The northernmost region of Italy, South Tyrol, has enjoyed autonomous status with a special statute since 1948. Its very name conjures up images of breathtaking landscapes, with towering Alpine peaks reaching for the sky, and vast vineyards thriving under the Mediterranean sun.
The majestic Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the birthplace of iconic products like wine, apples, and speck. This region boasts a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine each year, supporting a long tradition of agricultural expertise.
South Tyrol is one of the most cherished destinations in Europe, where age-old traditions seamlessly blend with modern innovation and design. The region boasts a rich cultural and linguistic diversity, with residents speaking Italian, German, and Ladin. Located between Tyrol to the north and Trentino to the south, it balances Mediterranean ease with rural authenticity, shaped by its people and renowned figures.
In this context, Cantina San Michele Appiano stands out as a must-visit destination for tourists looking to dive into an authentic experience where wine, culture, and nature come together seamlessly.
A perfect starting point
Located in the heart of Appiano, Cantina San Michele Appiano offers more than just fine wine tasting. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring the region.
Moreover, with a variety of activities to choose from, visitors can dive into the world of wine while soaking up the cultural and natural beauty of South Tyrol. Additionally, they can explore different experiences that further enhance their appreciation of the region.
Unforgettable wine experiences at Cantina San Michele Appiano
Your visit begins at “Wine Time”, a wine shop that also acts as an enology museum, where guests can get familiar with how the wines are made. Guided tours offer a unique experience, concluding with tastings of six different labels, including top selections from the winery. This helps visitors truly understand what makes each wine special, allowing them to make more informed choices when it comes to purchases.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Visitors can step into the “Hortus Conclusus”, an area that highlights the winery’s terroir and brings you closer to the surrounding nature.
Discovering the treasures of South Tyrol
After exploring the winery, take advantage of San Michele Appiano’s strategic location to visit some of South Tyrol’s most breathtaking natural and cultural sites.
Among the gems are the Monticolo Lakes, tranquil bodies of water surrounded by forests with a distinctive microclimate. They’re perfect for a hike, picnic, or simply unwinding, and in winter, they offer a magical setting for scenic walks.
Additionally, another must-see is the trail leading to the Three Castles of Appiano: Castel Corba, Castel d’Appiano, and the ruins of Castel Boymont. Furthermore this picturesque route is ideal for both nature and history lovers, offering stunning views across the valley. For those looking for an urban escape, Bolzano is just a short trip away. This city is rich in history and charm, where visitors can explore the famous Cathedral, stroll through its bustling shopping arcades, or visit the Archaeological Museum, home to Ötzi, the legendary ice man.
South Tyrol in numbers
General numbers
Area: 7400 km²
Linguistic groups: German (69.4%), Italian (26%), Ladin (4%)
Its UNESCO sites
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Dolomites
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Transhumance in Val Senales, Raiffeisen Cooperatives, Mountaineering, Stonemasonry (Lasa), Dry-stone walls
Natural features
Highest mountain: Ortles, Val Venosta (3,905 m)
Largest lake: Lake Caldaro (1.47 km², the warmest swimmable lake in the Alps)
Main rivers: Adige (153 km), Isarco (95.5 km), Rienza (80.9 km)
Largest plateau: Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites (52 km²)
National park: Stelvio National Park (protected area)
Natural parks: Sciliar-Catinaccio, Gruppo di Tessa, Puez-Odle, Fanes-Senes-Braies, Monte Corno, Tre Cime, Vedrette di Ries-Aurina (protected area)
Demographics
Smallest town: Glorenza, Val Venosta (937 inhabitants – as of 01.01.2023)
Oldest South Tyrolean: Ötzi, the Iceman (over 5,300 years old)
Landmarks and geography
Largest ski area: Dolomiti Superski (1,200 km of slopes)
Longest ski slope: Trametsch on the Plose, Valle Isarco (9 km)
Wine & food in South Tyrol
Indigenous grapes: Schiava and Lagrein
Quality wines: 5,400 hectares of vineyards, 36% red wines, 64% white wines, 0.1% of national production, 98% DOC
“Quality South Tyrol” products: Beer, meat, fruit preserves and jams, aromatic herbs, stone fruit and berries, dried fruit, grappa, milk and dairy products, honey, bread and apple strudel, apple juice and vinegar, eggs, vegetables, and potatoes, apple cider
Local specialities in South Tyrol
The famous South Tyrolean PGI apples: ~7,000 farmers, 13 varieties (Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Topaz, Morgenduft, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Winesap, Braeburn, Jonagold, Elstar, Pinova, Idared)
South Tyrolean PGI speck: 28 producers, 5% salt content, 22 weeks of curing
South Tyrolean PGI Schüttelbrot: 8 producers
(data www.suedtirol.info)
For further details about Cantina San Michele Appiano, visit their website: www.stmichael.it
For further details about South Tyrol: www.suedtirol.info/en/
And if you decide to visit South Tyrol in October, remember the Merano Grape Festival. Click here for more info