Neustifter Frühling – Hiking. Wine. Culinary. (Novacella Spring)

Neustifter Frühling: Wine, Walks, and Flavors in the Isarco Valley

Every year, towards the end of April, the landscape around Novacella (Neustift) and Varna (Vahrn) turns a vibrant spring green. The vineyards surrounding the famous Novacella Abbey become the stage for the Neustifter Frühling – Wandern. Wein. Kulinarik. (Novacella Spring). It is one of the first major wine festivals of the season in the Province of Bolzano: winemakers and innkeepers invite you to a leisurely stroll through the hills, glass in hand, to discover the white wines of the Eisacktal.

A Journey Through Farms, Wineries, and Taverns

The concept is simple and convivial: you walk from one station to the next along paths between the vines, stopping at wineries, mountain farms, and taverns that open their doors for the weekend with special offerings. Historic wine producers in the area—including the Novacella Abbey Winery, Griesserhof, Strasserhof, and Pacherhof—open their doors for tastings, joined by numerous local farms and agricultural businesses in the Varna and Novacella area.

The stars of the show are the white grape varieties that have made the Isarco Valley famous: Sylvaner, Kerner, Grüner Veltliner, Müller Thurgau, and Riesling, often presented as the latest vintage. On Saturday, a special tasting dedicated to the young vintage just released from the cellar is held right among the vines.

Mountain Cuisine and Farm Specialties

Alongside the wine, flavor takes center stage. Along the route, you will encounter traditional South Tyrolean dishes and farm-fresh products: live demonstrations of mozzarella production, artisanal spirits, curated cheeses, and regional specialties served directly in the farm courtyards. It is the perfect opportunity to meet the producers in person and understand the deep bond between wine, land, and cuisine in this corner of South Tyrol.

Folk Music and Village Atmosphere

The event has a strong community spirit. The Männerchor Neustift (Novacella Men's Choir) provides musical accompaniment at the various stations, while groups of Schuachplattler dancers and local bands bring the days to life with traditional Tyrolean music and dance. The event takes place rain or shine.

A Family-Friendly Destination

The Neustifter Frühling is also designed for children: the participating farms offer pony rides, face painting workshops, and other playful activities, as well as quizzes and small moments of entertainment. It is a relaxed way to enjoy a day outdoors in the hills of Varna, suitable for all ages.

Where and When

The event takes place in the area between Novacella and Varna, in the municipality of Varna/Vahrn (Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige), with activities starting at 10:00 AM on both days. The event is organized by the Varna Cultural Association in collaboration with Brixen Tourism, your point of reference for information and the updated program.