When an entire family sticks together and works hard in the vineyard all year round, the result tastes even better in the bottle. This is the case at the Haidenhof, where three generations of the Erb family are currently working together. The grapes grow at around 450 meters above sea level on steep, south-east-facing slopes, all of which are worked by hand. The layered sand-loam soil and the Mediterranean climate give the wines from the Haidenhof their unmistakable notes. Each wine is characterised by the grape variety, the particular soil, the annual weather conditions and the manual work in the vineyard and in the cellar.
Winemaker and cellar master Hansi Erb, who took over the wine-growing business from his father, lives his profession with heart and soul: "For me, working in the vineyard is the result of precision, ambition and a lot of passion," he admits openly. While in the 1980s, 80 percent of the farm's varietal range consisted of Vernatsch, today almost 60 percent white wine grapes are processed, including Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Kerner and Gewürztraminer. Vernatsch, Pinot Noir and Merlot are vinified as red wines. The winegrower's variety of wines stands for character, sophistication and balance.
Part of the wine range is enjoyed in the hotel's own restaurant, which offers fine wines and hearty dishes as well as a magnificent view of the Merano valley basin.
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