The value of everything — visiting Martin and Marion

Years ago I stayed with Gregor at Hotel Bad Schörgau. Back then, I had asked him who was the most exciting — because the most innovative — winemaker in South Tyrol. “You have to go to Pranzegg, to Martin and Marion to Bolzano! “Ok, if Gregor says that, then I absolutely need to get to know them both. After all, Gregor knows his stuff more than well, especially when it comes to wines and winemakers.

Now, back here in South Tyrol, I'm making an appointment with Martin for one of the next few days at noon. We could cook something together and talk a bit, he suggests. Perfect, I think to myself. Let's go in the morning, towards Bolzano, through the city, on the south-eastern flank, where it's already heading up into the mountains again. Hmm, I think a vineyard with a northwest orientation, I'm excited.

Once at the farm, two others are already waiting. “Hey, I'm Lilly — and I'm Emilio! “As it turns out, the two came by spontaneously: The year before, they had helped Martin and Marion with the grape harvest. They had just finished their cooking training the day before and are now on their way to Sicily. And here comes Martin: “Hey, what are you doing here, that's a surprise! ““We were just passing through — and just had to come here for a minute — driving by was ruled out! “Of course,” says Martin, looks at me and says: That's when we cook and eat in large groups, right? “That's how you go to the vegetable garden first, pick a bit of salad and herbs for dinner...