Toerggelen in Merano and Environs

When the days around the end of September slowly begin to shorten, the season of the famous tradition called “Toerggelen” begins. This festival happens in many places. Either outside or in a cellar, in the Lauben or restaurants, up in the hills or mountains or in the centre of town. There are numerous places in sunny Merano and Environs which offer excellent conditions for Toerggelen and are a great place to comfortably round up the night with some wine and chest nuts.

The tradition
Originally the local winegrowers of the region gathered at this time of year to present each other with their young wine, the so-called “Nuie”. At the same time the young must, the “Suser”, as it is called in the jargon of the local winemakers, was to be tasted. Both come fresh from the press, and that’s where this local tradition of great popularity, even among tourists, gets its name: in fact Toerggelen comes from Torggl, which means 'winepress'.

The food
The food on offer is almost a complete list of South Tyrolean specialities: The first dish is filled rye-raviolis called “Schlutzkrapfen” followed by the classical dishes consisting of smoked specialities, sausages and “Speck”, as the unique South Tyrolean bacon is called.
The traditionally charcoal roasted chestnuts called “Keschtn” follow this dish. And of course it would be a shame not to leave room for dessert because the sweet farmers doughnuts (Krapfen) filled with poppy seed or chestnut crème or apricot jam are well worth it.