SOUTH TYROL'S WINE CULTURE AMBASSADORS 2026: ERHART TUTZER AND SEBASTIAN MARSEILER HONOURED
The new South Tyrolean Wine Culture Ambassadors were honoured at the Gustelier in Bolzano in collaboration with the Vinum Hotels. Renowned South Tyrolean chef Herbert Hintner provided the culinary programme for the occasion.
Outgoing Wine Culture Ambassador Willi Stürz was presented with a caricature personally signed by Peppi Tischler by Johannes Mairhofer, President of the Marling Tourist Association, as a memento of his time in the role. The Marling Tourist Association and the local municipal administration are important partners of Marling Wine Culture.
The posthumous awards for Erhart Tutzer and Sebastian Marseiler were presented by Hansjörg Ganthaler, President of the Vinum Hotels, and Walter Mairhofer on behalf of Marling Wine Culture. The widows of the two honourees accepted the awards on their behalf.
Erhart Tutzer, who passed away on 27 April 2024, was regarded as a pioneer in the field of fungus-resistant grape varieties (PIWI) and a dedicated advocate of high-quality wine production in South Tyrol.
Sebastian Marseiler, who passed away on 9 April 2026, was a historian and author. Through numerous publications, lectures and projects, he enriched South Tyrol's cultural and wine heritage far beyond the borders of his homeland.
Speeches were given by Provincial Councillor Luis Walcher, Member of the South Tyrolean Provincial Parliament Harald Stauder and IDM President Hansi Pichler. The tributes were delivered by RAI journalist Theo Hendrich and Walter Mairhofer.
A special connection to the origins of the award was highlighted by the presence of Alexander Marmsoler, a student at the Kaiserhof Hotel Management School. Exactly ten years ago, he developed the Wine Culture Ambassador award as part of his final school project.