, and your next visit is at Cantina Tramin, whose Epokale wine was awarded 100 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (the only white wine in Italy awarded with 100 points at the time). Apart from the award-winning wines, it’s worth a visit here for the setting’s sheet beauty. The idyllic commune of Tramin is considered the birthplace of Gewürztraminer, which means “Spice Traminer.” Tramin is like a mini Garden of Eden with a balmy microclimate (it’s located south of the turquoise waters of the aforementioned Lake Caldaro, in a sunny valley full of orchards and vineyards), and the heart of the adorable village is quaint and quite lively.

You will visit the cutting edge, modern Cantina Tramin winery with an artsy crimson barrique cellar and life-affirming views in every direction from the tasting terrace. Finish the afternoon with a selection of their top wines, and then carry on to your romantic hotel in the wild vine-covered hills outside of the famous spa town of Merano.

Your hotel is set in a 400-year-old, noble hunting lodge, and they are well known for pampering their guests with “lavish expressions of the art of fine living.” Settle in, and the rest of the late afternoon and evening is yours. Why not stroll around their 50,000 square meter park and gardens, or book a spa treatment with the hotel’s master herbalist (the spa works with foraged Alpine flowers and herbs). There is a Michelin starred eatery onsite too. We hope you have had a terrific start to a memorable week in the Dolomites!

The morning is free at leisure in your magical mountain resort, to enjoy the facilities. Your chauffeur will be happy to drop you down into nearby Merano town for a few hours if you would like to explore this elegant, historic spa town. Merano’s historic center is a pleasure to visit, with several Belle Époque palaces and medieval, arched alleyways.

You will find gems in and outside of Merano like the Art Nouveau Kurhaus Theater, the Botanical Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, the Synagogue’s Jewish heritage museum, and the Kunst Meran Art Museum. There are over 10 miles of walking paths and fantasy gardens, which, incredibly, in the middle of this rugged, mountainous area, feature tropical palm trees, cactus, citrus, and oleander. If you would like a truly relaxing morning, we highly recommend a few hours at The Sky Spa at the Hotel Terme Merano. Soak up the majestic views while swimming in their infinity pool or sipping a glass of sparkling “breakfast” wine in your private jacuzzi with entrancing vistas.

At lunchtime, your driver will take you to the cozy Tavern & House Brewery Pfefferlechner for a brewery tasting and relaxed rustic lunch. This South Tyrol microbrewery is famous for its craft beers, and you will learn all about the process and taste their full range of beers. Next, get settled into a cute bistro-style table in their leafy “beer garden” for an a la carte lunch of local specialties like dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen ravioli, and potato cakes. After lunch then, get ready for a striking castle, panoramic views, and neat wines!

Castel Juval is a tiny, perfectly preserved 13th-century castle overlooking the Schnalstal valley and perched on a movie-set worthy mountain promontory. It houses a fascinating museum of Tibetan fine art, a unique mask collection from 5 continents, and a Tantra room. There’s also an organic farm and vineyards onsite. The castle is an eccentric and wonderful place founded by famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner (indeed, his summer residence).

You’ll explore the castle and its neat museum with one of their expert guides before enjoying a private visit and tasting at the adjacent Unterortl Winery & Distillery. The vineyards climb up the steep Juval hill, protected by stone walls of gneiss rock, and the viticulture is a bit heroic here! You’ll receive a friendly, private tour of the property and taste their range of wines, including Castel Juval Pinot Blanc, Müller Thurgau, Riesling Gletscherschliff, Spielerei, and delicious Pinot Noir. After a terrific afternoon, head back to your resort for free time to relax and freshen up before an exceptional dinner.

A gourmet tasting menu awaits you tonight at proprietor-chef Andrea Fenoglio’s Sissi restaurant in Merano. The restaurant is a mythical, art deco, Michelin starred food mecca. We love their motto- “We don’t just serve food and wine. We serve up a holiday that lasts for two or three hours”. This sums up the culinary adventure you have in store, with sommelier chosen wine pairings and round-trip dinner transfers, of course.

After a sumptuous breakfast with lush views over the verdant hillsides, your chauffeur will meet you and sweep you away to the Nals Margreid wine estate, about a half-hour scenic drive. This super chic, architecturally iconic wine estate is a delightful contrast with yesterday and illustrates the diversity of wine experiences on offer in the Dolomites.

Don’t forget the camera today as this picturesque part of the famous “wine roads” of Trentino Alto Adige could not be more beautiful with cascading vines, hills dotted with castles, and tidy orchards in every direction. You will have a private tour of the spectacular Nals Margreid winery this morning, built in 2011 by architect Markus Scherzer, with The Cellars Nalles and Magre-Niclara wineries’. On the terrace, take in the views while tasting some of their top tier award winning exceptional wines made by oenologist Harald Schraffl. Try their Sirmian Pinot Bianco, Jura Pinot Noir Riserva, Moscato Giallo Passito, Gries Lagrein Riserva, and Galea Schiava- stellar.

