Simon Staffler
Sommelier and wine journalist
Simon Staffler

Simon Staffler

Wine-writer and sommelier

Born in 1988, wine-writer/sommelier, Simon Staffler, has what’s referred to as a “dream job”. As the Falstaff wine and lifestyle magazine correspondent for Italy Staffler regularly visits one Italian winery after the other, appraising their wines.

Since you spend most of the year visiting Italian winegrowing regions, what do you think makes South Tyrolean wine stand out in this wine-savvy country?
At the moment, South Tyrol wine is considered incredibly sexy in Rome, Florence and Milan. There are two factors involved: the very high quality of the wines and the focused, targeted marketing of the distributors. Combined, these two factors are like dynamite that knock down any barriers. Add to that the unity and cohesion of South Tyrolean winemakers which, of course, is real and you have an unstoppable force. But let’s not forget that, as a wine-growing region, South Tyrol is vanishingly small and continuing to go it alone might end up in oblivion.

In recent years, Vinschgau Valley wine production has developed from a local South Tyrolean phenomenon to an authentic wine-producing sub-region in its own right. Does that come as a surprise or was it already on the cards?
Vinschgau Valley’s success is largely due to its two heavyweight players: Franz Pratzner (Falkenstein Winery) and Martin Aurich (Unterortl Winery). It’s mostly thanks to this pair that the Lower Vinschgau Valley has been catapulted onto the wine map with their top-notch wines. Funnily enough, many locals aren’t even aware of this. To them, Franz Pratzner is just a local winemaker, or someone they’ve only heard of. But in Milan, he’s considered a rising star! The Vinschgau Valley is a young wine-producing area with a lot of potential. As far as I’m concerned, the main problem is that a critical volume of wine produced needs to be reached for this sub-region to gain credibility as a serious winegrowing region. But due to its particular topography, the Vinschgau Valley has limited scope for expanding its existing vinicultural areas. Since wine-farmers and winemakers are practical types, they’ll think twice before planting vines on steep slopes!

What is it about the Vinschgau Valley as a wine region that makes it stand out? How would you describe it to someone who’s never been here before?

Growing vines here is very challenging and requires a lot of skill: there are the steep slopes, a dry climate, unusual wind conditions and different soil types to contend with. These are just some of the adverse factors. The vineyards are also very small in size and there aren’t any large contiguous cultivation areas that you’ll find in other winegrowing areas. In such a situation, winemaking is derived from pure passion and conviction, otherwise you wouldn’t even attempt it. Obviously, some of the other factors affecting other wine-growing areas in South Tyrol also applies to the Vinschgau Valley. For example, extreme weather events including hailstorms have been on the increase in recent years – further complicating the work of the winegrowers.
“The very fact that the Riesling pioneers in Italy all come from Vinschgau speaks volumes.”
The inhabitants of the Vinschgau Valley are known as lateral thinkers and free spirits. How would you describe winegrowers in the Vinschgau Valley?
The people of Vinschgau Valley are certainly very headstrong – who like doing things their own way. The very fact that the Riesling pioneers in Italy all come from Vinschgau speaks volumes. What’s also special about the Vinschgau Valley vines is their high percentage of new fungus-resistant PiWi varietals. This is may be due to the fact that viticulture is on the rise here, and these new varietals are capable of defending themselves against the fungi. Also, PiWi varietals require few or no chemical inputs. However, vinification of PiWi grapes is quite complicated, due to their broad spectrum of flavours and absence of distinguishing features. For example, if you take 3 bottles of Solaris from different wineries, each would taste completely different from the other. I think this is where things are going to get more interesting in future.

While on the subject of PiWi wines, we’ve seen new trends such as biodynamic, vin naturel, vegan, etc. What’s your take?

Are winemakers always trying to keep up with new trends, or do they get involved through genuine conviction? It’s a bit of both. Some winemakers follow trends while others take no notice. When it comes to biodynamic or organic wines it’s a bit different, but in the end the wine has to be up to par. If the label on the back of the bottle says “organic”, and if the wine is undrinkable it behoves neither the consumer nor the winemaker. Personally, I think there’s a lot of potential in biodynamic wines. Yet it’s hardly discussed, because for most winemakers the focus remains on making good wines. There are also others who use biodynamics as a handle to promote their wines. But in general, what you see is a return to local and traditional winemaking.

