Just as it is a surprise to find olive oil production as far north as Bardolino on Lake Garda, so it is a surprise to learn about the vineyards of the Alps.

There are around 230 hectares of vines cultivated in the Valle Isarco in Alto Adige. They are the most northerly of 11,000 hectares in the region.

They stretch from Laion to Barbiano, Villandro and on to the borders of the Valle Pusteria.

Not surprisingly 90% of the production is white and is dominated by Chardonnay and Sauvignon grapes.

The microclimate of the valley is just right for producing palatable Sylvaner, Müller Thurgau, Veltliner and Kerner.

Want to visit a producer? Try Kondrad Augschöll Röckhof based near the Cantina Produttori Valle Isarco of Chiusa.

Find out where the highest vines in Europe are located.