Cornaiano (Girlan): Wine Trails and Historic Cellars

Wine Landscape and Village Character

Cornaiano (Girlan) lies on a sun-drenched plateau in the Eppan wine landscape. The character of the village is particularly evident in its combination of winegrowing, a historic village centre and distinctive architecture. The village is characterised by villa-like houses with arched gateways, bay windows and stone-framed windows. Those strolling through Girlan therefore encounter not only a wine landscape, but also a village setting shaped over time and marked by distinctive architectural details.

Wine Trails among Vineyards and Panoramic Views

The “Hoher Weg” nature and wine trail starts in Girlan’s village square and forms a circular walk returning to its starting point. Along the way, panoramic views open up across the vineyards, towards Bolzano and the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gschleier wine trail leads through the vineyard of the same name, which is known for its long-lived and full-bodied Vernatsch wines. A wine trail also starts in the centre of Girlan, providing information about grape varieties and the flavour of grapes.

Cellars, Wine and Digital Insights

Girlan’s wine culture can also be explored underground. A digital cellar tour includes almost two dozen selected cellars whose owners have agreed to take part. During a walk through the village, locals and visitors can scan QR codes with their smartphones at selected cellars and then view Girlan’s cellar treasures on screen. This places historical and wine-related topics at the centre both of the walk through the village and of the digital experience.

At the Enoteca of Cantina Girlan, visitors can taste and purchase the winery’s wines. The Enoteca is located in a historic vaulted room; a rediscovered staircase leads from there to the cellar. Cantina di Cornaiano also welcomes visitors in its cellar, presents the history of the winery and offers tours through historic cellar passages.

Historic Village Centre

Girlan was already inhabited in prehistoric times and was first mentioned as “Curilan” in the 11th century. The parish church in the historic village centre dates back to the 13th century and is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. The protected architectural heritage also includes the “CORNAIANO – NUCLEO STORICO CENTRO 36” ensemble, which is subject to ensemble protection.

Festivals throughout the Year

Several events celebrate the connection between village life and wine. The traditional Martin’s Market takes place in Girlan every year on 11 November, except when that date falls on a Sunday. The Girlan festival associated with the Martin’s Market has existed for over 200 years. The Girlan Cellar Festival takes place every four years at the beginning of September and gives visitors the opportunity to discover the extensive underground world of the cellars. During the “Last Load”, the final grapes of the harvest are brought to Girlan’s village square in mid-October and pressed into grape must in front of an audience.

Getting There

Girlan can be reached by bus from the train stations in Bolzano or Sigmundskron.

More Destinations

More destinations for your planning: Terlan, Kurtatsch An Der Weinstraße, Neumarkt, Salurn, Auer, Kurtinig An Der Weinstraße, Tramin An Der Weinstraße, Montan

To the overarching travel overview: Kaltern an der Weinstraße.