Alois Lageder

The estate remains family-owned and is currently led by Alois Clemens Lageder, the sixth generation of the Lageder family. He took over from his father, Alois Lageder, who is credited with transforming the estate into a leader in biodynamic viticulture in Italy. While Alois Clemens now oversees day-to-day operations, his father remains active in strategic and philosophical matters. The family places strong emphasis on long-term partnerships with growers and employees, with a clear commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This people-first mindset has been a central pillar of the estate’s success.

The Lageder family’s winemaking history in Alto Adige dates back to 1823. The estate as it exists today began to take shape in the 1930s under Alois III Lageder, who began acquiring vineyards and bottling wines under the family name. However, it was Alois IV Lageder, in the late 1970s and 1980s, who revolutionised the estate by introducing biodynamic farming, converting vineyards, and establishing a reputation for quality. His efforts culminated in the construction of a gravity-flow winery in Magrè and a broader commitment to holistic farming. Over time, the estate’s forward-thinking practices have attracted global attention, helping define Alto Adige as a serious wine region on the world stage.

Alois Lageder is based in the village of Magrè (Margreid), located in the southern part of Alto Adige. The estate manages its own vineyards as well as fruit sourced from long-term contracted growers across various subzones of the region. These include higher altitude vineyards in areas such as Alto Adige Valle Isarco and the Dolomites foothills, offering a range of microclimates and soils that enable cultivation of both cool- and warm-climate varieties. This geographic diversity is key to the house style, allowing the estate to showcase precision and freshness across its portfolio.

The estate owns about 55 hectares of vineyards, all of which are farmed biodynamically, and it works with around 90 other growers who are gradually being encouraged or supported to convert to organic or biodynamic methods. Key vineyard sites include Löwengang in Magrè (for Chardonnay) and Römigberg near Lake Caldaro (for Cabernet Sauvignon). High-altitude vineyards in the Valle Isarco and other mountain zones are used for white varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Müller-Thurgau, and Gewürztraminer. The Lageder philosophy places strong emphasis on biodiversity, soil health, and harmony between vine and environment, following the principles laid out by Rudolf Steiner. Vineyard management includes the use of cover crops, composting, and natural pest control.

Alois Lageder employs a minimalist winemaking approach aligned with biodynamic principles. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, and gravity flow is used in the winery to avoid pumping and preserve fruit integrity. Fermentations occur with indigenous yeasts whenever possible, and the use of oak is carefully calibrated depending on the wine style—ranging from stainless steel for fresher whites to large casks and barriques for more structured wines. There is a strong experimental ethos, including amphorae, skin-contact whites, and low-sulphur bottlings under the “Comets” label. Across all wines, the focus is on freshness, balance, and the honest expression of place.

Alois Lageder produces wines in three tiers: the Classic range for approachable, varietal wines; Terroir Selection, which showcases specific sites and ageing potential; and the Masterpieces, which include the estate’s most prestigious bottlings such as Löwengang Chardonnay, Krafuss Pinot Noir, and Cor Römigberg Cabernet Sauvignon. Indigenous varieties like Schiava, Lagrein, and Gewürztraminer feature prominently, alongside international ones like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which have long histories in Alto Adige. The estate’s wines are known for their purity, tension, and ability to age. The innovative Comets series also explores low-intervention and experimental winemaking practices.

The estate is open to visitors by appointment and offers a range of experiences including guided tours of the biodynamic vineyards, the gravity-flow winery, and tastings in their modern hospitality centre. The nearby Paradeis estate houses a wine shop and restaurant serving regional cuisine with a focus on organic and local ingredients. Guests can explore the connection between farming, nature, and wine through curated educational experiences, and the estate’s commitment to sustainability is visible throughout the visit. Paradeis is considered one of the best wine stops in the region for those interested in both wine and agricultural philosophy.