Alto Adige (Südtirol), Italy
Kellerei St. Michael-Eppan
St. Michael-Eppan is one of the most renowned cooperatives in Alto Adige. Blessed with an impressive array of vineyards, the winery has been relentless in its pursuit of quality for more than a century. With over 380 hectares under vine, which are farmed assiduously by some 320 affiliated growers, St. Michael-Eppan produces elegant, characterful wines year after year.
Jakob Gasser succeeds Hans Terzer as winemaker
Winemaker Hans Terzer put his stamp on St. Michael-Eppan for over four decades, earning international plaudits along the way. He pioneered the type of white wines for which present-day Alto Adige is now known, establishing the winery’s reputation in Italy and far beyond. St. Michael-Eppan became an illustrious address under his stewardship.
Terzer stepped down in 2024, handing over the winemaking baton to Jakob Gasser – a young man who grew up in the area and combines innovative ideas with a wealth of knowledge. After completing a dual degree at the universities of Geisenheim and Udine, Gasser joined St. Michael-Eppan as an intern in 2017 and began working closely with Hans Terzer from 2019 onwards. His ethos is rooted in respect for nature and in a deep connection to the land. Only by observing and paying attention to the terroir is it possible to achieve the best results, he says.
With fresh impetus and a clear focus on sustainability, Gasser is continuing where Terzer left off, advocating an approach that goes hand in hand with nature and the traditions of Alto Adige.
Three cornerstones: Fallwind, Sanct Valentin, and Appius
Cult wine Appius and the Fallwind and Sanct Valentin lines showcase the breadth and depth of quality on offer at St. Michael-Eppan. Fallwind wines owe their fresh, aromatic, structured style to the evening downdrafts that feed down from the Mendola Massif and characterise the local terroir. Premium range Sanct Valentin consists of complex, elegant, ageable wines from the best vineyards. Appius, meanwhile, is the winery’s ultra-high-end wine – the product of Hans Terzer’s passion for quality without compromise. Each vintage of this exceptional and strictly limited-edition bottling is a unique interpretation of the year that has just passed. St. Michael-Eppan has even fitted out its own dedicated ‘Appius Cellar’, which was inaugurated in 2024.
International recognition for consistently high quality
The winery has received numerous accolades for its committed and quality-oriented work and the outstanding wines that it produces. It was named ‘Cooperative Winery of the Year 2021’ in the Gambero Rosso wine guide – after being awarded the same title 20 years previously. Hans Terzer himself also won various honours, with the Gambero Rosso including him on its list of the world’s ten best winemakers.
“Quality without compromise.”
Hans Terzer
Wines from this producer
Italy
Alto Adige (Südtirol)
Alto Adige is small in size but home to a wide range of grape varieties and a diverse array of top-quality wines. The cooperatives that helped to establish the region’s international reputation still dominate local production.
