Santa Margherita Gastronomic Week (Sarnar Morgreti Essn)

The Santa Margherita Gastronomic Week in Val Sarentino

The Santa Margherita Gastronomic Week, referred to by locals as Sarnar Morgreti Essn, is a historic culinary event in Val Sarentino, the valley nestled in the heart of South Tyrol, north of Bolzano. The name derives from Morgreti, the dialectal form of Margaret: the feast of Saint Margaret from the agricultural calendar, celebrated in early July, gives its name to this period dedicated to fine dining.

Where it takes place

The heart of the event is the Reinswald area (San Martino in Sarentino), a mountain locality in the municipality of Sarentino, in the province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige region. Here, various restaurants and mountain huts join the initiative, offering special menus and dishes created specifically for the occasion for about ten days. Participating venues have historically included the Bärenstube Restaurant, the Pichlberg hut, the Boutique Hotel Kircher, and the Sunnolm.

What to eat

Each establishment chooses its own gastronomic theme: some focus on fish, others on mountain herbs, while some highlight veal or other local ingredients. The goal is to showcase the valley's typical products and South Tyrolean culinary traditions, with offerings ranging from rustic mountain fare to more refined preparations. The week is also linked to a popular raffle: guests who sample the specialities at participating venues are automatically entered into a prize draw.

A Sarentino tradition

Organized by the Reinswalder Bergbahnen company, the event is a summer classic in Val Sarentino and is part of the valley's rich calendar of events, alongside the Val Sarentino Festival and numerous village feasts. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover the hospitality and cuisine of one of South Tyrol's most authentic and secluded valleys, located just a few kilometers from Bolzano yet still deeply connected to its centuries-old customs and traditions.