Autumn, as celebrated the South Tyrolean way

Celebrating the young wine in convivial company while enjoying the local culinary specialities…

From the sharing of experiences among the winegrowers…

When the days around the end of September slowly begin to shorten, the season of the famous tradition called “Toerggelen” begins. 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” (the New One). 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'.

... to the meeting point for the bon vivant

Nowadays these convivial gatherings focus not only on the wine, but also on the preparation, cooking and savouring of the food accompanying it. 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 such as the so-called “fireplace sausages” (Kaminwurzen])and “Speck”, ”, the unique South Tyrolean bacon.
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.

Practical information

The best way to celebrate this wonderful tradition is to organize a “Toerggele” event in one of the many traditional wine cellars or in the so-called “wine restaurants”. Occasionally it is also possible to stay over night in the wine restaurants that offer the “Toerggelen”.

Information about farm holidays in South Tyrol:
Farm holidays in South Tyrol - Red Rooster
Schlachthofstr. 4/d - I-39100 Bozen
Tel. 0471 999 325 - www.redrooster.it

The local tourist information will give you further suggestions.