A Partnership with Deep Roots

The wine economy of the provincial capital is supported by a historic collaboration – Raiffeisenkasse Bozen and the Bolzano Tourism Board have maintained close ties for years.

Whether it is Calici di Stelle-Lorenzinacht, the Mostra Vini Bolzano-Bozner Weinkost or the wine stand at the Christmas Market, the city’s most important wine-related events would not be possible without the support of Raiffeisenkasse Bozen.

But, as Alexander Gasser, Chairman of Raiffeisenkasse Bozen, points out, this is not simply a matter of sponsorship: “Our bank has a close and longstanding relationship with the local wine economy.” After all, it was primarily winegrowers, together with one female winegrower, who founded the Raiffeisenkasse in 1897 in Bolzano Bozen’s Rentsch district.

It was a historic moment and a difficult period for Bolzano’s wine farms: fungal disease and the introduction of phylloxera had led to production losses, while sales markets were still difficult to access. The establishment of Raiffeisenkassen in historic Tyrol gave people working in agriculture, for the first time, broad access to banking and credit, enabling them to make investments and place their agricultural businesses on a more solid financial foundation.

The “Spar- und Darlehenskassen-Verein für Zwölfmalgreien”, as the Raiffeisenkasse was known at the time, allowed farmers to make deposits or obtain loans after attending Sunday Mass. “The Raiffeisenkasse only acquired its own premises somewhat later. The building is still owned by our bank today and houses the Hands association, which runs a therapy centre for people struggling with addiction,” Gasser explains.

The relationship between Raiffeisenkasse and the wine economy therefore, has a long history, and promoting Bolzano’s wines and wine events through the Tourism Board completes a virtuous circle: “Raiffeisenkasse is deeply rooted in Bolzano and South Tyrol. This is where our most fundamental interests lie, and this is where we want the local economy to thrive,” says Gasser.

Although Raiffeisenkasse is primarily a credit cooperative, its commitment to the community is enshrined in the bank’s statutes and is intended to support and strengthen regional economic networks.

Gasser himself particularly appreciates the wine events that Roberta Agosti, Director of the Bolzano Tourism Board, organises and presents each year with great dedication. “The Mostra Vini Bolzano-Bozner Weinkost at Maretsch Castle is a fixed date in my calendar. I usually attend with friends and acquaintances, including a winegrower who, as an expert, puts together a selection of wines for us to taste.”

For Gasser, moderate and responsible enjoyment is part of a successful evening: appreciating and supporting the work and dedication of Bolzano’s winegrowers is part of the DNA of Raiffeisenkasse Bozen.

Caption: A longstanding partnership supporting Bolzano’s wine economy: Roberta Agosti (from left), Director of the Bolzano Tourism Board; Roland Buratti, President of the Bolzano Tourism Board; and Alexander Gasser, Chairman of Raiffeisenkasse Bozen. (Photo: Bolzano Tourism Board). Text: Ursula Pirchstaller.