Two Paths to 'Wine Happiness'
Regular guests of the Bolzano Mostra dei Vini-Winekost share their special moments of enjoyment

“It’s the sparkle in the winemakers’ eyes when they talk about their wine, that’s what makes the Bolzano Mostra dei Vini-Winekost such a special experience for me,” says Paola Pasini. She is one of the loyal visitors to the event that every year at Maretsch Castle marks the beginning of spring in Bolzano. Direct contact with around 40 producers, the historic setting, a photocontest, and the high quality of local wines will make the 2026 edition just as unique as the previous one.

Pasini’s passion for wine developed gradually. “It grew along with the major leap in quality that wine in our country has made over the past decades.” When she was young, wine played no role for her or her friends. “Only through tastings, where I discovered the subtle aromas and distinctive traits of different wines, did curiosity and an appreciation for quality consumption begin to grow.” At the Mostra dei Vini-Winekost, the special relationship between winemakers and their product — which they care for like a child — becomes tangible through direct dialogue with producers.

Klaus Bradlwarter’s path was quite different: his love for wine was practically cradle-born. “On my parents’ winery in Gries, life followed the rhythm of agriculture. I learned to know and love fruit growing and winemaking from an early age,” recalls Bradlwarter, who is also among the event’s loyal regulars. Although he chose a different professional path, his passion for wine has never faded, as evidenced by a private collection of particularly fine bottles in the Bradlwarter household.

For connoisseurs, the Mostra dei Vini-Winekost is an opportunity to choose from around 200 labels and explore the current vintage. For producers, the traditional event is a showcase with invaluable visibility. “I know many of the producers personally, and what I appreciate about the event is that it mainly attracts an audience that is genuinely interested in wine,” Bradlwarter explains. This is also reflected in the supporting program, which ranges from wine and gourmet seminars to guided wine hikes and Dine & Wine experiences involving many Bolzano restaurants.

And so, for both Pasini and Bradlwarter, the 2026 edition of the Mostra dei Vini-Winekost will once again be the first highlight of Bolzano’s wine year: “A moment when you consciously take the time to engage with one of our most fascinating quality products.”

Caption: Raising a glass to an enjoyable 2026 Mostra dei Vini-Winekost: Paola Pasini and Klaus Bradlwarter are among the regular guests of Bolzano’s flagship tasting event, held every year at Maretsch Castle.