St. Michael Eppan

For well over 2000 years, the area of Appiano, on the South Tyrolean Wine Road at the doorstep of the Dolomites, has been fruitful for the cultivation of quality grapes. Founded in 1907, St. Michael-Eppan has carved out a leading role within this world of northern Italian wine. For its 320 grape growing families and 390 ha of vineyards, viticulture represents a great passion passed down through generations.

Each grower contributes their knowledge, passion and dedication, ensuring that the winery has excellent grapes to transform and refine with care and sensitivity. This is only possible with precise, accurate and careful work in the vineyard, carried out with respect for the environment. This guarantees maximum quality, naturally stimulating the biological balance of the soil and the vine, which has a huge impact on the entire ecosystem of the terroir, the most important capital of winemakers.

At the helm is Hans Terzer, who works closely with individual growers, some of which only farm an acre or two, to protect the quality of all the grapes that go into his wines. Following his motto “Quality knows no compromises”, Terzer has brought the wines of San Michele Appiano to the top of Italian enology. One of his great virtues is his knowledge of varieties. Over the course of his career he became passionate about white grapes, revealing himself over time to be one of the pioneers of white wines in Alto Adige, being among the first in the region to vinify whites in barrique. At the end of the nineties, he discovered, in the surroundings of the winery, areas very suitable for the production of Pinot Noir. A relationship of authentic love towards the Primadonna of varieties immediately arose. 

Terzer also directed the construction of a wine cellar designed to produce high-quality wine, satisfying his attention to detail and revealing a perfect combination of tradition and the importance of innovation.

Gambero Rosso has awarded its highest honor ‘Tre Bicchieri’ to numerous wines from this special winery. Especially the Sanct Valentin line, themselves known as some of the area’s most prestigious wines. They were also awarded the Gambero Rosso Winery of the Year 2000.