The hamlets of Verdignes and Pardello, between vineyards, and ancient traditions like the “Pear Flour Autumn” festival
Image gallery: Verdignes - Pardello
The hamlet of Pardello (Pardell) and Verdignes (Verdings), situated about 200 metres higher, are idyllic small villages above Chiusa, which become a popular retreat in summer. Verdignes stretches out on a projecting crag and can be reached via a mountain road that branches off between Velturno and Lazfons. On a clear day, you're greeted with a breathtaking panorama: In the distance, you can see the Sabiona Monastery and, in the other direction, the Dolomites.
Pardello encompasses several wine-growing farms. On the steep slopes, which reach up to 1,000 metres - one of the northernmost wine-growing areas in Italy - the grapes ripen. The result is elegant, fruit-driven wines with a refreshing acidity. These are processed and distributed by the Valle Isarco Winery, one of the youngest wine cooperatives in South Tyrol. Under the name "eisacktalWein", several young winegrowers have also joined forces in order to present the region better to the outside world, to maintain contact with each other, and to exchange their expertise.
A leisurely hike along the sunny slopes of the Isarco Valley takes you from Velturno to Verdignes. There, you can visit the Romanesque Church of St. Valentine, dating back to the 11th century. Vines and chestnut trees line the path to the chapel, which sits at the highest point of a rocky ridge. This hike is especially recommended in spring during the flowering season and in autumn when roasted chestnuts and new wine are served in the "Buschenschänke", the Toerggele locations.
Also of culinary interest is the "Verdingser Birmehlherbst", the "Pear Flour Autumn": Pear flour is made from the pears of Verdignes, an ancient farm food that used to replace expensive sugar.
