Trentino-Alto Adige

In the far northeast of Italy lies the quirky region of Trentino-Alto Adige. Formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the area shares borders with Switzerland and Austria among the rolling hills of the Dolomites and the Alps. It’s home to a unique blend of Italian and Tyrolean cultures; German is a co-official language, and there are picturesque alpine villages where you can ski up to a lodge for fondue and cured meat alongside classically Italian lakeside towns.

In the provincial capital Trento, the 13^th century fortress of Castello del Buonconsiglio is a must-visit, with incredible gothic frescoes on many of its vaulted ceilings. Ride the cable car up the mountain for incredible views of the mountainous countryside, and taste local delicacies like the bread dumplings canederli and strangolapreti, German-influenced spaetzle, and more than 200 varieties of cheese, primarily from cow’s and sheep’s milk.

The wines of Alto Adige are internationally famous. The combination of Mediterranean soil and Alpine weather creates a special terroir that makes for crisp, flavorful white wines that are beloved for their minerality and depth. Indigenous grapes such as lagrein and schiava thrive here, as do well-traveled favorites like pinot grigio and chardonnay. Don’t miss the elegant sparkling wine Trentodoc, made using the classic Champagne method.

Trentino-Alto Adige’s pristine mountain territory makes for amazing foods of all kinds, from cheese to apples to gluten-free pasta. Massimo Zero is based high in the Alps, where they use pure spring water and naturally gluten-free flours to create additive-free pasta that is virtually indistinguishable from their wheat-based cousins. Their pasta are kneaded and formed according to traditional methods, then air-dried slowly to ensure the perfect al dente texture when cooked.

For a unique taste of Trentino-Alto Adige, browse these hand-selected products from some of the region’s finest artisans.