Michaela Hafner, Terlan: Apple ambassador

IDM/South Tyrolean Apple Consortium/Patrick Schwienbacher

300 days of sunshine a year: not only the tourists are happy, but also the apples, which grow in northern Italy like in paradise. In 2000, the North Italian Apple Consortium was founded, representing more than 6,000 fruit growers. Michaela Hafner from Terlan is one of the region's many apple ambassadors. During a guided tour, you'll be amazed at all the things you didn't know about the vitamin-rich and low-calorie tree fruit that drove everyone crazy back in Bible times.

Hannes Schwienbacher, St. Walburg in Ulten: Master baker

IDM South Tyrol-Alto Adige/Armin Huber

Even as a boy, Hannes Schwienbacher was enthusiastic about the grain mill that his mother had bought to bake wholemeal bread. From then on, conventional bread was no longer an option for him. He now offers around 70 types of bread in his bakery, including shake bread. The taste proves him right: the quality of his raw materials and experience ensure baked goods that people like to get up early for.

Roter Hahn: tradition and trend

Frieder Blickle for the South Tyrolean Farmers' Association, Red Rooster

Ancient traditions are not only upheld at Christmas. Carving, felting, weaving, turning and braiding have always been practiced on north Italy's farms - and the techniques have been passed down through generations. Each piece is unique. From traditional to trendy, you can find perfect gifts for every occasion at Red Rooster. And you can also visit some of the businesses for a sneak peak of how they work.

Team Dr. Joseph, Bruneck: Body products

© provided

Natural cosmetics are booming because we want to expose our skin to as few harmful chemicals as possible. Vegan, natural, skin-friendly and rich in biotechnological ingredients, the north Italian pioneer Team Dr. Joseph has been working together with skin experts and biologists for 40 years. "Nature is the most intelligent high-tech laboratory in the world," says founder Joseph Franz about his wide range of products.

Anna Pfeifer, Deutschnofen: Young farmer

Armin Huber

Young farmer Anna Pfeifer runs her family’s farm with 15 cows. She takes pride in living out traditions every day. An old wooden door leads into the barn, and Anna knows the personality of each cow she feeds daily. Wolke, the cow shown in the photo, is her favorite. The cows produce around 20 liters of milk per day, compared to 40 elsewhere, but the farm intentionally prioritizes quality and animal welfare. Anna studied agriculture and environmental management, loving the variety her job offers.

Martin Gojer, Bolzano: Winemaker

© mauritius images / Udo Bernhart

The range of natural wines is growing. Nevertheless, the small Winery Pranzegg has a fan base that extends far beyond the region. Martin Gojer's wines are wilder and more exciting than those of his global competitors. You can tell that an individualist is at work who dares to do something. His wines have a strength of character that suits their creator, making no compromises.

Karoline Kuenrath, Glurns: butcher

IDM South Tyrol, Armin Huber

Karoline Kuenrath is a bacon expert. Her family business is now in its third generation and her parents still work in the in-house butchery. North Italian bacon is a special delicacy that is produced according to tradition. With spices such as juniper, bay leaf, salt and pepper, the hams hang in the aromatic smoke for several days to get their typical taste.

Schneiderhof, Durnholz: organic bacon and cheese

IDM South Tyrol-Alto Adige/Manuel Ferrigato

Products directly from quality-certified farmers in the region: under the "Roter Hahn" brand, the north Italian Farmers' Association created a label in 1998 to support small-scale farms and preserve agricultural culture. The offerings range from high-quality organic bacon and cheese to fruit juices and regional wine. Cooking classes are also available, allowing visitors to take a taste of their north Italian holiday home with them.