Location: the Rotaliana Plain, Adige Valley
Duration: 3 days
Total length: 55 km (excluding taste stops)
Recommended period: spring and autumn
Here is a trail which, in just a few exciting days, allows us to discover and admire, from a number of unique perspectives, the heart of Trentino, namely the Rotaliana Plain in the Adige valley. Indeed, a dedicated route of about 50km - hence the name of the trail - has recently been completed which, winding its way along old military roads and cycle paths, passes through all the main towns and hamlets of the area, from Lavis to Roverè della Luna, from Mezzolombardo to San Michele all'Adige and from Giovo to Mezzocorona.
A magnificent route and as we make our way along the banks of the Adige river, hemmed in by endless vineyards, or stop at a farm or at the summit of one of the surrounding hills, our gaze will always find something new and surprising to admire!
The products you simply can’t miss out on along the way:
First and foremost, the local Teroldego Rotaliano DOC wine but the area is also known for its fine Trentodoc sparkling wine, Trentino grappa, the white asparagus of Zambana and Lucanica Trentina salami.
First Leg: Mezzocorona - Cadino di San Michele all’Adige
17 km
The first stage of the tour begins in Mezzocorona, a town that stretches out at the feet of the impressive ruins of the castle of San Gottardo a 12th century stronghold spectacularly carved directly into the solid rock face that dominates the local landscape and our gaze strays naturally upwards in a bid to catch a glimpse of this manmade marvel. Local legend has it that this was once the home of the Basilisk, a fearsome dragon from whose blood the precious Teroldego wine was born.
We continue our route northwards, through endless banks of vineyards, towards the last town in Trentino, Roverè della Luna. From here, our trail - after a few kilometres following the Adige river on South Tyrolean soil – takes us back to the hamlet of Cadino di San Michele all'Adige.
Taste Stop 1:
We’ll come across countless wine cellars along the route but we should take special note of the following: Azienda Agricola A. Martinelli, Azienda Agricola Donati Marco, Azienda Agricola De Vescovi Ulzbach, Dorigati, Azienda Agricola Betta Luigino, Azienda Agricola Endrizzi Elio.
Whereas once in Roverè della Luna, a visit to the cellars of Cantina Roverè della Luna Aichholz and Gaierhof Azienda Vinicola is a must.
Where to sleep 1:
For a decent and regenerating night’s sleep we can stop at the La Ferrata affittacamere guesthouse.
Second Leg: Cadino di San Michele all’Adige – Pressano di Lavis
16.5 km
Probably the most challenging stage of our tour. From the town of Cadino the trail brings us to San Michele all’Adige along the cycle path that follows the Adige river. From here we climb upwards to the fortified manor of Monreale, also known as Königsberg, and then onwards to the hamlet of Faedo.
Along the way, we are sure to be impressed by the sheer steepness of the slopes on which vineyards are being grown and maybe marvel at the heroics and ingenuity of the local grape farmers. Once we reach Faedo our route descends again through thick woodland before opening up unto a unique view of Adige Valley. The trail then joins up with the road that leads to Pressano and the end of our second day.
Taste Stop 1:
Here too we’ll come across a number of wine cellars and farms where we can stop for a taste of something special, amongst these we have Cantina Endrizzi, Azienda Agricola Roberto Zeni, Cantina Fondazione E. Mach, Azienda Agricola Pojer e Sandri, Azienda Agricola Arcangelo Sandri, the Nero Brigante - Birrificio Artigianale brewery, Azienda Agricola Maso Grener and Maso Poli.
Taste Stop 2:
For a bite to eat along the route we can stop at the La Cacciatora restaurant whereas for our evening meal we can head to the Agriturismo Maso Tratta farm or the Vecchia Sorni restaurant.
Culture Stop 1:
To get a better idea about the culture and traditions of Trentino we can’t miss out on a visit to the Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente Trentina (Museum of the Customs and Traditions of the Trentino people) in the town of San Michele all'Adige
Where to sleep 1:
If we’re looking for a comfortable and relaxing place to spend the night we can choose between the Agriturismo Maso Grener and Agriturismo Maso Tratta farmhouses.
Third Leg: Pressano di Lavis – Mezzolombardo
16.5 km
The third and final day of our walk. From Pressano we make our way easily, and amidst sprawling vineyards, to Lavis. As we stroll through the town centre we pass below the enchanting “Giardino dei Ciucioi”, a hanging garden and architectural marvel dating back to the 19th century. From here we continue along the route, following the Avisio torrent until it meets the Adige river. At this point we head north and, between endless rows of vineyards we can spot the asparagus fields, source of another local delicacy. Once we reach San Michele all’Adige the road to Mezzolombardo, a charming town nestled in a sea of vineyards, is quick and easy.
The following day, we reach Mezzocorona via the flat and convenient cycle/pedestrian path.
Taste Stop 1:
For a hearty breakfast before hitting the road we can stop at the Pasticceria Bronzetti Marco pastry shop or the Gelateria Serafini. If on the other hand we’d like to stock up on some local delicacies to enjoy along the way we should stop at the delicatessen Arturo Paoli Specialità Alimentari, the Carni e Salumi Trojer butcher’s shop or at the Latte Trento retail outlet.
Taste Stop 2:
For some wine-tasting in Lavis we should take note of the following cellars: Villa Persani Azienda Agricola Clementi Silvano, Cantina La Vis, and Cantina Monfort.
Taste Stop 3:
As we reach San Michele all’Adige we can stop at Azienda Agricola Roberto Zeni, Mezzacorona, Distilleria Bertagnolli, Cantina Rotaliana di Mezzolombardo, Azienda Agricola Luigi Zanini, redondel piccola azienda agricola and the De Vigili wine cellar.
Culture Stop:
We can find out more about the local history and natural environment by contacting the Ecomuseo Argentario (the Argentario Ecomuseum)
Taste Stop 4:
For an exquisite evening meal in a relaxing atmosphere we can stop at the Ristorante Perbacco
Where to sleep 1:
We can spend our last night at the Agriturismo Corte delle Rondini farm and guesthouse in Mezzolombardo.
Tip for your journey
- We recommend you book all your meals and overnight stays before departure.
- If you’re looking for a complete holiday package, don’t hesitate to contact us:
Strada del Vino e dei Sapori del Trentino (The Trentino Wine and Flavours Route)
Tel. +39 0461 921863
Email: info@stradavinotrentino.com
If you’d like to complete the Wine Tour 50 in the company of a Mountain Leader who will tell you all you need to know about the places and people you meet along the way, contact Albatros and check their availability.
Getting back
Point of departure and arrival coincide along this Taste Trail. We can reach the starting point in Mezzocorona using public transport, either by train with both the national (Treni FS, trenitalia.com) and regional lines (Trento – Malè line) offering services, or with local bus connections (trentinotrasporti.it)
Where to sleep
The stages of Wine Tour 50 mentioned here offer accommodation and other facilities and establishments associated with the Trentino Wine and Flavours Route.
For alternative accommodation or dining experiences you can contact the local tourist office.
It is however always advisable to check availability and book accommodation in advance, especially in summer.
Safety recommendations
Before setting out, remember to check both the weather forecast and the trail’s conditions by contacting any of the tourist offices of the tourist board (APT) of Altopiano Paganella Brenta.
If you’re taking off during the winter months, make sure you also check for snow and other environmental conditions.
Equipment
Trekking is fun but also challenging. We recommend you only take the bare necessities with you but don’t forget to bring proper hiking footwear and trekking poles. Ideally, your backpack should not weigh more than 6kg.