The Varco Castle ruins overlook the research centre which collects grapes from all South Tyrolean wine-growing areas
Image gallery: Stadio-Castelvarco
Stadio-Castelvarco (Stadel-Laimburg), a hamlet of Vadena, encompasses the former Stadelhof estate, the fruit-growing and viticulture school, the Laimburg Research Centre, and, perched above, the ruins of Varco Castle. From Stadio-Castelvarco, the road descends on one side of the mountain to Campi al Lago on Lake Caldaro. On the other side, the road continues towards Ora and Egna.
Together with the houses of Piccolongo (Piglon), Stadio-Castelvarco forms the southernmost part of the municipality of Vadena. The Laimburg Provincial Winery has been here since 1975. As part of the research centre, it processes grapes from all of South Tyrol's wine-growing regions to explore the diversity of soils and locations between 200 and 750 metres above sea level. In the adjoining rock cellar, the wine matures at a naturally constant temperature of 14 degrees C. Blasted out of the porphyry rock of the Monte di Mezzo, the cellar also houses a large hall.
The ensemble is completed by the Provincial College for Fruit Growing, Viticulture, and Horticulture. If you follow the road uphill immediately after the roundabout at Castelvarco, you will see Varco Castle on the hill to your left. The ruins of the former hilltop castle, which fell into disrepair centuries ago, have been secured and equipped with information boards.
Today, the site offers a welcome respite during a hike or bike ride and boasts magnificent panoramic views of South Tyrol's Bassa Atesina, including Laives, Bronzolo, and Ora.
