The Josmoarhof
Winegrowing in the Vinschgau Valley
The Josmoarhof is located in Colsano/Galsaun, a small hamlet in the municipality of Castelbello/Kastelbell in the Vinschgau Valley. Yet the true heart of the estate lies further uphill – in the steep vineyards of Pfaffenegg at 600 m and at Götzenhof between 600 and 800 m above sea level – where the vines thrive under ideal conditions and the terroir decisively shapes the character of the wines.
The name Pfaffenegg – this prominent jutting point of the Vinschgau Valley's Sonnenberg mountain – is not merely a geographical marker but also attests to a long-standing viticultural heritage. As early as the 13th century, the site was recognized as ideal for winegrowing: abundant in sunlight, shielded from extreme weather, and endowed with conditions favorable for producing expressive wines. Even the Carthusian monks of the Schnalstal Valley sourced their wines from these slopes.
Since the 1980s, the Josmoarhof has been among the first estates in the Vinschgau Valley to vinify its own grapes within a farmhouse inn – a pioneering initiative for the region. Since 2017, Sebastian has been continuing this legacy with a deep-rooted commitment to the land, a spirit of innovation, and a determination to craft wines that truly express the uniqueness of his Vinschgau Valley origins.
In 2020, the Götzenhof vineyard was revived. Situated on southeast-facing plots characterized by mineral-rich soils composed of calcareous phyllite, marble, and paragneiss, this site now nurtures Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc – varieties that benefit from both the microclimate of the Sonnenberg and an uncompromising artisanal approach. Pfaffenegg and Götzenhof together reveal the estate’s philosophy: wines born at high altitudes, their character refined by the clear, crisp Alpine daylight, and crafted through an authentic, hands-on approach that honors the natural expression of the terroir.
Over seven centuries of winemaking have left an indelible mark on this landscape. What endures is not mere tradition, but a sustained passion for viticulture, a firm trust in the land, and an understanding of how warm days coupled with cool nights gently shape the ripening and aromatic expression of the grapes. It is from this synergy that the wines of Josmoarhof are born.