Trentino

Trentino is usually linked in viticultural terms to Alto Adige (otherwise knows as the Sud Tyrol) – but they are very distinct wine regions with individual characteristics. Trentino leans more towards the Italian influence and its neighbouring region of the Veneto – and this is reflected in grape varieties and training systems with more Italian influence whereas the Alto Adige tends towards the more Germanic influence, although this is of course an over-simplification. Trentino has always been produced one of the highest level of DOC rated wines in Italy – and much of this is thanks to huge co operatives such as Cavit who make textbook wines from pure varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Nosiola or Teroldego Rotaliano, Marzemino and also Ferrari for outstanding sparkling wine. In Alto Adige smaller estates are more dominant and who make not only wonderful Gewurztraminer but also Pinot Noir, Sauvignon and Moscato Rosa.
It is an impressively stunning region of Italy with the backdrop of the Dolomite mountains, and the difference of the Italian/ German history being reflected in the local cuisines, architecture and language spoken, makes this an unforgettable region for wine touring.

Trentino-Alto Adige might as well be two regions, Trentino in the south and Alto Adige in the north, near the Austrian border.

Both parts of the region enjoy semi-autonomy from central government, along with one of the highest standards of living in Italy.

Tourism, farming and wine production are the mainstays of the economy, and there are plenty of good, affordable guesthouses and agritourism places in the mountains and vineyards.

The landscape is dominated by the stark and jagged Dolomites, among the most beautiful mountains in the country.

One of the first things you'll notice about Alto Adige is its German character. It comes by it rightfully; until 1919, Alto Adige was known as the South Tyrol and was part of Austria. At the end of World War I, Austria ceded South Tyrol to the Italians, and Mussolini renamed it after the upper reaches of the Adige River, which bisects the region.

Many Tyrolleans opted for resettlement in Germany, but others stayed in the region and have maintained their language, culture and traditions. Gothic onion-domed churches dot the landscape of vineyards and forests, street signs are in German, and there's sauerkraut and strudel on the menu.

By contrast, Trentino is 98 percent Italian-speaking, and the food and architecture belong more to the Mediterranean world than to the Alps.