History
1919 – The beginning
Giuseppe Kettmeir — winemaker, grape-growing expert, and geologist — established the winery bearing his name. Soon after, the area of Caldaro in Alto Adige, nestled among vineyards, became the heart of production for quality wines.
1964 – The bubbles
Kettmeir recognized the potential of sparkling wines and began producing prestigious Cuvée from Pinot Bianco grapes using the Charmat Method. A pioneer in the area, Kettmeir played a leading role in relaunching the local tradition for sparkling wines.
1986 – Joining forces with Santa Margherita
Franco Kettmeir, Giuseppe’s grandson, found the perfect heir for the family business: Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo. Alongside the winery’s expert oenologist, Josef Ramen, Kettmeir embarked on a new chapter celebrating the local area, concentrating on identifying the perfect grape varietals to grow and the most suitable terrain for them to flourish.
1992 – The Metodo Classico
The winery embraced a new adventure and began producing sparkling wine using the Metodo Classico method. It soon became the most complex and distinctive of Kettmeir’s wines.
2000 – The Metodo Classico Rosé
Inspired by delicious Pinot Nero and Chardonnay grapes, the winery decided to add the refined, fresh, and delicate Metodo Classico Brut Rosé to its range.
2011 – The Riserva “1919”
An especially abundant harvest inspired the first Metodo Classico Riserva from Kettmeir. The wine spent at least 60 months aging on lees and another three months resting — a slow, patient process to create Extra Brut, one of the winery’s most precious jewels.
2019 – The first 100 years
A century after its founding, the now fully modernized winery continues its commitment to the region it calls home and to caring for the vines that form the essence of its prestigious wines. Kettmeir celebrates its first 100 years.
