Rametz, Medieval castle and winery in Merano, Italy.

Rametz is a medieval castle overlooking Merano, surrounded by vineyards that have been cultivated on the property for centuries. The estate contains old stone cellars, a wine museum, and facilities where visitors can taste and buy wines and regional products.

The estate began as a farm holding owned by the Counts of Ulten from 1227 to 1269 and was documented as a residence in 1486 under Jörg Aichner. After the Rametz family died out in 1497, it passed through the Quaranta, Planta, Travers von Ortenstein and Paravicini families. In 1834 the ophthalmologist Franz Flarer bought it and rebuilt it in Tudor style until 1872; from 1949 to 1954 the writer Fritz von Herzmanovsky-Orlando lived there.

The estate's wine tradition dates to 1227, and in the 19th century Pinot Noir cultivation in South Tyrol spread from here. Today the castle houses a winery, a wine museum and a Speck museum, and tastings focus on Pinot. The name Rametz comes from the family that held the estate until 1497.

The estate is best explored on foot, with visitors able to participate in wine tastings and guided tours of the historic areas. The grounds feature uneven terrain in places, so comfortable shoes are recommended and you should allow adequate time for your visit.

The castle was requisitioned by German troops during World War II and used as a logistics base for Operation Bernhard, the secret plan to forge British banknotes. The wine estate also runs a Speck museum alongside its wine museum.