A couple of weeks ago I attended a fantastic dinner in Covent Garden, showcasing the flavours of Trentino, to highlight one of the reasons why the destination makes a great winter getaway. The dinner took place at the intimate private room from Café Murano and was prepared by the Michelin star chef Angela Hartnett.
Exploring Trentino Though Its Traditional Food
Italy is food and wine. And what better way to showcase a destination in Italy than through its traditional cuisine? I have written before about the delicious food in Trentino, when I listed by favourite restaurants in Trento.
It’s been a few years since I visited Trento and explored Trentino, so I was very excited to taste the delicious typical products again. We were greeted with a glass of Trento Doc, and a selection of cicchetti, small bites which traditionally accompany white wine in the North of Italy. Trento Doc is a sparkling wine made in Trentino using local grapes from the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Blanc varieties, using a traditional method.
Dinner was a proper feast and included a starter or autumn beetroot with gorgonzola cream and a beef carpaccio with capers and parmesan. The main was a selection of gnudi with spinach and ricotta, pumpkin tortelli with sage butter and pangrattato, venison brasato with crushed celeriac and cod with torbole broccoli and roasted red pepper pesto. For dessert we enjoyed a delicious warm apple strudel with vanilla mascarpone, and a panacotta with poached autumn fruits. Each course was paired with a local Trentino wine.
Trento Has the Best Life Quality in Italy
Trento has been recently awarded as one of the best places to live in Italy, with the highest quality of life. And no wonder, I still remember what a great trip I had there, just before the pandemic. The town sits inside a valley, on the shores of river Adige, surrounded by high peaks. It has a gorgeous architecture, with painted palaces, a Romanesque Cathedral, a Medieval historical centre, and a Renaissance castle overlooking the city. There are also plenty of green spaces in Trento.
A Winter Fairytale
In winter, Trentino transforms into a fairytale. The Dolomites become a playground for winter sports lovers and it is one of the most beautiful places for skiing in Italy. And the more you ski, the less you pay. There are even shuttles that connect the main airports around Trentino with the ski resorts, for a fixed fee.
The ski resorts in Trentino are communities which employ local people. So no matter where you choose to ski in Trentino, you will be warmly welcomed and get advice from a local – who knows the area best.
The ski slopes open very early, for skiers who want to experience the sport without the crowds. The best time to go skiing in Trentino is after the winter holidays, and outside of the carnival time, in February. The ski season begins in December and stays open until March, depending on the weather conditions. The best offers come after the Carnival ends, in February.
At the end of the day, you can enjoy an aperitivo, whilst gazing at the Rosadüra – that time of the day when the sun sets and the last rays are hitting the rocky cliffs of the Dolomites, turning them pink.
Even if you don’t ski, the Dolomites have something for you: a charming Christmas market in Trento in December; the ice festival where an orchestra performs at ice-made instruments; dog sledging or horse riding through the snow; even trekking in the snow under the full moon, with a picnic by night in the forest.
Trentino is A Natural Playground
30% of Trentino is a natural protected area. There are plenty of things to do all year round in the region, that will keep you away from the crowds that usually visit Italy. By visiting Trentino you are rediscovering green spaces, the fresh air, and the tranquility of the mountains.
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Not just in winter, Trentino seems like a year-long dream vacation. I don’t ski, but dog sledding sounds fun. And to see Rosadura will be the highlight for visiting Trentino in the winter, imo. I like that ski resorts employ locals. It’s not just giving back the economy to them, but who knows Trentino better than them?
Italy is definitely all about food and wine. How great to get a taste of Trentino through its food. A city with such a high quality of life would be a spot we would want to explore. And while we normally would not head to Italy in the winter, this does look like a winter wonderland in the Dolomites. Even if we are just checking out the aprés ski.
Trentino appears to be spectacular throughout the winter, as shown. They provide a variety of activities for all ages in addition to their lovely surroundings. Skiing appears to be enjoyable! I’m also excited to try their traditional cuisine, which, based on the description, sounds delectable. Of course, as a foodie, I’m also looking forward to that.
I love Italian food. So far I have been to Trentino only in summer – but I loved it. And I enjoyed reading your post about Trentino in winter. For me as a non-skier it is important to know, that there are also other winter activities to do.
I’m a foodie so I would like to explore Trentino through its food. It’s a great guide on what to eat and where. It’s also good to know that is one of the best places to live in Italy. Winter seems a great idea.
I hadn’t heard of Trentino before but it sounds amazing! I would love to try dog sledding! How on earth did you eat all that food???? Lol
Wow! Trentino is so beautiful! I love how it becomes blanketed in snow in the winter. I know I wouldn’t mind living there and enjoy “la dolce vida.” 🙂
Wintertime in Trentino does look amazing and the landscape and outdoor vistas look fantastic, I would defintiely be up to exploring there.
What a beautiful place to visit, I have never been away to anywhere with snow before and would love to
I hadn’t heard of Trentino before but it sounds like a wonderful place to visit all year round.