The South Tyrol Wine Consortium has awarded the 2026 Special Prize for Wine Culture to Dario Cappelloni, a contributor to DoctorWine, and Gianni Fabrizio, formerly of Gambero Rosso. Also honored were the Locanda Kürbishof in Anterivo and the Feltuner Hütte mountain hut on the Corno del Renon, two establishments that expertly showcase regional wines.
Dario Cappelloni and Gianni Fabrizio received the 2026 South Tyrol Special Award for Wine Culture. The award, presented by the South Tyrol Wine Consortium, honors two leading figures in Italian wine criticism who have followed and chronicled the evolution of regional viticulture for decades.
The awards ceremony took place on September 3 at Castel Mareccio in Bolzano.
Two keen observers from South Tyrol
Dario Cappelloni has been tasting and reviewing South Tyrolean wines for many year. First for the Gambero Rosso guide and later for DoctorWine. The Consortium has recognized him for his rigor, sensitivity, and keen observation skills, as well as his constant interest in the diversity of the region’s wine scene.
Gianni Fabrizio was for many years co-editor of Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia guide. Through his work, he has accompanied the growth of South Tyrol’s wine industry. Helping to raise awareness of its wines, producers, and regional characteristics to an ever-wider audience.
“Telling the story of our wine means constantly looking beyond the glass to reveal the stories of our land, our culture. And the people who dedicate themselves to it every day”. Said Andreas Kofler, president of the South Tyrol Wine Consortium, highlighting the expertise with which the two critics carried out this task.
Two hospitality ambassadors were also honored
South Tyrol Wine Culture Award 2026 was also awarded to two local establishments. The Locanda Kürbishof in Anterivo and the Feltuner Hütte mountain lodge on the Corno del Renon.
Locanda Kürbishof, a family-run establishment housed in a historic building. Was chosen for the care taken in selecting South Tyrolean wines, which are served with expertise and integrated into a cohesive culinary experience, with a particular focus on affordability.
The Feltuner Hütte brings South Tyrolean wine culture to over 2,000 meters above sea level. The wine list offers a representative overview of regional production, accompanied by service that brings each label and its region of origin to life.
An award established more than twenty years ago
Established more than twenty years ago by the South Tyrol Wine Consortium, the award recognizes local establishments that view wine as an integral part of the region’s culture and identity. The special award, on the other hand, is reserved for Italian and international figures who have made a significant contribution to raising awareness of South Tyrolean wines.
So, our thanks go not only to those who appreciate the work done in the vineyard and in the winery. But also to those who highlight its value for the traditions, society, and daily life of South Tyrol.
From left to right: Eduard Bernhart (director of Vini Alto Adige), Valentin and Julia Rabanser (Feltuner Hütte), Gianni Fabrizio, Dario Cappelloni, Angelika and Hartmann Varesco (Locanda Kürbishof), Andreas Kofler (president of Vini Alto Adige)
