The Novacella Abbey, located in the heart of South Tyrol, is one of the oldest and most fascinating monasteries in Europe. It is a place where history, spirituality and traditional wine-making are uniquely intertwined. Founded in 1142 by bishop Hartmann of Bressanone, the abbey is an extraordinary example of medieval religious architecture, with subsequent extensions and renovations enriching its style, embracing Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements.
The abbey is located in the picturesque town of Varna, near Bressanone, surrounded by a landscape of vineyard-covered hills and mountains that encompass the Isarco Valley. This unique environment, with its Alpine-Mediterranean climate and an exceptional range of temperatures between day and night, creates ideal conditions for growing grapes. The proximity to the Isarco river and the altitude, which ranges from 600 to 900 meters above sea level, contribute to the unmistakable freshness and elegance of the Abbey’s wines.
Over the centuries, Novacella Abbey has been an important cultural and religious center. The Augustinian Canons Regular who live there have kept the monastic tradition alive. Not only are they dedicated to prayer and study, but also to managing the agricultural resources and wine production. The abbey library is a real treasure, containing ancient manuscripts and very valuable texts, while the abbey church is a Baroque masterpiece that is worth visiting for its works of art and magnificent altar.
Since its foundation, the abbey has also been a reference point for wine-making in South Tyrol. Thanks to the passion and expertise of the monks, the wines of Novacella have become synonymous with quality and excellence. The abbey cellar produces white and red wines, but the whites are their best product, thanks to the varieties that are typical of the Isarco Valley. One of the most outstanding wines is Kerner, an aromatic variety that represents the abbey’s excellence. This grape variety, a cross between Riesling and Schiava, is particularly suited to the cool climate and altitudes of the Isarco Valley.
For our openings in both Ortisei and Milan, this is the wine we offer our guests, a wine that has become a special kind of welcome that distinguishes Galleria Doris Ghetta. Visiting the Novacella Abbey is not only a journey through history and spirituality, but also an unforgettable food and wine experience. The winery offers guided tastings, where visitors can discover the secrets of the wines produced and appreciate the care and dedication that goes into each bottle.
