What do we mean when we talk about the “Roter Hahn – Gallo Rosso” farms in South Tyrol? In my experience, this label is a strong promise of quality when travelling. Years ago, I’ve already visited some holiday farms of the “Roter Hahn” quality brand in South Tyrol; my fascination with them has since lingered (you can read more about my past experiences at the end of this post).
Today, I’m really happy to highlight their Farm Crafts offer in particular. Rural craftsmanship is directly linked to the culture of South Tyrol: “The aim of our brand is to continue to preserve and assist in the sustainable development of this part of rural culture in South Tyrol”. Read more about all there is to know concerning farm crafts made by Roter Hahn – Gallo Rosso farms on their website.
Exploring South Tyrol: Look for this quality label “Handwerk” (crafts) when interested in learning more about farm crafts in particular.
Karl Heinz Windegger, at Lahnhof farm: Up close with typical woodcarving craftsmanship in South Tyrol.
Anyone visiting Karl Heinz at his Lahngut farm in Lana, south of the town of Merano, should bring one thing above all else: Time! Because the friendly carving artist likes to take his time when he welcomes visitors to his farm.
Karl Heinz, a fruit farmer by trade, “started working with wood relatively late – only around 25 years ago.” He is one of those craftsmen who, out of a love of wood and a joy of creative design, ends up spending his Saturday afternoons turning pretty little wooden hats – “just something to please the eye”, he says with a grin. Beautiful little hats, I say!
He invites us into his showroom and workshop, located directly below his own farm house. Although we don’t get to participate in a carving workshop as such, we do learn a lot: Which wood is stored here and for how long? Is it an advantage if the proverbial worm has eaten its way in? What is local wood from South Tyrol, such as walnut, birch or Swiss stone pine, particularly suitable for? How long does it take to make a turned wooden vase?
And finally: AI in wood processing, is it/will it be an issue? “AI has no sense and no intentions”, says Karl Heinz with a wink. “Not everything can be automated. Art, craftsmanship, I believe it will all remain in the hands of us humans, in some form. I just love working with wood, because it is constantly changing – just like us and everything around us”, he emphasises with a laugh.
Karl Heinz in his element, turning a shallow bowl at his Lahngut farm …
… here’s a glimpse into his showroom, too …
… thank you so much for this very interesting visit, dear Karl Heinz!
Johanna Aichner, at Hoferhof farm: Wonderful woollen works of art that she calls “Boden.Kleid”.
We go on to visit the young vegetable farmer and textile artist Johanna Aichner on her Hoferhof farm in Vellau, high above the small village of Algund near Meran. At over 1,000 metres above sea level, the family’s 15 woolly sheep seem to thrive particularly well; the view of the surrounding mountain landscape as far as Bolzano is simply fabulous.
While we chat, Johanna calmly pushes her four-month-old twin boys in their double pram. Speaking from mum to mum, I know how important and valuable it can be to have a creative hobby or mainstay in addition to the little ones. In Johanna’s case, that’s “Boden.Kleid” (floor.dress), the name she has given for all her unique woolly craft items.
So where does her inspiration for all the beautiful, handmade sheep’s wool rugs and accessories come from? I marvel at the many details of one of her works of art: “Oh, if you can crochet, it’s not that difficult at all”, she says modestly. And grins. All the best for you, your family and your craft, dear Johanna!
Arriving at more than 1,000 metres above sea level to meet and greet Johanna at her “Boden.Kleid” wool workshop and farm …
… beautiful, hand-made woolly treasures await …
… I just love this round wall carpet, don’t you?
… meet the woolly protagonists – producers: Happy sheep grazing nearby.
Thank you, dear Johanna, for this lovely visit!
Local tip for lunch: “Pur Südtirol” market and restaurant in Lana.
If you, like us, feel hungry after all these visits and experiences, you should come for a snack and shopping experience to the Genussmarkt Pur Südtirol. When it comes to combining a culinary shopping with a restaurant experience that’s typical of South Tyrol, I’d say there’s no better place to go to! You can buy delicious food, regional fruit, yoghurt, bacon, cheese, wine and much more from the area in and around Merano/Meran.
Genussmarkt Pur Südtirol in Lana.
For lunch, it’s South Tyrol on your plate: nettle pasta with kale and bacon, accompanied by a seasonal mixed salad and mountain apple juice. Just so good! The flavour of this apple juice still lingers on the tip of my tongue … mmmh!
Gapphof family farm, a cozy farmstead with perfect holiday apartments.
“We’re the same age group”, laughs Clio Waldner when I check into one of her holiday flats at the Gapphof. Like Karl Heinz and Johanna before her, I can relate to her immediately. Clio gladly offers to pick me up directly from the train station in Merano: “We’re right next to the train station in Lagundo/Algund, but I always like to pick up my guests personally”, she explains cheerfully.
Clio and her husband have set up four beautiful holiday flats for their guests at the Gapphof fruit farm named after the Granny, Gala, Golden and Stark apple varieties. The latter, the Stark apartment, is my temporary home; this spacious holiday flat with its fantastic views over the entire surrounding area is a wonderful place to spend a holiday. Families, travel groups and holidaymakers with dogs are particularly welcome here; the latter even have their own playground next to the house!
My tips for your stay at the Gapphof:
- Be sure to book a (regional farmhouse) breakfast with your stay – you won’t regret a bite!
- Below the holiday flats, in the historic vaulted cellar of the ancient Gapphof farmhouse, there is a bar, a lounge, a playroom and a small farm shop for guests; all lovingly restored and cosily furnished. If you like, you can buy home-made jewellery from Clio’s mum and taste your way around the farm.
- In the immediate vicinity of the Gapphof, you can eat delicious pizzas for -10% in the family-run pizzeria La Regina – Bar Waldner and watch the latest films in the nearby Cineplexx cinema!
Arriving at the Roter Hahn – Gallo Rosso Gapphof farm in Lagundo/Algund near Merano/Meran in South Tyrol …
… right after checking in, we explore the farm area, including the orchard and the chickens!
Beautiful homemade breakfast, including local bacon. Mmmh!.
A view of the holiday apartment “Stark” …
… as well as the lounge under the flats, directly in the historic part of the house, with up to 700 year old building parts!
Flying visit to Merano: a touch of Italy in the spa town on the River Passer.
Merano certainly deserves more than the two hours I had when I was travelling through. The pretty little town on the River Passer impresses with its spa house and villa architecture, typical Renaissance courtyards and fortified castle towers in the city centre. Strolling along the river is always a good idea: pure Italian lifestyle in the mountains of South Tyrol!
If you are looking for more tips on the city itself, I can recommend the well-organised Merano website with up to date information. Incidentally, the so-called Farm Food Festival is also held here in March: 90 producers offer selected quality products that come 100% from regional South Tyrolean farms.
View of the city of Merano from the Passer promenade near Piazza Terme …
… on winter days like these, just beautiful.
In winter 2016, I already visited some of the more than 1600 farms of the “Roter Hahn – Gallo Rosso” quality brand throughout South Tyrol. You can read my travel tips from the South Tyrolean mountains here:
- Follow in the footsteps of the most exceptional farm stays in South Tyrol
- Carving, Cheese & Cool Jewellery: Creative Travel in South Tyrol
- Tobogganing in South Tyrol: Hot Tips for Cool Adventures
- Culture, Carving & Culinary Delights: Travelling Val Gardena in South Tyrol, Alto Adige
Disclaimer: I have been invited by “Roter Hahn – Gallo Rosso” to discover and explore local South Tyrol mountain farms and surroundings. All opinions are my own.