Our Gran Buel Winery

The Heiss family has been making its own wines since the year 2020. The winery's location was predestined: It was Peter who discovered the plot of land and farmstead – named "Plattner in der Sill" – high above Runkelstein Castle and Bellermont Castle near Bolzano. In 2016, it was finally for sale. And then there was the first viewing of the property – and they instantly fell in love with it. Peter's wife, Christine, relied upon her intuition and quickly shared her husband's vision: "Yes, this place sends the right signals." 

A place rich in geological history: 280 million years ago, a volcano sculpted the basin of the Bolzano Valley. This basin was then filled up with volcanic rock, and now forms the cliffs surrounding the provincial capital. This mineral is known as porphyry, and is responsible for the nutrient-rich soils of the area upon which grapevines thrive. This peaceful place is now finally awakening from its long, fairytale slumber. The hour of birth of the Gran Buel Winery!

A labor of love

The Heiss Family undertook the renovation of the building with enthusiasm and energy. With an eye for details, in a conservative manner, and with respect for the time-honored structure. An additional new building was constructed. Local wood and natural-looking materials employed. The result: A charming combination of new and old.

The steep slope in the front of the estate were prepared for the vines, which were carefully planted by hand. A historic moment. The dream of having their own winery had finally been achieved.

Name

From the very beginning, the entire surroundings exerted a powerful attraction on Peter and Christine. The spectacular view, the majestic ancient trees – walnut, linden, chestnut, and cedar – and the steep slope. And then there's the mysterious hill - designated "Grandt Bühl" in the official land registry - located above the central facility but still belonging to the parcel. That's its highest point, that can be reached in a 20-minute hike from the winery.

At its highest point, in the heart of the forest, one finds a place of spiritual energy. There's a circle of stones, and in the middle, a tower-like structure. Christine and Peter were immediately taken by the power emanating from this mysterious place. It was exactly the right kind of spiritual energy that they wanted to capture in their wines. It was thus virtually predestined that the name of this place would be taken – in a slightly modified form – and applied to the winery: "Grandt Bühl" thus became "Gran Buel."