On the Wine Route in Caldaro: cycling, wineries and local flavours

Bolzano is nearby, but the charm of its elegant streets remains in the background: in Caldaro, too, autumn is making its presence felt, with vineyards changing colour, apple orchards nearing harvest and the woods surrounding the lake reflecting new, warm hues. This is a season in which the South Tyrolean Wine Route invites you to discover the landscape through agricultural work (even though the grape harvest is now a few weeks ahead of schedule), nature walks and, above all, the cuisine that brings traditional specialities to the table. One of the most exciting ways to explore and admire the scenery of this region is on two wheels, thanks to a network of roads and trails winding through vineyards and historic villages that are perfectly suited to e-bikes. The Wine & Bike programme, organised by the South Tyrol Wine Route Association in collaboration with expert cycling guides and the so-called ‘Bike Wine Ambassadors’, offers half-day rides tailored to participants’ fitness levels, culminating in a visit to a winery and a tasting session. A highlight of the autumn calendar is, of course, Törggelen (the term derives from ‘Torggl’, the wine press used to crush the grapes), which, right through to the end of November, brings together locals and tourists in the Buschenschänke and Hofschänke, the farmhouse taverns and farmsteads, to enjoy a meal of Schlutzkrapfen, canederli, speck, sausages with sauerkraut and roasted chestnuts, accompanied by new wine and fresh grape must. For those watching their weight, a healthier option is to take walks through the vineyards and woods to enjoy the beauty of the autumn colours, or to go for a stroll around Caldaro (an ideal base for exploring the Wine Route is the Goldengel Suites, in the historic centre of the village) to admire the shores of its lake or the even more charming and less crowded shores of the two Monticolo Lakes.

https://www.suedtiroler-weinstrasse.it/