History of Wine in Eppan

Grape pips from the 5th century BC have been found in a pot along with bronze remains showing drinking sessions in Moritzing and other localities around Bozen. Vines were most probably introduced into the Upper Etsch Valley in the 1st century BC, which would make South Tyrol the oldest wine growing area in the German speaking part of the continent.

South Tyrol was part of the Roman Empire, and from the Roman historian Plinius, we know that the wine was kept and delivered in wooden barrels. During the Middle Ages, the monks revived the wine industry, as many German dioceses bought vineyards in South Tyrol to supply their dioceses in Germany. Vineyards suffered a big set back in the 19th century as mildew and leaf drop were transported from America. At the turn of the century, the vine pest found its way into the vineyards and caused serious damage. The acreage was reduced to 9,000 hectares from 10,000 hectares. In the 20th century, apart from diseases, the main reduction in wine production was due to the competition of apple trees and urbanisation after the 2nd World War. Today there are 5,000 hectares of vineyards in South Tyrol that are well looked after, and the South Tyroleans make sure that this acreage is not used for anything else.