It is impossible to think of South Tyrol as a wine-producing area without looking at the hills where the vineyards of the historic Abbey of Novacella are located. This is one of the oldest still active wineries in the world. The first documentary evidence of the Abbey dates back to 1100. In 1177, to be precise, Pope Alexander III granted the monastery possession of the nearby vineyards and over the centuries, through donations, foundations, purchases and exchanges, the Abbey accumulated considerable vineyard holdings. Some of these are still in the hands of the present-day company. From the bottom of the valley, i.e. from about 600 metres above sea level, the vineyards of Novacella reach an altitude of almost 900 metres. Even today, many farmers still bring their best grapes to the abbey's wine cellar so that they can be carefully processed into the excellent wines that are appreciated all over the world.