Farm holidays
Organic farming out of conviction
Demeter farm in South Tyrol
We work according to the motto: “We have borrowed the earth from our children.” This is exactly why Erich and Anna decided in 1985 to start organic farming in the parental business and convert the farm to bio-dynamic cultivation according to Demeter guidelines – just as we continue to operate the farm today.
Horses, ponies, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs are at home here, while apple cultivation plays a central role in everyday farm life.
Demeter guidelines
Bio-dynamic cultivation
Rudolf Steiner was the founder of Waldorf education, which he outlined in his work “Agricultural Course.” The Demeter guidelines for bio-dynamic cultivation adhere to this work. This means the farm is viewed as a holistic organism and is managed in natural cycles without chemical aids. This concept convinced Anna and Erich that Demeter is the most holistic path into the future. This also includes the use of preparations that act on the soil and plants similarly to homeopathic remedies. Cosmic rhythms also play an important role in the management of the fields.
Bio-Vinschgau
Organic apple cultivation
Erich founded the „Bio-Vinschgau“ brand in 1997 and served as its first chairman. At that time, “organic” was still in its infancy. He was heavily involved in sales and promotion and through his passion helped to give birth to the project. In 1999, Erich also founded the small cooperative “Venusta” with three friends to boost the distribution of Demeter apples. This project was discontinued after 4 years, as the advantages of the well-organized “Bio-Vinschgau” cooperative prevailed. After this period, Erich joined the representative circle for bio-dynamic agriculture to actively promote the development of Demeter farming worldwide. In 2019, his eldest son Kaj, who already manages his parents’ apple business, took over the position in the representative circle and has since been providing new impulses as fresh blood.
Anna’s organic cottage garden
Vegetables with heart and passion
While Erich further developed Demeter farming on a large scale, Anna took care of our cottage garden and the farmyard. From spring to autumn, vegetables from our garden are served at the table, preserved, and boiled down or reduced to provide the farm residents with delicacies all year round. Since 2010, Anna has also been supplying the neighbouring Bio-Landhotel Anna, run by Kaj’s brother Stefan, with fresh herbs. A true cottage garden offers nourishment for body and soul, which is why the garden overflows with blossoms from spring to autumn. Alongside us, numerous beneficial insects also find their place here. Meanwhile, the next generation is already working in the garden – continuing the cycle.
Homemade from our apples
Homemade apple juice and apple cider
It all started with apple juice for personal use. When we hosted our first guests, one thing led to another, and the first small production of apple juice began. Time passed, production grew, the children grew older, and eventually, the apple juice was fermented, tasted, and approved. When young farmer Kaj wrote his Master of Agriculture thesis on the subject, the next step followed: our Demeter apple cider was born – which can, of course, be tasted and purchased directly at our farm.
During your holiday and for home
Organic products from our farm
Regional and homemade products such as cheese, bacon, smoked beef, sausages, fruit spreads, fruit juices, and seasonal fresh fruit can be tasted and purchased directly at our organic farm Vill. Furthermore, the Bio-Landhotel Anna features its own café with a beautiful sun terrace, serving homemade cakes, tarts or flans, and delicious ice cream sundaes. It is the ideal place to spend pleasant hours with friends over snacks and drinks.
Depending on the season, you can enjoy delicious breakfast and dinner at the Bio-Landhotel Anna right next to our organic farm Vill upon request. We are also happy to prepare packed lunches or a hearty “Marende” snack (a South Tyrolean afternoon snack with an Italianised name) with our own organic farm products.
