Events in Bolzano in autumn

The events in Bolzano in autumn offer a unique experience that goes beyond the reputation of the city of wine, also embracing speck, chestnuts, grapes and apples. These typical products become the protagonists of the rich calendar of events that the South Tyrolean capital reserves for those who want to spend a few days in the city.

 

 

Among the autumn celebrations, Törggelen stands out, a medieval custom that, from October until Advent, celebrates the end of the grape harvest. The name comes from the Latin "torquere", which means to press, and refers to freshly pressed grapes.

 

 

During Törggelen, you go from farm to farm or to the traditional Buschenschänke, farm inns where you can taste specialties such as bacon, roasted chestnuts , Schlutzkrapfen, barley soup, Schlachtplatte (a dish rich in sausages and meat with sauerkraut) and of course the new wine. Local wineries offer guided tours with tastings, while walks through woods, chestnut groves and vineyards often lead to a Buschenschänke, where you can savor peasant dishes accompanied by a good glass of wine under the autumn sun.

 

An unmissable excursion is the Rebe Wine Trail, which winds its way up the slope between Bolzano and the Renon Plateau, near the small cluster of farms of Signato. This leisurely walk, with an altitude difference of about 400 meters and a duration of an hour and a half, leads through the vineyards along the old Roman road of the Waldgries farm estates. Rebe is a must-see for wine enthusiasts, who can indulge in tasting stops at the various wineries along the way.

 

 

From 18 October to 2 November, the South Tyrolean Wine Road hosts top-class concerts in the ancient walls of its castles. Wine, music and stories are intertwined in this second edition of the event, which celebrates the oenological excellence of the territory. Admission includes concerts and tastings, with an unmissable event on October 25 in the hall of the C. Monteverdi Conservatory, with the Ensemble Desiderio accompanied by Rosalía Gómez Lasheras at the piano.

 

 

Every Saturday until the end of October, Bacchus Urbanus returns, an urban trek that crosses the production areas of the native wines of St. Magdalena and Lagrein. The excursion, lasting about two hours, includes guided visits and tastings at some local wineries. The cost is €20 per person, with booking by 5 pm the day before.

 

Every Friday until the end of October, the Specksafari is held, a guided tour in the historic center of Bolzano in collaboration with the Consortium for the Protection of Speck Alto Adige. During the tour, there will be a tasting of speck in a traditional tavern, accompanied by a glass of Bolzano wine. The walk lasts about two hours and costs €20 per person, with reservation by 12 noon on the day of the visit.

 

 

In mid-October, Piazza Walther hosts the Thanksgiving Festival, organized by the Bauernbund, the South Tyrolean Farmers' and Direct Growers Association. Forty stalls enliven the square with local products such as fruit, vegetables, juices, syrups, cheeses and cold cuts. While adults discover the realities of the countryside and savor speck and chestnuts, children can play on hay "carpets" and pet the farm animals.

 

 

From 21 to 24 November, Bolzano pays homage to the apple with the Apfelfesta, an event entirely dedicated to the fruit symbol of well-being. In Piazza Walther stalls will be set up for the exhibition and sale of apples and derived products, such as vinegar, cider, strudel and apple chips. The event also includes music, workshops for children and themed menus in local restaurants.

 

 

From 27 September to 6 October, Bolzano comes alive with the Bolzano Art Weeks, an event curated by Nina Stricker that brings over 100 events to more than 70 different locations. This year's theme is "well-being", explored through the motto WELLbeing WELfare WELcome. The event, which involves local and international artists, takes place in galleries, museums, ateliers and public and private spaces, offering a variety of artistic perspectives and a reflection on the role of art and culture in society.

Photo Bolzano: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock

 

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