ADLER: a journey through the typical wines of the regions

This is according to a survey conducted by ISMEA (the Institute for Services for the Agricultural Food Market) and AITE (the Italian Association of Food and Wine Tourism), presented at the latest edition of Vinitaly. Among the most interesting findings is the figure showing that approximately 55% of wine tourists stay in the area for at least two or three days, a fact that goes against the "hit (or rather, drink) and go" mentality. But what are wine tourists looking for? Above all, experiences that stand out from the usual offerings, emphasizes the research by the Italian Association of Food and Wine Tourism: from sunset aperitifs to candlelit dinners among the vineyards, including wine spas and bike tours among the wineries. Also very important, the research reveals, is the search for authenticity in discovering local excellence, amidst landscapes that have successfully maintained their agricultural vocation.

And it is precisely these local experiences with space for small producers that ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges focus on.

In Tuscany

A land of world-renowned red wines, the Val d'Orcia is celebrated in tastings at the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE in Bagno Vignoni. Here, year-round, you can participate in a special tasting dedicated to the region's finest wines, accompanied by a sommelier. It begins with the Orcia Riserva DOC and concludes with the Brunello di Montalcino. Every week, the Brunello Wine Tour takes place, a journey through Montalcino's historic estates with walks through the vineyards and tastings in the cellar.

But the real draw is at home with the family winery, Tenuta Sanoner, which adheres to the principles of biodynamic agriculture. As part of the company's holistic vision, the wines are produced in synergy with the rhythms of nature under the Aetos label, which means "eagle" in Greek, the very symbol of the ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges. To earn that coveted toast on the terrace at sunset with views across the entire valley, there's a 9 km hike that starts from the resort, reaches the medieval center of San Quirico d'Orcia, and climbs to Vignoni Alto. This trail ends with a gourmet break in the evening.

In Sicily

Moving to the Agrigento coast, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA offers weekly programs that highlight local wines. The menu features tastings of Planeta, Donnafugata, Etna, and Baglio Caruana wines. Cooking classes paired with local wines are also popular. One day a week, guests explore Sambuca di Sicilia to visit the Planeta Ulmo winery, including a tour of the vineyards, wine tastings, and lunch. Another day of the week, a wine tour takes place at the Donnafugata winery, nestled in the hills of Contessa Entellina, where the beauty of the landscape meets the historic sites of The Leopard. Viticulture is a female-centric experience with Donna Gabriella's wines, and the charm becomes irresistible amidst the historic rooms of the family home. The tour also becomes a taste experience, learning the secrets of couscous, to be tasted in its most authentic recipe paired with the finest wines.

In South Tyrol

Italy's smallest wine-growing region, Alto Adige, lives up to its reputation with some of Italy's most renowned wines, born from a Mediterranean and Alpine climate. From white Gewürztraminer and Pinot Grigio to indigenous red wines like Lagrein, Schiava, and Vernatsch, and refined rosés like Kretzer. This is well known at the ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI and ADLER Spa Resort BALANCE in Ortisei, where you can embark on a wine excursion with outdoor guide and sommelier Alexander Broll through the vineyards of Bressanone. One stop on the tour is the Pacherhof winery, just steps from Novacella Abbey, where you can experience a history dating back to the 11th century.

As you ascend to the Renon plateau, your passion for wine never wanes—quite the opposite! At the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, you can enjoy local delicacies freely in the spaces reserved for guests. And at dinner, each course is paired with a glass of locally sourced wines recommended by the Maître d'. The wine list is organized by winery, offering a selection carefully selected to showcase the region's rich history. Producers are periodically invited to present their offerings at the Lodge, but they also become destinations for wine tours. One such example is the Ebner winery in Campodazzo, where you can taste the produce of 40-year-old pergolas. At Castel Cornedo, you can visit the Pitzner winery, where weapons were once made for local power. And in autumn, surrounded by red, ochre and golden vines, you walk towards the Rielinger organic farm, where wine is an ancient history, as demonstrated by the centuries-old press on display in the tasting room.

Small local producers also feature at the ADLER Lodge ALPE, on the Alpe di Siusi, where guests can discover wines from Tramin, Terlan, Meran, and Girlan, as well as organic and biodynamic labels such as Manicor and Alois Lageder. Tastings are combined with explorations of the region, with tours and visits to small wineries in the charming Dolomite villages of Castelrotto, Siusi, and Fié allo Sciliar. Because wine is always an experience of a region.