The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle offers a very special package for garden enthusiasts and wine aficionados alike. Every Thursday in August, September and October, the Gardens & Wine package affords an opportunity to explore South Tyrol wine country at the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in conjunction with a visit to the largest and likely oldest grapevine in the world, the Versoaln, at Katzenzungen Castle in Prissiano (Prissian).

During the guided tour of the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, participants learn about old and partially forgotten grapevines growing in the vineyard. They’ll also visit the Tabernaculum, a walk-in treasury that houses a golden replica of a 7,000-year-old grape seeds, a gift from the nation of Georgia, and 2,400-year-old grape seeds from South Tyrol.

After a transfer by shuttle bus, the tour continues in Prissiano: it is here that the largest and likely oldest vine in the world, the Versoaln, grows. This vine boasts an age of over 350 years and a canopy that encompasses a surface area of 300 m2. The package continues with a tour of the historical ruins of Katzenzungen Castle.

This journey through South Tyrol wine country is capped off by a wine tasting. In order to test their own wine knowledge, participants taste Alto Adige wines made from autochthonous grape varieties – and, of course, a glass of the very special Versoaln wine.