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Our hiking trail overlooking Lake Caldaro, in the alpine region of Alto Adige |
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Lake Caldaro |
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Today's trail goes alongside vineyards of pinot grigio, gewürztraminer, sauvignon blanc, and schiava. |
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Ahh! A pause for lunch at a bistro owned by the Manicor winery. |
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On the menu: speck (smoked ham), cheese, and fresh melon |
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Up we go! Taking a funicular to our trailhead at the Mendola Pass, elevation 4,500'
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Once a popular vacation spot for Austro-Hungarian nobility, today the Mendola Pass is our hiking trail. |
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At the top of the funicular, surveying the Adige valley |
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Look what I found on the path! |
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Unfiltered wheat beer, a post-hike refresher. (Beer IS permitted on this wine tour!)
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The town of Tramin, where the grape gewürztraminer most likely originated. |
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The winery owner at J. Hoffstatter pours a superb pinot grigio, one of the area's star grapes. |
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The sleek new tasting room and restaurant at J. Hoffstatter winery, where we stop for lunch. |
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Happy campers: The boys enjoy a shopping trip at Hoffstatter |
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"Path of Peace": Trail signs in German and Italian reveal the region's dual culture. |
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View toward Tramin from our hiking path along the Adige valley slopes. |
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Pinot grigio grapes in full blush before harvest
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Our guests peruse the wine at the Caldaro Cooperative. |
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Like a jigsaw: The tiny vineyard plots owned by members of the Caldaro Cooperative |
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Dinner overlooking Lake Caldaro, after a satisfying day. |
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Today's hike passes by prime vineyards and apple orchards as it follows an ancient irrigation canal. |
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Onward! |
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The first pinot noir grapes in Italy were planted at this estate, Castello Rametz |
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Ancient winemaking tools in the Castello Rametz museum |
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Back in the woods: next stop, Voran |
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On the alpine trail on Mt. Saint Vigilio, expecting elves to pop out of the misty forest... |
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Instead, there are plenty of cows. That means plenty of tasty cheese. |
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Another winery stop: at Cantina Terlano, one of Italy's most highly regarded cooperatives. |