When I'm selecting wines for my private use, which three South Tyrolean labels should not be overlooked?
I’d say these young, up-and-coming contenders: Abraham Winery, Bergmannhof Winery and Pitzner Winery.

And what’s your favourite wine estate in the Vinschgau Valley?
For me it’s Falkenstein Winery. Franz is a super winemaker and Magdalena a worthy successor with lots of fresh ideas. Their wines are really excellent. Not just their flagship wines such as Riesling, Sauvignon and Pinot Blanc, but also their Pinot Noir. A lot has happened there recently. Despite all their interesting developments, this winery has remained rock solid.
Follow us on Social Media
Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno Yesterday
Naturns  I  Naturno

🎶 In einer Woche ist es endlich soweit!🎶
Naturnser Almen unplugged geht in die nächste Runde – und wir können es kaum erwarten!🎻

Am Sonntag, den 15. Juni 2025, heißt es wieder: Raus aus dem Alltag, rein in die Natur🌲 – mit echter handgemachter Musik, einer atemberaubender Bergkulisse und jeder Menge guter Stimmung.🥰

Ob Musikliebhaber, Naturliebhaber oder einfach alle, die beides lieben – dieses Event wollt ihr nicht verpassen!❤

📍 Wo? Auf den schönsten Almen in Naturns
- 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐦
- 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐦
- 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐦
- 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐟
🕒 Wann? Sonntag, 15. Juni ab 10:00 Uhr, musikalische Unterhaltung ab 11:00/11:30 Uhr

🚐Es fährt ab 09:00 Uhr kontinuierlich ein gratis Shuttle zum Parkplatz Kreuzbrünnl.
Um 09:00 Uhr fährt ebenfalls ein Shuttle zum Parkplatz Schartegg, dafür ist eine Anmeldung erforderlich.
(info@naturns.it I +39 0473 666077)

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Santer Peter

-------

🎶 Manca solo una settimana! 🎶
Naturnser Almen Unplugged torna con una nuova edizione – e non vediamo l’ora!🎻

Domenica 15 giugno 2025, lasciatevi alle spalle la routine quotidiana e immergetevi nella natura 🌲 – con musica autentica dal vivo, un paesaggio alpino mozzafiato e tanta buona energia.🥰

Che siate amanti della musica, della natura o di entrambe – questo evento è assolutamente da non perdere! ❤️

📍 Dove? Sui più bei malghe di Naturno
- 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗮 𝗱𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼
- 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗵
- 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗮 𝗱𝗶 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹á
- 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗳
🕒 Quando? Domenica 15 giugno dalle ore 10:00
🎶 Inizio dell’intrattenimento musicale dalle 11:00 / 11:30 circa

🚐 Dalle ore 09:00 sarà attivo un servizio navetta gratuito e continuo fino al parcheggio Kreuzbrünnl.
🚌 Alle ore 09:00 partirà anche una navetta per il parcheggio Schartegg – è necessaria la prenotazione.
(info@naturns.it | +39 0473 666077)

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Santer Peter

0
naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 3 days ago
naturns_naturno

🎶Just one week to go!🎶
Naturnser Almen Unplugged is back – and we can’t wait!🥰🎻

On Sunday, June 15th, 2025, it's time to leave the everyday behind and dive into nature🌲 – with real, handcrafted music, breathtaking mountain scenery, and an amazing atmosphere.😍

Whether you're a music lover, a nature enthusiast, or both – this is one event you don’t want to miss!❤

📍 Where? On the most beautiful alpine pastures in Naturns
🕒 When? Sunday, June 15th starting at 10:00 AM
🎶 Live music from around 11:00 / 11:30 AM

🚐 Starting at 9:00 AM, a free shuttle will run continuously to the Kreuzbrünnl parking area.
🚌 A shuttle to the Schartegg parking area also departs at 9:00 AM – registration required.
(info@naturns.it I +39 0473 666077)

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Santer Peter
#naturns #naturno #alpinepastures #mountains #mountainvibes #hiking #livemusic #southtyrol #südtirol #naturnseralmenunplugged #almen #wandern #nörderberg #aussichtgenießen #livemusik #altoadige #malghe #montetramontana #escursioni #inmontagna #altoadigedascoprire

0
Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 4 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

🏔️ Klettern am Klettersteig Knott – Euer Abenteuer wartet! 🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️

Ihr liebt Klettern und sucht nach einer neuen Herausforderung in atemberaubender Natur?😍 Dann ist der Klettersteig Knott genau das Richtige für euch!❤

Jeden Donnerstag bieten wir geführte Klettertouren an – ideal für Einsteiger und erfahrene Kletterer. Unsere erfahrenen Guides zeigen euch die besten Routen, sorgen für eure Sicherheit und bringen euch Tipps und Tricks fürs Klettern bei.🥳

✔️ Professionelle Ausrüstung inklusive
✔️ Fahrt mit der Seilbahn Unterstell inkludiert
✔️ Atemberaubende Aussichten und Natur pur

Mach mit und erlebe den Nervenkitzel am Klettersteig Knott – alleine, mit Freunden oder der Familie!

