Winegrowing Museum Rametz Castle

Tucked into the sun-drenched slopes of Maia Alta/Obermais and surrounded by age-old vineyards, Rametz Castle stands as one of the region’s most storied wine estates. Wine has been cultivated here since 1227, and in 1860, the first Pinot Noir vine in South Tyrol was planted on thisvery soil. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone various architectural transformations – most notably its 19th-century redesign in Tudor style under Franz Flarer. Among its illustrious guests were Empress Elisabeth of Austria, King Albert of Saxony, and King Alexander of Serbia – all drawn to its refined charm during Merano’s golden spa era.

The Museum
Today, where once royals sojourned, visitors can embark on a unique cultural experience. Since 1980, Rametz Castle has housed a private wine museum, offering an immersive exploration of 800 years of wine heritage. The exhibition extends across the ground floor and into the original porphyry cellars – among the most atmospheric in the region. In four meticulously curated rooms, guests are guided through the seasonal cycle of traditional winemaking: from soil cultivation and vine care to pest control, harvesting, and cellar techniques.

Historical tools, ancient wine presses, grain mills, and implements for speck production paint a vivid picture of rural life, where wine was not only a craft, but a way of life. Each artefact bears silent witness to the labour, ingenuity, and cultural richness behind South Tyrol’s viticultural identity.

A highlight of any visit is the guided tour, culminating in a walk through the stunning 18th-century porphyry cellars. There, guests are invited to taste five carefully selected wines from the estate, accompanied by the house specialty: Kaiserspeck, a noble ham once served to imperial guests. The experience concludes in the elegant vinotheque, where premium wines, sparkling vintages, and fine South Tyrolean delicacies can be purchased.

For those wishing to extend their stay, the estate restaurant Am Schloss Rametz offers seasonal gourmet cuisine with a strong regional identity – perfectly paired with wines from the estate’s own vineyards.

Rametz Castle is more than a museum – it is a sensorial bridge between past and present, a place where connoisseurs, curious minds, and lovers of culture gather to discover the essence of South Tyrolean wine. 

The right behaviour and good manners make visiting cultural sites more enjoyable for everyone and show your respect for art, culture, and history.

• Photography is sometimes allowed, sometimes not. Check the signs.
• Silent phones and quiet voices make for a better experience – for you and everyone else. This might be tricky in groups, but it’s worth the effort.
• Uneven floors and narrow stairs can sometimes make things tricky. Take your time and stay safe.
• Accessibility matters: Not all cultural sites are fully accessible, but where they are, give priority to those who need it. It’s a matter of dignity – for them and for you.
• Pets are best left outside unless otherwise allowed, as they’re not usually permitted inside cultural spaces.
• Check emergency exits and evacuation plans– just in case. If there’s an emergency, stay calm, follow the signs, and head to the assembly point outside.

Most of this might seem obvious – and it is! But a little reminder never hurts. By being calm, mindful, and respectful, you’re making a big difference – for yourself, your surroundings, and future generations.