Discover Terlan: Wine Trails, Cultural Heritage and Local Traditions

Terlan is surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Winegrowing, historic buildings and paths through the wine-growing landscape shape the area’s local themes. If you are looking for a hotel in Terlan, consider whether you would like to focus your stay on winegrowing, local history, a walk to the ruins or an event. The following distinctions can help you identify the right focus for your visit.

Winegrowing and Local Traditions

Terlan’s winegrowing tradition dates back more than 2,000 years. The Terlan Wine Trail explores this theme and winds through the wine-growing landscape. Asparagus growing is also part of the region’s history: it has been a centuries-old tradition in Vilpiano, Settequerce and Terlan. Terlan asparagus is marketed under the “Margarete” quality brand and quality seal.

These details provide an agricultural and cultural context for the landscape. They also differ from the specific buildings in the village and the individual seasonal offerings. If you are particularly interested in winegrowing, the themed trail offers its own detailed introduction to the subject.

The Wine Trail and the Path to the Ruins

The Terlan Wine Trail starts at Cantina Terlano and features a total of 20 information boards. As a themed trail through the wine-growing landscape, it provides information about wine-growing areas, grape varieties, training methods and the history of winegrowing. The focus along the route is therefore on learning about winegrowing.

A different focus is the path to the ruins of Castel Maultasch: a steep path leads there in about 20 minutes. The ruins of Castel Casanova, also known as Maultasch, probably date from the 13th century and were built as a double castle. When comparing the two routes, the main differences are their themes and the approximate time needed to reach the ruins. The time estimate refers to the walk to this destination.

Church and Bell Tower

Terlan’s parish church is a late Gothic building dating from the 14th century and houses South Tyrol’s richest collection of frescoes. Terlan’s 75-metre-high bell tower is known as the “leaning tower of Terlano.” It was rebuilt between 1891 and 1893. The church and tower thus offer two different ways to explore Terlan’s cultural history: the fresco collection in a 14th-century building, and the tower’s history, which is also reflected in its traditional name.

Guided Tours, Tastings and Asparagus

Cantina Terlano was founded in 1893 and offers guided tours with wine tastings. Availability may vary by season, so check current dates before your trip. This is distinct from the Terlan Wine Trail: although the trail starts at the winery, its information boards cover wine-growing areas, grape varieties, training methods and the history of winegrowing.

A seasonal asparagus experience combines a short guided tour through Terlan’s asparagus fields with a subsequent tasting of three wines at Cantina Terlano. If you would like to include this experience in your travel plans, check the current dates in advance. This makes it possible to distinguish this seasonal event from the winery’s guided tours, which are offered independently.

Events Throughout the Year

The Tree Climbing Festival in Terlan takes place every two years; the next event is in 2027. The festival includes the traditional “Bandltanz” ribbon dance, music and culinary specialties. Hoametfescht, held annually on the first or second weekend in August, is a village festival featuring culinary specialties, music and traditional games. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the specific date and program for the year of your visit.

Waterfall in Vilpiano

In the village of Vilpiano, the Rio Meltina plunges 82 metres and then forms the Vilpianer Waag. The waterfall is designated as a natural heritage site. Check local access information if you plan to visit. This adds a nature-themed attraction in Vilpiano to the wine and cultural experiences described here, without suggesting that these places form a single route or excursion.

Discover more destinations: Cornaiano, Andrian, Tramin An Der Weinstraße, Aldein, Salurn, Montan, Auer, Neumarkt.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Kaltern an der Weinstraße.