Michi Klemera, founder and managing director of the South Tyrolean fashion and lifestyle brand Luis Trenker, lives the alpine lifestyle to the fullest, both privately and professionally. For him, this includes above all good food and drink, good conversation and, of course, good style. The entrepreneur has seen much of the world, yet always comes to the same conclusion: there's no place like home! He reveals where and how he most enjoys spending autumn in South Tyrol in his personal insider tips.
01. A glass of Arunda sparkling wine at the Ansitz Pillhof wine shop
Nothing embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle and Italian laid-back attitude as perfectly as an aperitivo with friends. I am a big fan of bollicine, or sparkling wines: my personal favourites are the sparkling creations from the South Tyrolean sparkling wine producer Arunda, which are produced in Mölten – at an altitude of 1,200 metres – according to the Metodo Classico method. I prefer to enjoy my glass of Arunda Brut at Kathrin's in the Ansitz Pillhof wine bar in Frangart/Eppan, where I can relax and end long working days in good company.
03. South Tyrolean craftsmanship in the Sarntal Valley
When it comes to South Tyrolean craftsmanship, many people only think of the wood carvings from the Grödnertal Valley: Of course, these are unique worldwide and impress me greatly, especially since Luis Trenker's father Jakob also earned his living with this craft. Nevertheless, I believe that our region has so much more to offer in this regard – the best example being the traditional feather embroidery from the Sarntal Valley. These are made exclusively by hand using threads split from peacock feathers and adorn leather goods such as purses, belts and braces. Truly unique pieces that tell a story!
04. Törggelen at Gasthof Messner in Glaning
One of the main reasons why I look forward to autumn every year is the traditional Törggelen: in October and November, South Tyrolean wine taverns and inns serve chestnuts, doughnuts, meat platters and ‘new wine’. A culinary highlight that was originally a thank-you meal for the harvest workers after the grape harvest and is now celebrated by tourists and locals alike. For me, the annual Törggelen with my colleagues is a must. We usually meet at the Messner inn in Glaning/Jenesien: even though the team is constantly growing and we have to squeeze closer and closer together in the cosy parlour, we always have fun evenings here that no one will forget in a hurry.
07. By motorbike to Tiers, on foot to the Tuff Alm
In my free time, I enjoy travelling on two wheels: mostly on my racing bike, but occasionally also on my beloved motorbike, a BMW GS1300 Adventure. Among other places, I ride through the Eggental valley and over the Niger Pass to Tiers, where I stop off at the Cyprianerhof: this is one of the Belvita Leading Wellness Hotels South Tyrol, with whom we have been working for many years, and is a very special retreat with a fantastic view of the Rosengarten. Via Völser Aicha, I then continue on to Völs, where I hike from the Völser Weiher lake to the Tuff Alm: at our lifestyle partner's, you can not only enjoy good food and the petting zoo with camels, alpacas and other animals, but also relax in one of Luis Trenker's director's chairs.
08. Culinary delights at the Hotel Elephant in Brixen
When I want to take my dear wife Christine or my daughters Johanna, Nina and Linda out for a meal, I usually choose the restaurant at the Hotel Elephant in Brixen. Their motto is ‘Simple and focused on taste’, and that's exactly what we love: delicious dishes made from regional products are served on the terrace or in one of the wood-panelled dining rooms. No fancy cuisine, no frills, just tradition and pure flavour. My favourite dish: the classic beef tartare with salted butter and toasted baguette, served by the legendary maître d', Mr Ranold!
