Alto Adige: Once-in-a-Lifetime Vacations for the Unconventional Traveler

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Jun 17, 2014) - Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary vacation this summer? Travel off the beaten path and explore the sunny side of the Italian Alps. Breathtaking landscapes, sporting activities, Michelin-starred cuisine, and of course, great wines, will welcome travelers to the Alto Adige region (also known as Südtirol in German and South Tyrol in English). Escape to Alto Adige and discover the natural beauty of Italy's smallest and northernmost wine-growing region. 

Nestled in the magnificent Dolomite Mountains, Alto Adige combines the best of two worlds, rich Alpine traditions with Italian dolce vita. Alpine and Mediterranean customs meet in this unique corner of the world, virtually unknown to the mainstream traveler. A border region with blurred cultural and linguistic boundaries, Alto Adige is the intersection between the German-speaking countries and Italy. This contrasting yet harmonious combination provides fascinating cultural diversity. Historically part of Austria, the autonomous province was annexed by Italy after World War 1. The Germanic influence is seen today both culturally and in its wine styles, with many wine labels printed in both German and Italian languages.

Alto Adige offers endless activities in the summertime for sports enthusiasts: hiking trails along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, recreational cycling routes, even kite surfing. Soak up the sun and take a swim in Lake Caldaro (the warmest Alpine lake pictured above). For the avid sightseer, historic churches, ancient castles and charming Alpine villages dot the region. Exploring the vineyards on foot is a great way to experience the region's pristine natural beauty. Hiking trails through terraced slopes and grapevines lead visitors to idyllic, hidden places with incredible mountain views. The wine trails in Alto Adige's diverse growing zones offer an opportunity to taste some of Italy's finest and most unique wines. Twenty different indigenous and international grape varieties are grown in the region, from Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer to Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), Lagrein and Schiava. 

This summer, if you can't travel to Italy, enjoy the quality and elegance of Alto Adige wines at home. One sip and you may even feel a cool mountain breeze, and become magically transported to the sunny side of the Alps.

For more information visit www.altoadigewinesusa.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAwines. 

If you need any assistance in planning your holiday, visit the website of the official tourism board www.suedtirol.info.

ALTO ADIGE / SÜDTIROL WINE MARKETING BOARD
The Alto Adige Wine Board was formed in 1975 by a group of winemaking companies to promote and strengthen the image of the wines from Alto Adige. The promotional campaigns are implemented by the Export Organization South Tyrol (EOS) of the Chamber of Commerce Bolzano on behalf of the Consortium of Alto Adige Wines. The Alto Adige Wine Board is active in Italy, Germany, Austria, England, Benelux, Switzerland, Russia, Japan and in the United States.

ALTO ADIGE WINES PROVIT US MARKETING CAMPAIGN
The objectives of the PROVIT campaign, co-financed by the Italian State and the European Union, are to increase overall awareness of the DOC wines from Alto Adige, demonstrate their versatility with a wide range of foods, and showcase the diverse palette of wines that emanate from such a unique winegrowing region.