Törggelen in South Tyrol

Meanwhile, this old South Tyrolean custom of Törggelen is well known far beyond the national borders, and numerous vacationers even come especially for this typical and sociable tradition from far away.

The term Törggelen is derived from the Latin "torquere", which means "to turn" or "to press". The "Torggl" was the wine press or the room in which it stood, and Törggelen was originally the celebration of the harvest and the tasting of the new wine. It also served for the exchange of experiences among the winemakers, thus taking place in a closed society. Soon, however, "outsiders", friends, relatives, and neighbors were also invited, and Törggelen became a social event.

The food for Törggelen was traditionally simple peasant fare, mostly there was bacon and "Kaminwurzen", which are cold-smoked and air-dried raw sausages made of beef or pork. The "Keschtn", the roasted chestnuts, have always been a part of it, as well as nuts and sweet doughnuts for dessert.

Today, Törggelen no longer takes place in the press houses and wine cellars, but in the Buschenschänken. It has become an attraction for both the local population and tourists. The menu is much richer and heartier, especially platters with boiled meats, pork ribs, various sausages, Schlutzkrapfen, sauerkraut, and dumplings are very popular.

Depending on the progress of fermentation and maturity, either the sweet grape must or the "Nuie", the young wine, is drunk. The "Nuie" is of course not yet a mature wine, but it has something very special about it. Since Törggelen is not only about the wine and the food, there is also a lot of singing, making music, and dancing together: people enjoy life and the cheerful company.

From October to Advent, Törggelen takes place. In the wine-growing regions of South Tyrol, there are also numerous events around Törggelen during this time, such as the Gassltörggelen in Klausen or the Tramin Törggelefest. Enjoy the autumn in South Tyrol, enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscape and the delicacies from the kitchen and cellar: Autumn is the time of indulgence in South Tyrol!