Cornaiano: Wine Trails, Cellars and Village History

Cornaiano, also known as Girlan, lies on a sun-drenched plateau in the wine-growing landscape of Eppan. Wine trails, historic cellars, a protected village ensemble and recurring local events offer different highlights for a stay. When planning your visit, consider whether you are particularly interested in the wine-growing landscape, the village’s history or an event.

Wine Trails and Insights into Cellars

The Hoher Weg nature and wine trail starts at Girlan village square and makes a circular route back to its starting point. Along the way, there are panoramic views across the vineyards, towards Bolzano and of the Dolomites, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route combines views of the wine-growing landscape with several named panoramic destinations.

The Gschleier wine trail runs through the vineyard of the same name, which is known for Vernatsch wines with distinctive character and good ageing potential. A wine trail starts in the centre of Girlan and offers insights into grape varieties and the taste of grapes. The trails therefore focus on different themes: panoramic views, the Gschleier vineyard, or learning about grape varieties and the taste of grapes.

A digital cellar tour includes just under two dozen selected cellars whose owners have given their consent. During a village walk, locals and visitors can scan QR codes at selected cellars with their smartphones and view Girlan’s cellar treasures on screen. Check that the digital cellar tour is available before your trip, and look out for the QR-code signs when you arrive.

At the Cantina Girlan enoteca, visitors can taste and buy the winery’s wines. It is located in a historic vaulted room; a rediscovered staircase leads down to the cellar. Check visitor information again before your visit. An event announcement for 2026 mentions cellar visits at Cantina di Cornaiano, an introduction to the winery’s history and guided tours through historic cellar passages. Find out about dates and any registration requirements in advance.

Historic Village Centre and Architecture

Girlan was already inhabited in prehistoric times and was first mentioned as “Curilan” in the 11th century. The parish church in the historic village centre dates back to the 13th century and is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. The “CORNAIANO – NUCLEO STORICO CENTRO 36” ensemble is also part of the protected heritage of the village: it is under ensemble protection.

The village streetscape includes villa-like houses with arched gateways, bay windows and stone-framed windows. Together with the church and the protected ensemble, these features offer several specific points of interest for a walk through the village’s historic centre. If you are interested in architecture, you can focus on the different façade details and connect them with the village’s history.

Festivals and Events Throughout the Year

The traditional St Martin’s Market takes place every year on 11 November, unless the date falls on a Sunday. The Girlan festival associated with the market has been held for over 200 years. At the Girlan Cellar Festival, which takes place every four years in early September, visitors can explore the extensive underground cellars.

At the “Last Harvest Cart,” the last grapes are brought to the village square in mid-October and pressed into must in front of an audience. The events mentioned therefore take place at different times: the November event, except when it falls on a Sunday; the cellar festival every four years; and grape pressing in mid-October. Check event dates when planning your trip.

Getting There and Finding a Hotel

Girlan can be reached by bus from the railway stations in Bolzano or Sigmundskron. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable for your travel date. When looking for a hotel in Cornaiano, you can make the wine trails, village history or an event the focus of your plans. Check each listing for the details that matter for your stay, including availability and amenities.

Discover more destinations: Montan, Auer, Leifers, Eppan An Der Weinstraße, Altrei, Tramin An Der Weinstraße, Neumarkt, Salurn.

Back to the main travel overview: Kaltern an der Weinstraße.