Kalterer Weinfest

The Kalterer Weinfest: Caldaro's Wine Celebration

In the heart of Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino (Kaltern an der Weinstraße), in the Province of Bolzano, the Kalterer Weinfest stands as one of South Tyrol's most beloved folk festivals. Every summer, the Kellereistraße (Via delle Cantine) turns into a long open-air stage where live music, wine tastings, and traditional dishes take center stage for four consecutive nights. The event is organized by the Bürgerkapelle Kaltern, the local village band, which personally oversees the setup and programming each year.

The Lago di Caldaro Wine: The Absolute Star

Wine is naturally the common thread of the festival. Caldaro lends its name to the Lago di Caldaro DOC (Kalterersee), one of the oldest and most well-known appellations in South Tyrol, produced primarily from the native Schiava (Vernatsch) grape, which has been cultivated on these slopes for centuries. It is a light, easy-drinking red with a brilliant ruby color, featuring delicate aromas of small red fruits, cherries, and a characteristic hint of bitter almond. During the Weinfest, visitors can savor it directly at the wineries and stalls along the street in an informal and convivial setting.

Music, Gastronomy, and Marquee Atmosphere

The beating heart of the festival is the large party tent, which comes alive every evening from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM with bands and musical groups from South Tyrol and the Alpine region. Alongside the music, there is no shortage of Tyrolean culinary specialties: Strauben (the typical spiral-shaped fritters), meat dishes, pasta courses, and, of course, local wines. The festivities begin each evening at 6:00 PM, when the street fills with people and the night truly comes to life.

A Family-Friendly Festival

• Free admission for all four nights
• Inflatable slide for children, cotton candy stands, and a face-painting corner
• Payments in cash only
• Pets are not allowed in the festival area

A Deeply Rooted Tradition

The Kalterer Weinfest is a staple of Caldaro's summer calendar and a moment when the village gathers around its winemaking and musical identity. Every five years, the festival is further enriched by a grand parade with floats through the town center, an event within an event that attracts numerous visitors. In a region where viticulture has accompanied daily life for generations, this festival represents the perfect meeting point between wine culture, brass band tradition, and South Tyrolean hospitality.