Abbazia di Novacella celebrates 900 years of history and viticulture

The Abbazia di Novacella, located in the Eisack Valley near Bressanone, continues a 900-year tradition of combining spirituality, art, and viticulture. Founded in 1142 by Bishop Hartmann of Bressanone, the monastery is home to one of the world’s oldest active wineries, managed by the Augustinian Canons.

Central to the abbey’s production is the Sylvaner grape, which has been a key variety in the region since approximately 1880. The winery manages 67 hectares of Sylvaner vineyards, primarily situated on sunny slopes between 500 and 700 meters. Under the direction of Werner Waldboth and enologist Lukas Ploner, the winery produces various expressions of the grape, ranging from the 'Linea Classica' to the 'Stiftsgarten' cru.

In addition to its economic and viticultural importance, the abbey serves as a cultural site. Visitors can explore the Abbey Garden, a restored Baroque landscape featuring an ornamental garden, an herb garden with 75 species, and a historic fish pond. The site also houses a Rococo library containing over 100,000 volumes and illuminated manuscripts.