Tortèl&Gropèl

A festival dedicated to the signature dish of Val di Non

Tortèl&Gropèl is the culinary highlight of winter in Val di Non, Trentino-Alto Adige, extending into the nearby Val di Sole. Promoted by the Val di Non Tourist Board, the festival centers on two local icons: the potato tortèl, the valley's most cherished and identity-defining specialty, and Groppello, a native red wine often called the 'heroic' grape of Val di Non.

The tortèl and the Groppello pairing

The potato tortèl is a thin, crispy potato fritter served on shared platters. Diners customize their meal with a variety of local delicacies: lucanica sausage, speck, mortadella, and carne salada, served alongside cabbage salad with borlotti beans. Each restaurant offers its own unique twist, often adding sauerkraut, homemade preserves, or traditional desserts.

The dish is paired with Groppello, a red wine produced by a handful of families on steep, terraced slopes overlooking Lake Santa Giustina. Cultivated in limited quantities, it is prized for its elegance, spicy notes, and vibrant acidity, making it the ideal companion for the rich, crispy tortèl.

Participating restaurants and the Municipality of Contà

The festival involves a network of restaurants and agritourisms across the Val di Non and Val di Sole valleys. In the Municipality of Contà, two historic venues participate: the Ristorante Centrale in Flavon, which always offers a gluten-free option, and the Ristorante Pizzeria Castel Corona in Cunevo. While most venues are open on weekends, some remain active daily with varying hours; direct booking with the chosen restaurant is always recommended.

Cooking masterclasses

During the festival, on Saturday afternoons, local wineries host cooking masterclasses dedicated to the art of making tortèi. Under the guidance of a professional chef, participants learn the secrets of the recipe, concluding the session with a final tasting paired with local wine—a unique opportunity to discover the rural traditions behind this iconic dish.

A winter of taste in Val di Non

Between tastings, social dining, and masterclasses, Tortèl&Gropèl is more than just a meal: it is a journey into the gastronomic identity of Val di Non, its wineries, and its restaurants. In the heart of the Trentino winter, this event invites locals and visitors alike to sit down and rediscover the authentic flavors of the 'valley of apples'.