Deeply rooted values in Girlan
In the vineyards, beneath medieval facades lies a proud number of kilometers of intertwined wine cellars in the South of South Tyrol – worlds, which are opened once a year for visitors. During the cellar festival of Girlan the sub terrestrial labyrinths bustle with life, when the wine and the grappa bottles are opened and the liquid tasted – carefully one by one.
Girlan lies not far from the main village St. Michael in the commune of Eppan and is known to be one of the most traditional wine villages of the region. Testimonies of this lived custom are events as “The last load of grapes” or the Martini-Market. Beside the rich cultural offer visitors find here wonderful walking paths through the orchards and vineyards. Interesting trips are visits to the Messner Mountain Museum in Castle Sigmundskron, the Lake Kalterersee in Kaltern for bathing, boating or walking or the Mendelpass for excursional purposes by cable car from St. Anton in Kaltern.
Living tradition
In autumn „The last load of grapes“ is celebrated here. Then the literal last load of grapes is transported on a skillfully decorated historical cart to the village square, where it is further processed to must with a traditional winepress. Then the party begins and everyone is welcome to celebrate the successful harvest with the fresh must or the wines of the local cellars. Alongside freshly roasted chestnuts are served.
On the 11th of November the people of Girlan celebrate the conclusion of the harvest and the names day of the church patron – the church day. On this day they organize the Martini-Market, a gigantic market with music and entertainment and a traditional lantern-procession. Visitors are invited to try the meals and drinks of the village, to dance, to laugh and to simply enjoy.
Wine lovers find in Girlan the picturesque walk on the Wine-Experience-Path and grappa-fans the open days in the distillery in Girlan. Further information is available on site and in the hotels in Girlan. Find here the most beautiful hotels in Girlan on the South Tyrolean wine road.
FAYN garden retreat hotel
