Speck (bacon) Bacon is the typical South Tyrolean ham and has developed into one of the most significant symbols of culinary culture in South Tyrol. It has become a messenger of South Tyrolean cuisine.
The production of “Speck” has been protected by the EU since 1996 and strict quality controls guaranty a distinctive taste.
Every 3rd weekend in May the South Tyrolean Speck Festival takes place in Bolzano: “Speck” is celebrated with traditional games and sports, folk music and original folk dances. At each stand you have the possibility of tasting “Speck” either on the traditional wooden Speck plates or as a creation of modern cuisine…
Holidays in South Tyrol - ideal for connoisseurs.
Wine Thanks to its exquisite quality wines, South Tyrol is one of the leading wine regions in Italy. South Tyrolean white wines are said to be the best in Italy. Red quality wines with their elegant fruit are valued on the same level as the most appreciated rival wines of Tuscany and Piemonte. Connoisseurs prefer Chardonnays and Sauvignons Blanc, the Weißburgunder (White Burgundy) and Traminer, Cabernets and Blauburgunder (Red Burgundy) and the old traditional Lagrein.
These first-class wines have been awarded with inter-national prizes and awards. A trip to the world of wine is a trip to the world of pleasures. There is a lot to discover in the way of wine. Beginning with the type of wine, cultivation and storage, all the way up to new trends. Numerous events and international wine tasting sessions in Termeno, Egna, Bolzano and Merano give an insight of the importance of this topic. Wine lovers and wine professionals meet in a big exchange.
Apples Apples have a special tradition in South Tyrol. Whether golden or crunchy red, in South Tyrol’s orchards the types Golden Delcicious, Janagold and recently also the Pink Lady are not only beautiful in blossom, but also taste deliciously when ripe. The orchards in the surroundings of Merano and in the South of South Tyrol reach their full blossom in spring and are plucked around the end of summer. Furthermore, a trade fair takes place every two years in Bolzano, and of course the apple is at the centre of attention: INTERPOMA. South Tyrol offers the ideal place for a trade fare of this topic, being one of the biggest interconnected apple producing areas in the world. The international level was reached thanks to the participation of qualified producers of all relevant areas.
Törggelen „Törggelen“ is a centuries-old tradition of the wine regions and simply has to be part of a holiday in South Tyrol in Autumn. The term “Törggelen" comes from the Latin word "torquere" and means wind, press and turn. The meaning concerns the pressing of the must after the grape harvest, which was the procedure for wine making years ago. After the harvest the South Tyrolean’s marched from one winegrower to the next in order to taste the “Nuier”, which is what the young wine is called. Part of the "right" way to "Törggelen" is an extensive walk through the unique autumnal landscape prior to tasting the culinary delights. Thirsty and hungry you then reach the inn, where the young wine and typical local specialities like chestnuts, bacon or sausage are tasted. The Törggele period lasts from the start of October to the end of November. The Bolzano area represents an especially ideal place for “Törggelen”: numerous offers can be found in S. Genesio and its fractions of Avigna, Cologna and Montoppio, in Colle and in Signato in Renon.
Wood carving This arts and crafts is mainly carried out in the Gardena Valley. Real pieces of arts from wood have been created there for the last few centuries. The vast offer ranges from statues of Saints to figures of the crib and profane arts of wood carving. Wood carving from the Gardena Valley is now known throughout the world and is tightly connected to the landscape and history of this beautiful valley. The tradition of wood carving stretches back over 350 years and all pieces of art, which were exclusively made by hand are labelled with the protective seal of the Chamber of Trade of Bolzano. Wood carvers can also be found in other valleys of South Tyrol, like for example in the Aurina Valley. These workshops and points of sale are definitely worth a visit.
Note: In St. Christina in the Gardena Valley the sculptors of the village have created a larger-than-life crib, which can be visited throughout the whole year!
Traditional costumes of the Sarntal Valley The Sarntal Valley is one of the few valleys in South Tyrol, where the traditional costumes are still worn on Sundays and partly even on weekdays. The costume of the Sarntal Valley seems simple, but gives a precious and noble impression. It is one of the costumes purest in style of the whole German speaking area and hasn’t lost any of its characteristics. Ludwig Thoma, a German author and poet, once observed a group of “Sarner”, as the people of the Sarntal Valley are called, and said because of their noble dignity they reminded him of British Lords. A small tip for our female guests, who meet a man in a traditional costume: If the laces on his hat are red, he is still available! If the laces are green however, his wife won’t be far away!
Bacon is the typical South Tyrolean ham and has developed into one of the most significant symbols of culinary culture in South Tyrol. It has become a messenger of South Tyrolean cuisine.
games and sports, folk music and original folk dances. At each stand you have the possibility of tasting “Speck” either on the traditional wooden Speck plates or as a creation of modern cuisine… 
These first-class wines have been awarded with inter-national prizes and awards.
