On a moraine hill in the district of Maia Alta in Merano, there is Rametz Castle, surrounded by vineyards
Here, the vines thrive perfectly: There is a Mediterranean climate, protection from harsh winds from the mountains and water-permeable soils. The owners of Rametz Castle, the Schmid family, purposely chose the typical vine arbour cultivation method for the 10 hectares of vineyards. A small idyll that also houses a museum: The Wine Museum was established in 1980 on the ground floor and in the cellars and shows how vine cultivation, pest control and transport work.
The history of the castle itself dates back to 1227 AD. Closely connected to this is winegrowing, because centuries ago people were already writing about the local wine culture on Rametz Castle. Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were planted around the castle and - what few people know - the first Pinot Noir vine in South Tyrol. It was the year 1860, a time when Merano was famous as a spa town and aristocrats such as King Albert of Saxony, King Alexander of Serbia and Empress Sissi of Austria lodged at Rametz Castle during their spa stays.
In addition to the Wine Museum, Rametz today also has a vinotheque offering wines, sparkling wines, grappas and liqueurs as well as Kaiserspeck bacon from its own production. Also available is a range of local brittle bread - the traditional Schüttelbrot - olive oils from various regions of Italy, balsamic vinegar from Modena, herb mixtures and other specialities. The "Tiroler Weinhaus" in Tirolo and a restaurant are also part of Rametz. In 2018, three sparkling wines from Rametz Castle were given "The WineHunter Award". How can it be reached? The impressive building is located in Via Labers 4 in Maia Alta (Obermais), parking spaces are available for visitors.
Contact info
- Via Labers / Labersstrasse 4 - 39012 - Merano / Meran
- +39 0473 211011
- info@rametz.com
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
Wine Museum Rametz:
€ 7.00 adults
€ 7.00 young people (17-18 years)
free for children and young people up to 16 years
guided tour with wine tasting:
€ 25.00 per person (till March 29)
€ 30.00 per person (from the 1st of April)
More information
The guided tour to the Wine Museum with tour of the vineyards and tasting of five wines is offered till March 29, 2024, on Fridays at 10 am (90 minutes, min. 2 persons), and from the 1st of April to mid-November Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 4 pm and Wednesday at 2.30 pm. It is held in German/Italian language, on request it can be organised in English and French language.
Rametz Castle and the Wine Museum stay open all year round, closed on Sundays.