South Tyrol is not only the largest contiguous apple-growing region in Europe, but it has also made a name for itself for the production of excellent quality wines. The landscape is therefore dominated by apple orchards and vineyards. The region's two most important fruits are omnipresent, especially in autumn, when it's harvest time. The fruit farms are spread out from Salurn in the extreme south through the Etschtal valley to Vinschgau in the far west and across the Eisacktal valley to the north. Viticulture is mainly concentrated in the south of the region. Picturesque vineyards nestle on the hillsides around the South Tyrolean Wine Route. Wine also plays an important role in the Meran area and in the lower Eisacktal valley. However, it would be wrong to think that there are only apples and grapes in South Tyrol. Plums, pears, pumpkins, potatoes and cabbage are also harvested by the farmers in autumn. And the best thing about it: the guests in the holiday apartments and rooms can also enjoy the treasures that agriculture has to offer. At the same time, they can learn about the history of the products up close.

In the Garden of Eden

Did you know that the Royal Gala, one of the first apple varieties, is harvested as early as August, while the Pink Lady isn't harvested until November? The most cultivated apple variety in South Tyrol is golden yellow and has red cheeks, the Golden Delicious. The most important thing about South Tyrolean apples is the quality: the shape, colour, size and time of harvest have to be just right. Each apple is picked by hand. This is not to say, however, that the modern farmer does not use technical aids. While in the past simple ladders were used to reach the four metre high treetops, there are now practical lifting platforms. Traditionally, all family members lend a hand during the apple harvest. The precious fruits must be brought to safety as intact as possible. The full crates are taken to the large warehouses of the cooperatives by tractor. The cooperative system has proven itself in South Tyrol over the past few decades. It takes care of the quality assurance, storage and sale of the apples. Some farmers also process the crunchy fruits directly on the farm. There they are processed fresh from the harvest into naturally cloudy juice, sweet compote or crunchy dried fruit. A great deal of apples are picked during the harvest months. Almost six billion apples end up in the harvest crates on the fruit farms every year. That's almost one apple for every person in the world. During the harvest season, guests on a farm holiday can enjoy crisp, fresh apples straight from the tree.

Ripe grapes, exquisite wines

Autumn is also the high point of the working year on the wine farms. The grapes reach the final stage of the ripening process as early as late summer, with sunny days and cool nights benefiting the quality of the fruit. In September the time has come: when the acidity and sugar content of the grapes are perfect, the grape harvest begins – in South Tyrol it is called "Wimmen". The grapes are harvested by hand. This is the only way for the winegrower to consistently remove damaged or unripe grapes. In South Tyrol, people swim up to 1,000 metres above sea level, thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the vines also feel at home at this altitude. The most common grape is the Vernatsch, although overall mainly white wine varieties are cultivated. The ripe grapes are intended exclusively for wine production. Most farmers deliver to a winery, some press the wine themselves. The grapes are pressed on the farm and stored in large barrels. In the cool cellar, the wine can ferment at optimal temperatures. This results in exquisite home-grown wines. During the harvest season on the wine farms, guests experience the path of the wine more authentically than anywhere else. From the grape harvest to pressing and bottling, there is the opportunity to experience the exciting work of viticulture up close – which of course, also includes tasting the good wines.