One of the Most Ancient Wineries in the World – Novacella
Artviva’s Journey to the Historic Abbey of Novacella (Stift Neustift)
Nestled in the Alpine embrace of South Tyrol, where Italy meets the German-speaking world, lies a hidden gem of monastic, cultural, and oenological significance: the Abbey of Novacella (German: Stift Neustift). This living monument to history isn’t just a spiritual sanctuary—it’s also home to one of the most ancient wineries in the world, with continuous wine production since 1142.
As Italy’s leading experts in authentic travel experiences, Artviva recently visited this extraordinary site, capturing a rare behind-the-scenes tour and interview for our YouTube channel. Join us as we explore the spiritual, scholarly, and vinicultural marvel that is Novacella.
A Sacred Beginning: The Founding of the Abbey of Novacella
Founded in 1142 by Bishop Hartmann of Brixen (Bressanone in Italian), the Abbey of Novacella was established to serve as a refuge for pilgrims traveling through the treacherous Alpine passes on their way to Rome or the Holy Land. It quickly grew into one of the most influential monastic communities in the region.
For over 900 years, the Augustinian Canons Regular have lived, prayed, studied, and worked here. Their mission? To combine monastic discipline with service to the broader community through education, agriculture, and the preservation of knowledge.
The Augustinian Monks and Their Legacy at Novacella
Unlike cloistered monks, the Augustinian canons at Novacella follow the Rule of Saint Augustine, emphasizing not only prayer but also service and learning. They built libraries, cultivated vines, taught young minds, and preserved the wisdom of the ages—values that remain embedded in the abbey’s ethos today.
For centuries, Novacella was a hub of intellectual and agricultural advancement. Its abbots advised emperors and its vineyards shaped regional wine traditions. Even through periods of upheaval—wars, plagues, and secularization—the abbey persisted.
Monasteries 900 Years Ago: More Than Just Religious Centers
Step back nine centuries and you’ll find monasteries like Novacella functioning as multifaceted centers of power—spiritual, agricultural, and educational. The abbey served as a hospital, school, archive, and farm. It also became a guardian of viticulture, preserving ancient knowledge and grape varieties through times of instability and war.
The Wine-Making Legacy: From the Middle Ages to Modernity
What truly sets Novacella apart is its continuous wine production since the 12th century, making it one of the most ancient wineries in the world.
Wines of the Past
One of the Most Ancient Wineries in the World – Novacella
Historical records show that Novacella’s monks cultivated Müller-Thurgau, Sylvaner, and Grüner Veltliner as early as the 1300s—cold-resistant varietals ideal for the Alpine climate. Wine wasn’t merely a pleasure, but a necessity for liturgical use and a source of income for the abbey.
Wines of the Present at Novacella
Today, under the stewardship of secular winemaker Celestino Lucin and the spiritual oversight of the monastic community, Novacella’s wines are award-winning and internationally renowned. They produce crisp white wines such as Kerner, Sylvaner, and Gewürztraminer, as well as elegant reds like Lagrein and Pinot Nero.
These wines express the terroir of Valle Isarco (Eisacktal), with its glacial soils and Alpine sun. The vines cling to steep terraces, ripened slowly by the high altitude and cool breezes—a signature of South Tyrol’s “dynamite viticulture”, a local nickname for the region’s dramatic, rugged terrain.
South Tyrol’s Spectacular Wine Country
Visiting Novacella means immersing yourself in one of Italy’s most breathtaking and culturally unique regions. South Tyrol (Alto Adige) feels like a storybook come to life—with medieval castles, snow-capped peaks, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.
Here, the Italian and Austrian cultures blend seamlessly, producing some of the most refined wines, food, and architecture in Europe. You’ll find Alpine lodges serving handmade Schlutzkrapfen next to vineyards growing ancient grapes.
Artviva’s Exclusive Interview and Wine Tasting at Novacella Abbey
Artviva was honored to be granted exclusive access to film a behind-the-scenes interview and tour of the Abbey of Novacella. We had the pleasure of interviewing Abbey Manager Werner Waldboth, who shared invaluable insights into the abbey’s rich history and its renowned winemaking tradition.
Following the interview, we enjoyed a guided wine tasting with Werner, sampling the abbey’s exceptional selection of white wines, including their celebrated Kerner, Sylvaner, and Gewürztraminer. Each wine reflected the unique terroir and centuries-old expertise of Novacella’s winemakers.
You can watch the full interview and tour on our YouTube channel
One of the Most Ancient Wineries in the World – Novacella
65,000 Volumes Preserved: The Abbey Library’s Digital Archive
The Abbey of Novacella houses one of the most astonishing monastic libraries in the world, containing more than 65,000 historical volumes. These include medieval manuscripts, Renaissance texts, illuminated works, and rare theological treatises.
