Food and wine in South Tyrol
A holiday in South Tyrol also means discovering regional specialities and enjoying the local cuisine. Alpine traditions meet Mediterranean influences here – from simple dishes served in mountain huts to a glass of wine on a sunny terrace.
Whether it is South Tyrolean speck, dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen or apple strudel, food and drink are simply part of every holiday in South Tyrol.
Find more inspiration in our guide to summer in South Tyrol.
Traditional specialities from South Tyrol
South Tyrolean speck
This speciality is deeply connected to South Tyrolean cuisine. Its characteristic flavour comes from light smoking, seasoning and air drying.
Speck is especially popular as part of a traditional “Marende”, usually served with Schüttelbrot, cheese and a glass of wine.
Key information:
- Special feature: lightly smoked and air-dried cured ham
- Typical for: traditional snacks, platters and regional dishes
- Combinations: Schüttelbrot, cheese and wine
- Popular in: farm taverns, mountain huts and traditional inns
Dumplings
Dumplings are among South Tyrol’s traditional dishes and are served in many different variations. Speck dumplings, spinach dumplings and cheese dumplings are especially popular and can be served as soup, side dish or main course.
A special variation is nettle dumplings, prepared with the aromatic wild herb and often associated with South Tyrol’s lighter and more natural cuisine.
Key information:
- Variations: speck, spinach, cheese and nettle dumplings
- Typical for: traditional South Tyrolean cuisine
- Served as: main course, side dish or soup
- Popular in: inns, mountain huts and farm taverns
Schlutzkrapfen
Schlutzkrapfen are among the most traditional pasta dishes in South Tyrol. They are usually filled with spinach and curd cheese and served with butter and parmesan.
This speciality combines alpine cuisine with Italian influences.
Key information:
- Special feature: half-moon-shaped filled pasta
- Typical filling: spinach and curd cheese
- Served with: butter and parmesan
- Popular in: traditional restaurants
South Tyrolean wine
South Tyrol is one of Italy’s best-known wine regions. Grape varieties such as Lagrein, Gewürztraminer and Vernatsch shape many wine lists throughout the region.
Vineyards around Bolzano, Merano and Caldaro are an essential part of the landscape.
Key information:
- Well-known varieties: Lagrein, Gewürztraminer and Vernatsch
- Wine regions: South Tyrolean Lowlands and Oltradige
- Activities: wine tastings and winery visits
- Best time: spring to autumn
Learn more about local grape varieties in our guide to South Tyrolean wines.
Culinary places in South Tyrol
Markets and cafés can easily be combined with a visit to South Tyrol’s towns and cities.
Farm taverns
Farm taverns are among the most traditional culinary places in South Tyrol. Regional specialities are often served directly from the farm.
Simple local dishes, homemade products and regional wines are especially popular.
Mountain huts
Many hikes can be combined with a stop at traditional mountain huts. Between alpine meadows and mountain scenery, regional dishes are part of the holiday experience for many travellers.
Weekly markets
Weekly markets are a great way to discover regional products and local specialities. In towns such as Bolzano and Merano, markets are an important part of everyday life.
Tips for culinary holidays in South Tyrol
To enjoy a relaxed holiday experience, it is worth keeping a few things in mind:
- try regional specialities
- visit smaller inns and mountain huts
- visit markets in the morning
- discover regional wines
- plan reservations for popular restaurants
After culinary experiences, walks through South Tyrol’s towns or hikes in the mountains are also highly recommended.
Frequently asked questions about food and wine in South Tyrol
1. Which specialities are typical in South Tyrol?
The best-known specialities include speck, dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen, cheese, apple strudel and South Tyrolean wine.
2. What is a Marende?
In South Tyrol, a Marende is a traditional snack with speck, cheese and Schüttelbrot.
3. Are there vegetarian dishes?
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes such as spinach dumplings or Schlutzkrapfen.
4. Where can you try regional specialities?
Farm taverns, mountain huts, inns and weekly markets are especially suitable for tasting local dishes and products.
5. Which wine varieties are typical?
Lagrein, Vernatsch and Gewürztraminer are among the region’s best-known wines.
Conclusion – food and wine in South Tyrol
South Tyrol combines alpine cuisine with Mediterranean influences and offers a wide variety of regional specialities.
From traditional dishes to regional wines, food and wine are part of every holiday experience in South Tyrol.
Find more inspiration in our guide to summer in South Tyrol.
Editorial team of sudtirol.com
The content is created by the editorial team of sudtirol.com with a focus on holidays, leisure activities and regional topics in South Tyrol.
Last updated: May 2026