Much of the landscape and hills around Merano/Meran are covered by vineyards. This signifies the importance of the grape and the wine industry for Merano and its environs.
Steeped in tradition, South Tyrol is a largely wine-growing region that in recent years has increasingly made a name for itself. Its award-winning white wines in particular. With its internationally acclaimed Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Kerner, Merano and Environs has confirmed itself as a leading wine-producing area in the region.
Two well-known red varietals also originate from Merano and surrounds. The dark and full-bodied, Lagrein is ideally paired with game dishes such as venison. The Vernatsch, on the other hand, has a bright ruby colour and fruity bouquet, light on the palate and soft on the finish. It is the drink of choice accompanying the traditional South Tyrolean afternoon snack (Marende) consisting of Speck, sausage and cheese.
The area around Merano also produces first-class Pinot Noir and Merlot varietals.
For wine tastings and purchases, you have no further to look than the local wine cellars. In the satellite village of Marlengo/Marling, the Merano Burggräfler Winery is a cooperative bringing together 380 small-scale wine producers in the western region of South Tyrol, with 260 hectares of vineyards under cultivation.