The vineyards occupy a site atop a gentle hill. The natural features, including elevation, exposure, the soil, microclimate and good ventilation, create a mix that is ideal for the Pinot Noir vine, which is a traditional variety in the area. There it produces a lively, multilayered and delicate Pinot Noir wine in a style combining elegance, body, minerality and saltiness.

The Krafuss residence, which dates back to the Renaissance and has survived unchanged until today, is owned by Roland Riz, Alois Lageder’s father-in-law. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, the historical building reflects the economic significance that the vineyards in the area above San Michele Appiano enjoyed as early as the Middle Ages. In 1991 the vineyards were rehabilitated and planted exclusively with Pinot Noir at high density using the wire trellis system. In 2013 we made the transition to biodynamic working, and now there are again sheep grazing on the edge of the village of Appiano.