Family

The knowledge of generations.
The ambition to create something new together.
The history of our family winery goes back to the 19th century.

Today, it is led by Martin and Beatrix Foradori Hofstätter, supported by the next generation: Niklas and Emma. Anticipating the future, just like Paolo Foradori. He once coins the term “Vigna” – marking the dawn of single-vineyard classification in Alto Adige. Pioneering spirit is deeply ingrained in our family heritage.

We uphold the highest standards every single day. In the vineyard, this means nurturing our vines through gentle pruning and the use of cover crops to enhance their strength. In the wine cellar, innovation meets tradition, as we age our wines in both classic wooden barrels and modern concrete vats. Cutting-edge cellar technology also plays an essential role in ensuring the quality of our wines.

Family history

Family history

The fifth and youngest generation at the winery - introduces a new era of thinking and fresh ideas. Niklas, whose education in oenology and viticulture in Germany leads him to explore some of the most renowned wine regions around the globe, brings forth very valuable experience and innovation. Likewise, Emma, the youngest of the three Hofstätter siblings, contributes her own fresh perspectives. While pursuing her studies, she also oversees the winery’s communication efforts behind the scenes, adding her touch to the family's evolving legacy.
Shape the J. Hofstätter winery into one of the most esteemed yet contemporary family-run wineries in Alto Adige. Alongside the historic single vineyards on both sides of the Adige Valley, the winery now boasts vineyards in the German Mosel wine region and the Maso Michei estate, located at 823 meters in the 'Piccole Dolomiti' of Trentino. For Martin Foradori Hofstätter, development goes hand in hand with renewal. Since 1992, he guides J. Hofstätter through a continual balancing act between tradition and innovation.
Konrad's daughter Sieglinde marries winemaker Paolo Foradori in 1959. Nearly three decades later, Paolo takes a pivotal step that transforms Alto Adige's viticulture: in 1987, he is the first to use the 'Vigna' classification on a label, creating the region’s first single-vineyard wine, Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano Pinot Nero. His influence leaves a lasting mark on both our winery and the entire region. Thanks to him, the Mazon area and Alto Adige Pinot Noir gain recognition throughout the global wine world. He also succeeds in popularizing dry Gewürztraminer, establishing its lasting reputation.
The second generation at the winery: Maria Hofstätter’s niece, Luise Haller, and her husband, Konrad Oberhofer. Konrad takes a visionary step by bottling his wine instead of selling it in barrels—an innovation unique to South Tyrol at the time. In the 1950s, he vinifies 'Kolbenhof Vernatsch' based on its specific origin for the first time, laying another cornerstone for the winery’s lasting success.
A blacksmith and an innkeeper. In 1907, Josef and Maria Hofstätter found their own winery, driven by a passion for winemaking and the belief that this is the start of something new, something remarkable.
A lasting vision and deep respect have shaped us into who we are today.
Martin Foradori Hofstätter