The Alto Adige borders on Austria (of which it was once a province) to the north and with the Trentino to the south. Mountains dominate the landscape of this Tyrolean region, leaving space for vineyards only on the banks of the rivers Adige and Isarco, around lakes such as Caldaro and on slopes of porphyritic soils of volcanic origin at the foot of the mountains. Over 6,000 hectares are planted to vine. Annual production, the majority of which qualifies for DOC status, amounts to around 450,000 hectolitres.

The region grows principally French and German varieties, the most important of which are Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Sylvaner and Pinot Bianco. The local Schiava, which is cèpage of the Santa Maddalena DOC, is the most planted red grape. The top quality reds come from Pinot Nero, Merlot, Cabernet and more recently Lagrein.