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.
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Naturns  I  Naturno

🌞Sommer in der Alpin Arena Schnals!🚠

Kommt mit auf ein unvergessliches Cabrio-Adventure in der Alpin Arena Schnals! Die neue Gletscherseilbahn bringt dich von 2.011 auf beeindruckende 3.212 Meter – und das mit einer besonderen Aussicht!😍

In der Alpin Arena Schnals erwartet euch ein Sommer voller Möglichkeiten:
🥾 Wandern mit Weitblick
🧗‍♂️ Klettersteig "Larix"
🍝 Südtiroler Genuss auf den verschiedenen Hütten
🏎 Action auf den Berg-Ferraris - die Mountaincarts Lazaun
📸 Und natürlich: atemberaubende Fotospots ohne Ende!

Bereit für euer Sommerabenteuer?🥰

📸: Alpin Arena Schnals_Wisthaler

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🌞Estate nell’Alpin Arena Senales!🚠

Vieni a vivere una Cabrio-Adventure indimenticabile nell’Alpin Arena Senales! La nuova funivia del ghiacciaio ti porta da 2.011 a ben 3.212 metri – con una vista davvero speciale!😍

Nell’Alpin Arena Senales vi aspetta un’estate ricca di emozioni:
🥾 Escursioni con vista mozzafiato
🧗‍♂️ Via ferrata "Larix"
🍝 Gusto altoatesino nei rifugi della zona
🏎 Adrenalina sui "Ferrari di montagna" – i Mountaincarts Lazaun
📸 E naturalmente: spot fotografici da sogno senza fine!

Pronti per la vostra avventura estiva?🥰

📸: Alpin Arena Schnals_Wisthaler

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naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 4 days ago
naturns_naturno

⛰ 𝟰𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 – 𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀⛰

Since 1985, the Merano High Mountain Trail has guided hikers through one of South Tyrol’s most breathtaking landscapes – circling the Texel Group, with stunning views, rustic mountain huts, and living traditions. ✨

As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, we honor not just a trail, but all those who built it, maintain it, and keep it alive with their passion.🥰 Here’s to 100 kilometers of nature, culture, and unforgettable moments – and to many more years at high altitude!❤

📸: Naturno Tourist Association_Fotostudio2000

#naturns #naturno #meranohighmountaintrail #40years #hiking #mountains #outdoor #whataview #inthemountains #southtyrol #südtirol #wandern #meranerhöhenweg #berge #aussichtgenießen #texelgruppe #altoadige #altaviadimerano #escursioni #montagne #bellavista

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 5 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

⛰𝟰𝟬 𝗝𝗮𝗵𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗛ö𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘄𝗲𝗴 – 𝗘𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗴, 𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘁⛰
(1985-2025)

Seit 1985 führt der Meraner Höhenweg Wanderer durch eine der schönsten Landschaften Südtirols – rund um die Texelgruppe, mit grandiosen Ausblicken, urigen Hütten und gelebter Tradition.✨

Zum 40-jährigen Bestehen feiern wir nicht nur einen Weg, sondern auch all jene, die ihn geschaffen, gepflegt und mit Leben erfüllt haben.🥰 Ein Hoch auf 100 Kilometer Natur, Kultur und unvergessliche Momente – und auf viele weitere Jahre in luftiger Höhe!❤

Was ist euer Lieblings-Teilstück auf dem Meraner Höhenweg?👇

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Fotostudio2000

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⛰𝟰𝟬 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹’𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗮 𝗱𝗶 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼 – 𝗨𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗲⛰

Dal 1985 l’Alta Via di Merano accompagna gli escursionisti attraverso uno dei paesaggi più affascinanti dell’Alto Adige – attorno al Gruppo di Tessa, con panorami mozzafiato, rifugi autentici e tradizione viva.✨

Nel 40° anniversario non celebriamo solo un sentiero, ma anche tutte le persone che lo hanno creato, curato e animato con passione.🥰 Un brindisi a 100 chilometri di natura, cultura e momenti indimenticabili – e a tanti altri anni in alta quota!❤

Qual è il vostro tratto preferito dell’Alta Via di Merano?👇

📸: Associazione Turistica di Naturno_Fotostudio2000

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

✨𝗡𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀✨

Am 9., 16., 23. und 30. Juli 2025 ist es endlich wieder soweit!🥰 Nacht der Lichter im Zentrum von Naturns geht in die nächste Runde.✨ Genießt die besondere Atmosphäre, lasst euch kulinarisch verwöhnen und erlebt stimmungsvolle Unterhaltung unter freiem Himmel.😍

Euch erwartet:
🎶 Live-Musik auf mehreren Plätzen
🍷 Regionale Köstlichkeiten & Sommerdrinks
🛍 Ein Manufaktur-Handwerksmarkt auf dem Rathausplatz
🛒 Shopping bis 22:00 Uhr
🤹‍♀️ Kinderprogram: Bungee Trampolin, Riesenrutsche & Kinderschminken
🌟 Und jeden Mittwoch ein ganz besonderes Highlight - Feuershow, Clown Pepe und vieles mehr!

Kommt vorbei, schlendert durch das festlich beleuchtete Zentrum und erlebt unvergessliche Sommerabende voller Genuss und Emotionen.❤

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✨𝗡𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗶 𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼✨

Il 9, 16, 23 e 30 luglio 2025 è di nuovo il momento tanto atteso: la Notte delle luci nel centro di Naturno torna con nuove emozioni!🥰
Godetevi l’atmosfera unica, lasciatevi viziare dalle specialità culinarie e vivete serate indimenticabili all’aperto.😍

Vi aspettano:
🎶 Musica dal vivo in più punti del paese
🍷 Specialità locali e freschi drink estivi
🛍 Un mercatino artigianale sulla piazza del municipio
🛒 Negozi aperti fino alle ore 22:00
🤹‍♀️ Programma per bambini: bungee trampoline, scivolo gigante & truccabimbi
🌟 Ogni mercoledì uno spettacolo speciale – spettacolo con il fuoco, il clown Pepe e molto altro!

Venite a trovarci, passeggiate tra le luci scintillanti del centro e godetevi serate d’estate piene di emozioni, gusto e magia. ❤️

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naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 7 days ago
naturns_naturno

🔥𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 – 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱🔥
A shining symbol of faith and unity

This Sunday, the traditional Heart of Jesus Fires will once again be lit across South Tyrol – an impressive custom deeply rooted in the region’s history and faith.❤ The fire, symbolizing the sun ☀️, stands for healing, fertility, and blessings for people, animals, and nature. ✨

Don’t miss this unique experience – be there when the mountains light up on June 29!🥰

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Santer Peter; Bauernjugend Naturns

#naturns #naturno #mountains #sacredheart #sacredheartfire #whataview #traditions #southtyrol #südtirol #berge #herzjesufeuer #aussichtgenießen #altoadige #montagne #tradizione #altoadigedascoprire #altoadigedavivere

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