The WSA awards ceremony takes place somewhere else every year. " It is always where many good distillers come from", says Wolfram Ortner "And especially where all the superstars of the industry come from. We are pleased to be able to come to Roner in South Tyrol this year, home of so many good distilleries."

The history of distillation in the Alpine region begins as early as the Middle Ages. Its roots lie in the mysterious magic of alchemy and in monasteries, where distillates were used in small quantities to make healing tinctures and potions. From there, the knowledge spread to the peasant population as well.

Distillation experienced its peak during the reign of Maria Theresa, when peasants were granted the right to distil a certain amount of tax-free brandy. In their iron and later also copper kettles, they no longer boiled only water for laundry and pig feed. But thanks to a boiler, a cap and a coil, the peasant kettle was transformed into a micro-distillery for domestic use. Downstream, leftovers from viticulture and fruit growing were distilled to make a peasant spirit, often quite coarse. At higher altitudes, distillation focused on roots and herbs and especially on rowan berries, which according to legends had an almost medicinal effect.

As early as around 1900, many small "full-time" distilleries sprang up in South Tyrol and North Tyrol. At first, partly as smugglers, then officially to supply the Wehrmacht during the war years on behalf of the German Reich.

Taste the golden Gewürztraminer where it grows.

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Vinitaly is not only known and loved by wine professionals, but also attracts thousands of enthusiasts every year.

In Tramin one of the strangest and at the same time oldest (since 1591) carnival customs has been retained.

The wedding of John Egetmann – carnival parade. In the odd years on Pancake Tuesday this very special parade marches through the lanes of Tramin and attracts thousands of spectators from near and far, because the main figure – Egetmannhansl – who is a dummy with a black skirt, cylindrical hat and white gloves celebrates his wedding.

Egetmann’s wagon gets accompanied by numerous other wagons, groups, figures including snapping animals, rich and poor gypsies, farmers, fishermen, and many more. Zenzi is also one of the main characters of the Traminer "Egetmann".