If you drive along the wine road from Bolzano towards Cornaiano, you can recognise the striking new building wing from afar, which blends harmoniously into its surroundings. On the east side, the new building presents itself with a stylised tower. Its narrow window openings and the clear lines of the façade create a minimalist yet expressive aesthetic. This tower is the highest point of the building and on the top floor houses a tasting room whose window surfaces are fitted with flexible blinds which, when opened, create an intriguing architectural element. From the tower, visitors can enjoy an impressive 360-degree panorama - from the Mendola Mountains to the Texel Group and all the way to Bolzano.
The tasting room in the tower can be reached by an outside staircase that starts from the large rooftop terrace. This is planted with green areas, bushes and cork oaks. A large part of the terrace is covered, making it possible to use the outdoor area in all weathers. The entire interior of this upper floor was built using a wooden structure and serves as an event and tasting area. The large hall offers space for up to 150 people, while the spacious foyer is equipped with bar tables and can also be used for tastings and smaller events. A catering kitchen, bathrooms and a wardrobe complete the second upper floor.
This area is designed as a multifunctional space and will host a variety of events - from the annual general meeting of members to wine presentations, conferences and tastings.
One floor below is a staff flat as well as accommodation for internal use, such as for seasonal workers. Two offices and an internal tasting room for the cellar team complete the functional space concept. There is also a new, spacious barrique cellar.
On the ground floor, there is another architectural highlight of the winery: the new wine shop. This spacious room welcomes visitors with a clear, elegant aesthetic, emphasized by floor-to-ceiling window façades. The light streams into the room and provides a breathtaking view of the hilly vineyards of Cornaiano. The wines can be tasted at a long, elegant terrazzo counter, while spacious seating niches and cosy corners invite you to relax and enjoy. The space allows visitors to stroll through the shelves at their leisure, with the various wine lines presented in a clear, well-organized manner. Digital screens accompany the sense of discovery and show videos on the individual wine lines.
Directly above the Wine Shop is another unique tasting room. The glass façade of this room offers a direct view of the vineyards on one side and also provides an insight into the Wine Shop below. This architectural element creates a unique atmosphere both for the guests in the tasting room and for those visiting the wine shop below.
Not visible at first glance, the heart of the winery is located on the two floors below. Here, the old cellars, which were in urgent need of renovation, were completely modernised and equipped with 30 new stainless steel tanks and walkways.
The president of Colterenzio, Max Niedermayr, explains: "We first discussed the renovation in 2018. Since then, we have been working on it, first internally and then with our architects from Bergmeisterwolf and other long-standing partners. It makes me very happy that we can now present a harmonious ensemble of buildings." Niedermayr continues: "We used this large renovation project to completely replace building elements in need of renovation, such as the leaking roof structure and the old concrete cellars. At the same time, we were able to create spaces that were urgently needed: modern cellars, tasting and event rooms and, above all, a new, modern and inviting wine shop. With this remodelling, we have created great added value and made the winery fit for the future.
Guided tours and tastings
Guided tours and tastings are offered several times a week. Visitors are given an insight into the history and philosophy of the winery. Together they visit the production area, the cellars and various rooms before tasting selected wines.
All information and booking can be done easily online: https://www.colterenzio.it/en/guided-tours-tastings/
Wine Shop
In the Wine Shop it is possible to taste and purchase the wines of Colterenzio under expert guidance. You can also make yourself comfortable in one of the seating areas and enjoy a glass of wine while enjoying the view over the vineyards.
Opening hours: https://www.colterenzio.it/wine-shop/