The wine escapade will continue with a private visit and tasting at the prestigious Cantina Terlano in Terlano (Terlan). This wine estate, particularly adored by wine critic James Suckling, is world-famous for its rare, long-aged wines. This is a wine collector’s dream come true- the chance to taste multi-layered, complex, super traditional wines from historic vintages. The property dates back to 1893 when the winegrowers’ cooperative established it in the village of Terano, and it is now one of the leading co-ops in the region. South Tyrol has a long tradition of high-quality cooperatives, from wine to fruits. Cantina Terlano is a singular example and is admired by wine journalists and wine lovers worldwide for making Italy’s longest-lived white wines. You will have a VIP tour and tasting here, a wine highlight of the trip. You will be ready for lunch at this stage, and today it is a gourmet extravaganza at Michelin starred Zur Rose!

In the idyllic commune of San Michele, Chef Herbert Hintner was one of the first genuinely “celebrity” gourmet chefs in South Tyrol, and he has maintained Zur Rose’s Michelin star since 1996. Despite the sophisticated, contemporary cuisine, the setting is very welcoming, cheerful, and bright. We will arrange n abbreviated lunchtime tasting menu (a fusion of Alpine and Mediterranean ingredients and techniques) with carefully selected wine pairings for you. Buon appetito!

Take in a short, digestive stroll in the hamlet after lunch, and then it’s on to the nearby Franz Haas wine estate. The estate was founded in 1880, and the wine property has been passed down through seven generations (all to firstborn sons, carrying the family name of Franz) to the current owner Franz Haas VII. Franz Haas built the present winery we see today, and he is one of the most famous wine personalities in Italy.

Known for being a passionate perfectionist and with an artistic eye, his Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) wines are considered some of the best in the country. Franz calls this grape “the white among reds.” He revolutionized the Italian wine scene when he switched to 100% screwcaps in 2018 and gave up corks entirely to maintain his aromatic wines’ vibrancy and freshness. This was a controversial move that has paid off, and today his wines are some of the most sought after and appreciated in Northern Italy. You will visit the cellar on a private tour, and conclude with a tasting of his flagship wines, including Pinot Nero Schweizer, “Pònkler” (Pinot Nero), Sofi Rosso (Lagrein with a touch of Merlot), and Istante (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc).

In the early evening then, you will get some fresh air and “city time” when you visit Bolzano’s old town. The provincial capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano, is a buzzing small city known for its trilingual university, open-minded youthful population, and high quality of life. It’s a pretty town to enjoy a sunset stroll on your own at the end of an epic wine tasting day! Visit the medieval village heart of Bolzano, with its pastel mansions, Gothic churches, atmospheric cafés, and high-end boutiques. If time permits and if of interest, pop into the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology where you can see Ötzi the Iceman, an eerily preserved glacier mummy, thought to have lived over 5,300 years ago (older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge)!

Arrive back at your resort, and the rest of the evening is yours at leisure.

Check out this morning and meet your driver after breakfast. You will be heading to Fiè Allo Sciliar in the Isarco Valley, coined “the sunny side of the Alps.” This captivating wine region is also where you will find some of the most refined and renowned “Cru” wines in the Dolomites (especial excellent white wines).

The region is characterized by its challenging vine growing conditions (Vineyard elevations are 1,300 – 2,600 ft above sea level and up to 70% is harvested by hand; cold mountain winds, etc.) and the primitive rock soils of quartz and mica. These conditions altogether help produce out-of-this-world, minerally, robust, and vibrant white wines, as well as delicate reds. Over 90% of wine production in the Isarco Valley is white, and this morning you will taste some fabulous ones. Your first wine experience today is at Markus Prackwieser’s Gump Hof, at the foot of the Sciliar massif. Owned by the Prackwieser family for over 200 years, the building itself dates back to the 1500s and has been run by Markus since 2000, when he took over the family business. You’ll have a private tour of the wine cellar, which is carved out of the cliff’s original rock wall! And naturally, you will taste the best of the best, including Markus’s Praesulis Weissburgunder, Renaissance Sauvignon Blanc Riserva, Praesulis Gewürztraminer, and his fragrant Pinot Noir.

Next stop- the whimsical 12th-century Novacella Abbey. This winery has a major wow factor! The Augustinian Abbazia di Novacella winery is one of the oldest, active wineries on the planet, and the monastic complex nestled amid rolling hills of vines is sublime. It is also one of the most northerly wine estates in Italy. Prepare to be blown away by the postcard setting, and that is even before you taste the classy, stylish wines being made here. You might feel like you are in a medieval period film as you admire the mysterious abbey, the Castel Sant’ Angelo, and the ancient gateways to the vines and manicured gardens. After a personable private tour, taste a range of their high-level wines like their Grüner Veltliner, Sylvaner, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Gewürztraminer. Their wines have a gratifying, zesty acidity thanks in part to the estate’s high altitude vineyards.

