Nusserhof is a rare 2.5-hectare organic vineyard nestled within the city of Bolzano, the capital of Italy’s Alto Adige (South Tyrol) region. This urban winery cultivates only indigenous grape varieties—Lagrein, Teroldego, and the nearly extinct Blatterle—on soils rich in alluvial sediment, porphyry, sand, and gravel, shaped over millennia by the nearby Isarco River.
With vines aged between 40 and 80 years, Nusserhof’s vineyards are deeply rooted in the region’s history. The Blatterle grape, a rare white variety unique to South Tyrol, was nearly lost until Heinrich Mayr revived it by propagating the last remaining vines. Today, half a hectare is dedicated to preserving this heritage grape.
Certified organic since 1994, Nusserhof follows a natural winemaking philosophy: no synthetic chemicals, only indigenous yeasts, and long aging periods—often up to four years—to allow the wines to express purity, complexity, and drinkability.
The estate also holds historical and cultural importance. Gloria’s great-uncle, Josef Mayr-Nusser, was a South Tyrolean martyr who refused to swear allegiance to Hitler during WWII. His courageous stand led to his death in 1945 and eventual beatification by Pope Francis in 2017. In recognition of his legacy, a political decision protected Nusserhof from expropriation, preserving it as a living tribute to local resistance, family history, and agricultural resilience.