Beer has made history in Trieste
1766
Maria Theresa of Austria granted the first license for a brewery in Trieste, located in the Borgo Teresiano, the district that still bears her name today. During the period when Trieste was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, golden lager was so popular that it inspired the names of many local spots: Al Pero d’Oro, Al Cervo d’Oro, All’Aquila d’Oro, and Al Cavallo d’Oro...
1865–1976
Founded in 1865 through the cooperation of prominent Trieste families including the Morpurgos, Revoltellas, and Sartorios, and with the participation of the Rothschild bank, the Trieste brewery flourished thanks to Aurisina Water. Acquired by the Dreher family in 1870, it became a successful brewery with a 35,000sqm factory and an innovation center, testing a revolutionary refrigeration machine in 1874. Production ceased in 1976.
1956–today
Walking through the streets of Trieste, you’ll find many breweries with a long tradition, some active for over half a century. Their wooden furnishings and cozy atmospheres recall the South Tyrolean world and historic Central European beer halls. An iconic example is Birreria Forst, in the heart of the city, a meeting place that still retains the charm of tradition today.
today
Trieste's brewing tradition continues today thanks to microbreweries and brewpubs that combine creativity with the local territory. From Muggia to the Karst plateau, craft beers inspired by local flavors and symbols are produced. In the city's brewpubs and restaurants, beer also takes center stage at the table, pairing with traditional dishes and innovative offerings.
Historical images of the Dreher brewery kindly provided by the Civic Museums Photo Library, Municipality of Trieste.
