Weingut Hochegg

A risky wine venture high up in the mountains? Not really, just a dream come true. Here, in the heart of South Tyrol, we’ve built our own winery. At 838 m above the Etschtal Valley the HOCHEGG is positioned at rather a high altitude. Whereas the previous owners made wine only for their own consumption, to us it is the prime focus of our business.  On our new terraces in skeleton-rich porphyry soils grape varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling are grown organically. Our newest vineyards are surrounded by wilderness – with pine forests and a plantation of ancient chestnut trees dating all the way back to the time of Maria Theresa. After all the time and effort we’ve put into the new venture, it’s exciting to witness our first wines being made!

The HOCHEGG Winery in South Tyrol lies on a steep slope in an exposed position high above the Etschtal Valley. The terraced vineyards on the slopes span elevations of 730 – 870 m, with some differences in temperature and other microclimatic conditions. The winery and cellar at 838 m lie beneath a mixed forest that extends up to 1273 m. Here, on an overgrown hilltop near the ruins of a fortress is what remains of the ancient settlement of Enzpirg.

Hugging the mountain slope, the vineyards look out from various west-facing directions, ranging from due west/northwest/southwest. Depending on of the degree of exposure of each terrace to sun, shade, wind, etc., we decided which grape varietals to plant there. With a mixed woodland interspersed with over 100 chestnut trees, the nearby forest cover is another important factor positively influencing the farm’s microclimate and biodiversity.

Pinot bianco ENZPIRG

Chardonnay KOHLPLATZ

Riesling STEINBRUCH

Pinot nero ROSE

Pinot nero CASTANEO

Pinot nero RISERVA