Alto Adige Wine Tour by Bike: What Was I Thinking?

Cycling and wine aren’t exactly a natural pairing — until now. Watch Madeline in Alto Adige as she tackles alpine climbs with renowned NYC sommelier Aldo Sohm. Will they make it to the end?

What's In This Video?

Blending wine and cycling, Madeline and Aldo take on iconic alpine climbs while exploring vineyards and wineries along the way.

Rule #1: don’t drink and ride!

We set off on a unique adventure in Italy’s stunning Alto Adige region. The trip kicks off with a visit to Officina Dario Pegoretti, a legendary bike maker, where we receive custom bikes for the ride ahead.

As we cycle through Alto Adige’s breathtaking vineyards, we experience firsthand the region’s remarkable climate — warm Mediterranean air from the south meets the cold Alpine breeze, creating a perfect environment for growing both white and red wine grapes. Along the way, we visit biodynamic vineyards, learning how this farming method has strengthened the resilience of their vines.

We dive deep into the culture and history of the region, tasting native varieties like Schiava and Lagrein, meeting local producers, and even making traditional Austrian-influenced dishes like Knoedel.

As we continue to push ourselves through iconic climbs like Passo Mendola and Passo Stelvio, we reflect on how cycling lets us connect more intimately with the environment. Riding through the vineyards on bikes instead of driving allows us to experience the smells and sights of the region entirely. The adventure is not just a test of physical endurance but also a journey through Alto Adige’s distinct wines and culture, offering a new perspective on both cycling and winemaking.

Credits & Shoutouts:

• This amazing experience would not be possible without the special contributions of the Alto Adige Wine Consorzio, Cristina Würdig and Pietro Pietricola from Pegoretti Bicycles, and Georgio from Giordana Cycling.
• Filmed by Mint Mediahouse.
• Cycling tour guide, Hannis.
• Madeline and Aldo were graciously hosted by:
  • Count Michael Goëss-Enzenberg at Manincor Estate Winery
  • Karoline Walch of Elena Walch
  • Kellerei St. Pauls
  • Kellerei Bozen
  • Kuenhof
  • Cantina Valle Isarco
  • Gump Hof - Markus Prackwieser
  • Abbazia di Novacella
  • Niklas and Martin Foradori Hofstätter of J. Hofstätter
  • Elisabeth Elli Gottardi of Gottardi Mazzon

For More on Alto Adige

Alto Adige Region Guide