Autumn in South Tyrol coincides with the start of the annual Törggelen festival, which runs from early October to mid-November. Friends gather in the typical wine cellars and traditional inns and taverns of Lana and Environs, where local specialties such as stuffed ravioli (Schlutzkrapfen), sauerkraut and dumplings (Knödel) are served.
At the end of the meal, roast chestnuts cooked over an open fire on an iron skillet are paired with new wine, known locally as Susser. Doughnuts filled with poppy seeds and apricot jam and chestnuts conclude the Törggelen feast in grand style.
Among the numerous Törggelen venues in Lana and Environs are the Brandiskeller, Pfefferlechnerkeller and Glögglkeller taverns. Others include the Ausserhof taverns and the Rebmanngut estate.
Nowadays these gatherings take place in cellars or wine taverns, where along with the young wine, bacon and simple fare as well as meat platters with sauerkraut, marinated pork, sausages and bread dumplings are served. No Törggele evening can do without the roasted chestnuts, which are continuously tossed in a special iron pan with little holes at the bottom. They are served still hot with butter or cinnamon cream. Another integral part of the Törggele experience is the sweet must (young wine) known as „Sußer" because of its sweet almost juice-like taste. The sweet finale of the evening are the home made farmers crullers filled with poppy, apricot or chestnut jam.
In and around Lana there are a number of rustic and cosy wine taverns and cellars that are very popular in the Törggele period. So if you would like to enjoy a typical South Tyrolean evening with a group, you should be sure to make a reservation early.