After the private wine tasting, sit down to a relaxed light lunch in the Stiftskeller (their casual restaurant in a restored historic mill), tucking into local delights like speck, smoked charcuterie, rye bread, artisan cheese, salads, etc. This afternoon you will take in sweeping views of the most commanding peaks of the Dolomites on the electrifying, winding road to San Cassiano from Val d’Isarco to Val Badia. The enchanting hamlets you will pass on the way have often been referred to as “Heaven on earth,” and you will see why.

Your driver is at your disposal to make photo stops (also to suggest photo ops) and to visit some of the most darling villages like Ortisei, S. Cristina, and Selva Val Gardena for shopping, strolling, a glass of wine, etc. Your base for the next few nights is the adorable mountain village of San Cassiano, in Val Badia. This area is the home of Ladin culture, language, and gastronomy (which you will be learning about in a few days as part of a Ladin culinary experience).

You will have fun spending a few nights in a lively village, as you can walk to wine bars in the evenings, hit one of the excellent local / or onsite restaurants tonight, and even do a little high-quality souvenir shopping. Your famous five-star hotel is in the heart of the village and has world-class facilities including four restaurants (one with three Michelin stars), one of the best spas in Italy, and a small cinema. The evening is yours to enjoy it all!

You have a magical morning in store at Castle Colz in La Villa, where in a stunning part of the valley just 10 minutes from your hotel, next to a 16th-century castle, you will enjoy an alfresco wine tasting. You will savor some of the best wines of South Tyrol with your private specialized sommelier. Then it is a short drive to the cable cars where you can take in dazzling views on the way to lunch in an Alpine “Hut” (if you would like to hike there instead, this can be organized, and the walk is not challenging).

The famous “Mountain Huts” in Alta Badia are a must while in the region. They are essentially culinary lodges in tremendous beauty spots, most of which can be reached by cable car or by gentle paths. The scenery has to be seen in person to be believed! You will be having lunch at one of our favorites, Ütia Saraghes, splendidly set beneath the giant peaks of the Sasso di Santa Croce group, the Lavarella massif, the Lagazuoi, and the Setsas. This is a majestic backdrop! Sit on the sun-drenched terrace (wind protected) and tuck into their “locavores” menu. Needless to say, the cheese served here is local, ditto for the wines and digestifs on offer, and even their coffee is from a South-Tyrolean roaster; the eggs and sausages come from their farm butcher. Lunch is a la carte today to order on your own (as dinner is included tonight). We recommend the Frittelle ripiene di ricotta e spinaci (Typical fritters filled with cottage cheese and spinach), Spinatspätzle (spinach gnocchi with ham and mushrooms), and their Beef-Tagliata with herbs on rocket with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. To finish off, don’t miss their incredible caramelized Kaiserschmarrn raisin and rum pancakes!

In the afternoon, your driver is at your disposal to take you on an uplifting mountain drive with multiple photo stops. And you will have the chance to have a relaxing, digestive walk (on flat ground in a pretty valley) if you want to rev up your appetite for tonight’s gourmet blowout. The sunsets here are out of this world and even have a specific name, “Enrosadira,” which in the local Ladin language means “turning pink.” It is also called “Alpenglow,” an optical phenomenon that occurs at sunrise and sunset when the mountains turn pink/red blush color. While there are several fun legends about why it happens, it’s down to good ol’ geology. The rock walls that form the Dolomites are composed of calcium carbonate and magnesium. When combined with atmospheric conditions and the sun’s position, you can see the “Enrosadira.” No matter how well-traveled you are, the first time you experience this, it’s guaranteed to take your breath away!

After sunset, your driver will get you back to your hotel to have plenty of time to freshen up and get in some spa time if you wish. Dinner tonight is gourmet at Michelin starred Stüa de Michil. It’s high end yet in the coziest venue imaginable. Wood-paneled chalet-style private rooms lined with wine bottles and vintage ski photos, framed by timber beams and art deco, low-lit chandeliers make for a very romantic setting. After dinner, there is nothing better than a good grappa in front of the fire. Before your driver takes you back to your nearby hotel, enjoy an excellent Italian digestif and let yourself completely unwind.

The Dolomites region is diverse and fascinatingly trilingual, and Val Badia is where the Ladin culture is most deeply felt. This area was a crossroads between the German speaking-Tyrolean and the Italian speaking Trentino-Veneto worlds in history, language, and culture. It is thought that the Ladin language emerged during the Alpine invasion by Roman troops. “Vulgar Latin,” spoken by Roman soldiers and officials, transformed the local Celtic influenced Raetic language of the time into Ladin, which is extremely similar to Swiss Romansh spoken in the Grisons Canton and Friulian dialect.