Much of the collection has now been digitized for public viewing, thanks to years of preservation work. You can browse this incredible treasure trove online here at the digital archive of the Abbey of Novacella.
The Most Ancient Manuscript at Novacella
Among its most prized possessions is a 9th-century Carolingian manuscript, believed to be one of the oldest surviving texts in South Tyrol. It contains liturgical chants and commentaries that helped shape European Christian traditions.
Scribes in Silence at Novacella
Centuries ago, monks would sit in a special scriptorium, meticulously copying these manuscripts by hand, preserving knowledge that would otherwise have been lost. The air was filled with silence, devotion, and the scent of ink and parchment.
Dining at Novacella: A Taste of Heaven
After your visit to the abbey, we highly recommend dining at its cozy Stiftskeller restaurant. Nestled within the ancient walls, this charming eatery offers traditional South Tyrolean dishes paired with wines made just meters away.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a culinary pilgrimage. Don’t miss their speck platter, homemade bread, and the house Gewürztraminer served with aged local cheese.
Italy’s Oenological Treasure Trove: Over 2,000 Indigenous Grapes
Italy is home to more than 2,000 indigenous grape varieties, more than any other country in the world—and more are still being rediscovered every year. Novacella plays a role in keeping some of these ancient grapes alive, especially those suited to high altitudes and Alpine microclimates.
From Kerner to Sylvaner, every bottle from Novacella tells a story of history, geography, and sacred intention.
Plan Your Journey to Novacella with Artviva-
One of the Most Ancient Wineries in the World – Novacella
Artviva can design a custom itinerary for your visit to the Abbey of Novacella and the surrounding South Tyrolean wine country. Whether you want a private tasting, a historical tour, or a culinary weekend, we create bespoke travel experiences that reveal the true soul of Italy.
Click here to enquire now and start planning your unforgettable journey into the heart of Alpine viticulture and monastic heritage.
FAQ: Visiting the Abbey of Novacella (Stift Neustift)
One of the Most Ancient Wineries in the World – Novacella
What is the Abbey of Novacella known for?
Novacella is known for being one of the most ancient wineries in the world, its breathtaking monastic complex, and a library with over 65,000 volumes, some over a thousand years old.
Is Novacella still an active monastery?
Yes. The Augustinian Canons Regular still live and work at the abbey, combining religious life with winemaking, education, and cultural preservation.
Can visitors tour the Abbey and winery?
Absolutely. There are guided tours available that include the church, library, cloisters, and wine cellars. You can also taste and purchase their wines on-site.
What wines is Novacella famous for?
Novacella is celebrated for its white wines, especially Kerner, Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer, and Veltliner, as well as reds like Lagrein and Pinot Nero.
Is there a restaurant at the Abbey?
Yes, the Stiftskeller offers delicious local cuisine paired with Novacella’s wines, making it a perfect stop after your tour.
Where is the Abbey of Novacella located?
It’s in South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Northern Italy, near the town of Brixen/Bressanone, surrounded by vineyards and mountains.
What languages are spoken at Novacella?
Both German and Italian are spoken in South Tyrol. The abbey’s German name is Stift Neustift.
Can I buy their wines online?
Yes. Novacella’s wines are exported globally, and many vintages are available for purchase online or through specialized wine shops.
Does Artviva offer tours to South Tyrol?
Yes! Artviva creates tailor-made travel experiences across Italy, including exclusive visits to Novacella and other South Tyrolean gems.
10 Suggested Food and Wine Tours by Artviva
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Explore Florence’s culinary delights, from local markets to traditional trattorias.
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Learn about Italian wines in a guided tasting session with a professional sommelier.
3. Private Wine Tasting and Gourmet Dinner in a Tuscan Castle
Enjoy an exclusive evening with fine wines and a gourmet meal in a historic Tuscan setting.
4. Taste of Venice: ‘Bacari’ Food & Wine Tour with a Gondola Ride
Discover authentic Venetian cicchetti and wines, culminating in a traditional gondola ride.
6. The Florentine Steak Experience
Dive into the tradition of Bistecca Fiorentina with a hands-on cooking class and tasting.
Join expert hunters and their dogs in search of truffles, followed by a truffle-infused meal.
8. Pasta Making & Cantucci Making – Vegan Cooking Class
Learn to craft traditional Tuscan pasta and cantucci cookies in a vegan-friendly class.
9. Private Chef & Cooking Class at Your Villa in Florence
Enjoy a personalized cooking experience with a private chef in the comfort of your villa.
Embark on a gastronomic adventure through Tuscany, sampling wines and local delicacies.
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