📅 Jeden Donnerstag: 10.00-12.00 Uhr I 12.30-14.30 Uhr I 15.00-17.00 Uhr
Anmeldung unter: https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/de/naturns/info-events/events/veranstaltungen-in-naturns/rid-989BD7712F96470BAD66F4BFE6DD6642-e-klettern-am-klettersteig-knott-von-10-00-12-00-uhr.html

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Fotostudio2000

-------

🏔️ Arrampicata al Klettersteig Knott – La vostra avventura vi aspetta!🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️

Amate l’arrampicata e siete alla ricerca di una nuova sfida immersa in una natura mozzafiato?😍 Allora il Klettersteig Knott è proprio quello che fa per voi!❤

Ogni giovedì offriamo escursioni guidate di arrampicata – ideali per principianti ed esperti. Le nostre guide esperte vi mostreranno i migliori percorsi, garantiranno la vostra sicurezza e vi daranno consigli e trucchi per arrampicare al meglio.🥳

✔️ Attrezzatura professionale inclusa
✔️ Incluso il trasporto con la funivia Unterstell
✔️ Panorami mozzafiato e natura incontaminata

Partecipate e vivete l’emozione al Klettersteig Knott – da soli, con amici o in famiglia!

📅 Ogni giovedì: 10:00-12:00 | 12:30-14:30 | 15:00-17:00
Iscrizioni a: https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/it/naturno/informazioni-eventi/eventi/manifestazioni-a-naturno/rid-989BD7712F96470BAD66F4BFE6DD6642-e-klettern-am-klettersteig-knott-von-10-00-12-00-uhr.html

📸: Soc. Coop. Turistica di Naturno_Fotostudio2000

2
naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 5 days ago
naturns_naturno

Looking for the perfect holiday destination for the whole family? Then welcome to Naturns & Plaus!🥰

Your holiday adventure starts here:
🌊 Relaxation and water fun at the Naturns Adventure Pool
🌳 Play, adventure & action in the Adventure Park
🧒 Great playgrounds for kids to run, climb and have fun
🌄 Breathtaking views from the Unterstell panoramic platform
🌿 Fascinating insights at the Texelgruppe Nature Park Visitor Centre
🥾 Themed trails for curious little explorers and active families

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation – in Naturns & Plaus, every family finds their holiday happiness!💚𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘸!

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Fotostudio2000

#naturns #naturno #holidayfun #family #happiness #adventure #fun #southtyrol #südtirol #familienurlaub #erlebnisse #abenteuer #erleben #familie #familienzeit #altoadige #famiglia #avventura #altoadigedascoprire #altoadigedavivere

0
Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 6 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

🌿 Die Almen am Naturnser Nörderberg warten auf dich!🥰
Am 15. Juni 2025 erwarten dich entspannte Unplugged-Klänge 🎼, köstliche traditionelle Gerichte 🍴 und eine atemberaubende Bergkulisse 🏔.

Entdecke:
🏔️ Naturnser Alm
🏔️ Mausloch Alm
🏔️ Tablander Alm
🏔️ Brandhof

Komm vorbei und erlebe einen unvergesslichen Tag voller Genuss, Natur und Musik! ❤

------

🌿 Le malghe sul Monte Tramontana di Naturno ti aspettano!🥰
Il 15 giugno 2025 ti aspettano rilassanti suoni unplugged🎼, deliziosi piatti tradizionali 🍴 e uno scenario alpino mozzafiato 🏔.

Scopri:
🏔️ Malga di Naturno
🏔️ Malga Mausloch
🏔️ Malga di Tablá
🏔️ Brandhof

Vieni a trovarci e vivi una giornata indimenticabile all’insegna del gusto, della natura e della musica! ❤

1
nextleft-arrowclose facebookinstagram liketalk