Food and Wine Holidays in South Tyrol: A Journey Through Flavours and Traditions
Food and wine holidays are becoming increasingly popular, often defining the entire travel experience. Getting to know a place also means discovering its flavours, typical products and, in the case of South Tyrol, its renowned wines. In this corner of Italy, where Alpine culture meets Mediterranean influences, cuisine becomes an experience that tells the story of a truly unique land.
Embark on an immersive and authentic experience and get ready to savour local tradition!
Typical Dishes of Trentino-South Tyrol: Tradition and Mediterranean Influences
South Tyrolean cuisine is a fascinating blend of Tyrolean, Ladin and Mediterranean influences. The bold mountain flavours merge with lighter, aromatic ingredients, creating dishes rich in history and taste.
Among the first courses are the Tirtlan, fried Ladin ravioli with various fillings, and the famous Schlutzkrapfen, half-moon pasta filled with spinach and ricotta — a classic of Tyrolean tradition. Mediterranean influence can be felt in the use of olive oil, aromatic herbs and freshwater fish. A perfect example of this fusion is the Tyrolean barley soup (Gerstensuppe), reminiscent of the hearty Italian minestrone.
Those seeking an experience deeply rooted in South Tyrolean tradition cannot miss canederli (bread dumplings), goulash stew or Spätzle, the typical flour and spinach dumplings. To finish on a sweet note, apple strudel is a must, as is Zelten, a festive cake made with dried fruit and spices, perfect during the Christmas season.
Today, more and more restaurants offer traditional dishes alongside creative reinterpretations, providing a wide choice between authentic recipes and innovative gourmet creations.
Typical Products: An Experience Among Mountain Huts and Tastings
For those who wish to truly experience South Tyrolean gastronomy, tastings at farms, dairies and mountain huts offer an authentic encounter. Here, you can savour strong-flavoured alpine cheeses, the famous Speck Alto Adige PGI produced using ancient smoking techniques, and traditional würstel crafted with artisanal care.
A lesser-known yet fascinating product is pine oil made from mountain pine (*pino mugo*), used not only in cooking — mainly for liqueurs and herbal teas — but also in cosmetics and natural medicine for its beneficial properties. The essential oil of mountain pine is especially valued for its soothing and regenerating qualities.
Wines of South Tyrol: A Toast Among the Dolomites
No food and wine journey in South Tyrol would be complete without exploring its wines. The region is especially renowned for its fresh, aromatic whites such as Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner and Kerner, perfect to pair with fish dishes or alpine cheeses.
Among the reds, the most iconic is undoubtedly Lagrein — full-bodied and intense, ideal for meat and rich-flavoured dishes. South Tyrol also offers lighter reds such as Schiava, known for its fruity and delicate profile. For lovers of rosé wines, Lagrein Rosé is an excellent choice, appreciated for its fresh and floral notes.
For a complete experience that goes beyond restaurants and mountain huts, a visit to the region’s wineries is a must. Here, you can taste wines directly from the producers, learn about the winemaking process and hear fascinating stories about the local wine culture. Many wineries, located in breathtaking panoramic settings and featuring striking architecture, allow you to fully immerse yourself in South Tyrol’s food and wine culture — a true sensory journey that goes far beyond tasting.
This journey through flavours and traditions shows how South Tyrol is a land where gastronomy becomes an experience — a way to get to know its territory and people through food and wine. Every dish and every sip tells a story, making your holiday a unique opportunity to explore the connection between culture, nature and taste.