Over 30,000 people speak Ladin at home in the five Ladin valleys of Alta Badia, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Fodom, and Val di Fassa. The Ladin cuisine’s heritage is rural and, like many types of “cucina povera,” makes the most delicious use of the fewest, most modest, and sparse ingredients using the best of the land. In the Dolomites, Ladin cooking is nostalgic and cherished, and you have a fun activity today to learn all about it. With your private chef in a traditional farmhouse, you will learn how to make traditional Ladin dishes like their version of “Cajincì” (spinach and ricotta half-moon stuffed pasta), Canederli” (local version of Knödel bread dumplings) and the famous Turtres (also called ‘Tirtlan’ in German, this traditional Ladin festive dish are indulgent fried dough spheres filled with ricotta, spinach, potatoes, sauerkraut, or poppy seeds- perfect in colder weather). This is simple, genuine, and utterly mouthwatering cuisine and will be easy to recreate back at your home. After a hands-on class, sit down to enjoy your lunch, served with wines or craft beers if you prefer today.

After a carefree food and wine-themed morning, you will be heading towards Cortina d’Ampezzo, taking in a comfortable, digestive walk en route to Lake Lìmedes. You will meet your local hiking guide, who will spend the next hour and a half with you taking you along the soft grassy slopes that gently ascend to Monte Averau, explaining the flora, fauna, and the area’s folklore. You will marvel at Lake Lìmedes, known for the crystal clear reflection of the Tofana di Rozes mountain, visible in the lake. This is an outstanding viewpoint, and the vistas you get here just are not the same as from the car. You’ll be so glad you did a bit of walking! If you are a keen hiker or a more experienced walker, we can organize a more extended, steeper hike today to see more lakes and impressive waterfalls.

This afternoon can be customized according to your level of fitness and interest. At the very least, we do suggest this gentle walk to Lake Lìmedes, where Dolomite legend says people who are “pure of heart” can see the water nymph Anguana.

This evening, you will arrive at your luxury spa resort in the mountains just a few miles outside of Cortina town. The night is yours to enjoy the facilities or taxi into Cortina. We recommend an aperitif tonight at fun Baita Fraina, a wine bar in central Cortina, which has over 550 Italian and international wines on offer, along with nibbles. There is an adjacent traditional restaurant too. Welcome to Cortina!

You have a delicious, gourmet morning to look forward to today- a cheese tour and tasting lunch at El Brite de Larieto. This place is unbelievable; what a treat you have in store! Located in one of the most extensive larch conifer forests in Europe, this dynamic small company makes premium, artisan dairy (butter, raw milk cheese, and yogurts). They run an organic and completely natural farm (with cows and goats grazing free in the pastures) and a traditional Alpine chalet style farmhouse restaurant with zero- mile ethos, traditional cuisine on offer.

You will begin with a farm tour and follow with a tasting of their exquisite cheeses like Alpeggio, Stracchino Stagionato, Erborinato, Fermentino, and Caciotta. Then, in a private setting in a meadow overlooking the mountain peaks, enjoy a full, alfresco, wine-soaked lunch with linen dressed table will be organized for you. This is one of a kind experience and a highlight of the trip.

Your driver will then take you to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo town, for a free afternoon. So many movies have been filmed in this glamorous ski resort town, including James Bond’s “For your eyes only,” The Pink Panther, and Cliffhanger. There is so much to see and do in chic Cortina, and the rest of the day is yours for shopping and sightseeing on your own. Don’t miss the Corso Italia for high fashion, art galleries, people watching, and the excellent Mario Rimoldi Modern Art Museum. History buffs will enjoy the Museo della Grande Guerra 1914-1918; the “centro storico” (old town) is great to just go for a wander, a glass of wine, charming little boutiques, ice cream stands, etc. And for architecture lovers, you can visit the Gothic Basilica Minore, the impressive Bell Tower, and the ancient church of San Francesco, dating back to 1300. For a sweet treat, pop into Pasticceria Alverà, a historic bakery, and patisserie.

Your driver will bring you back to your destination spa hotel at your preferred time, and the evening is yours to rest and recharge your batteries, schedule a spa treatment or swim, dine onsite, and get ready for your departure tomorrow.

At your preferred time, your chauffeur will take you on to Venice’s airport for your outbound flight or your next port of call (train station, etc.) If you want to extend the trip to gorgeous Northern Italy. In that case, you can combine this trip with dreamy Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Prosecco, Valtellina wine country, or the Valpolicella wine country. We hope you had a life-affirming, unforgettable vacation in the Dolomites!