IN BREVE
- VINALTUM returns for its third edition at Castel Mareccio, in the heart of Bolzano, for an event dedicated to winemaking excellence.
- The festival, organized by Danilo D’Ambra and Luciano Rappo, aims to create a meeting point for producers, buyers, and the public through tastings and masterclasses.
- The Big Bottle Party, scheduled for Sunday evening, will be a highlight event for large-format wines.
- VINALTUM stands out for its rigorous selection of participating wineries, seeking producers who tell the story of their territory through their wines.
- The 2026 edition is supported by Arco Spedizioni and aims to consolidate its position within the landscape of wine events in South Tyrol.
VINALTUM returns for its third edition with a change of scenery. The festival dedicated to Italian and international winemaking excellence is moving to Castel Mareccio, in the heart of Bolzano. This choice marks an evolution for the event, which focuses on a historic location nestled in vineyards and overlooking the Adige Valley.
Built in the 13th century, Castel Mareccio is now a venue for events. Its frescoed halls, park, and panoramic position define a context consistent with the event’s identity. VINALTUM thus confirms its focus on territory, quality, and setting.
THE PROJECT AND THE ORGANIZERS
VINALTUM was born from the collaboration between Danilo D’Ambra and Luciano Rappo. D’Ambra is the president of FISAR for Bolzano and Bassa Atesina. Rappo has worked for years as a consultant for wineries.
The project also involves Pietro Cormaci and Rinaldo Hauser. The goal is to create a meeting point for producers, buyers, and the public through tastings and educational moments.
“Castel Mareccio represents a leap in quality for VINALTUM’s setting. We wanted to bring the event into the heart of Bolzano – comments Danilo D’Ambra, creator of Vinaltum – to a place that speaks of territory, history, and excellence as much as the wines being tasted there. The careful selection of participating wineries and the direct presence of producers will offer visitors an unprecedented oenological experience.”
PARTNERSHIP AND HOSPITALITY
Among the new features is the collaboration with Goldenstern Townhouse, the official hospitality partner. The property is located in the city’s historic center, under the medieval porticos. It is a restored historic building with sixteen suites dedicated to figures linked to its history.
“Castel Mareccio and the Goldenstern are two places that tell the same soul of Bolzano – emphasizes D’Ambra – history, beauty, and the pursuit of excellence. Having them both alongside VINALTUM is not a coincidence; it is a precise choice. We want every moment of the event to live up to the wines and the producers we host.”
THE PROGRAM
The festival takes place over two days. Sunday is open to the public with tastings. Monday is reserved for industry professionals and invited guests. Masterclasses led by experts are scheduled for both days.
Among the central moments on Sunday evening is the “Big Bottle Party.” An event dedicated to large formats, designed as a meeting point for participants and producers.
“VINALTUM was born from the conviction that quality wine deserves a stage that matches its level – states Luciano Rappo –. The selection of wineries participating in the event is never accidental: we look for producers who have something authentic to tell, who express the territory through their wines. It is this rigor in selection that makes VINALTUM a credible, anticipated event that stands out from the rest.”
SPONSORS AND COLLABORATIONS
The 2026 edition is supported by Arco Spedizioni as the main logistics sponsor. Partners also include Sophienwald with UNO Glassworks, Castel Hortenberg, and Franz Kraler. With this edition, VINALTUM strengthens its position in the landscape of wine-dedicated events. The choice of Bolzano and South Tyrol consolidates the link with a territory recognized for its winemaking quality and identity.
