For now, Covid forbids us holidays in the wild places of exotic countries, but our Italy can also offer the opportunity for a free-range holiday, if not really wild (as the most daring would like); and an example is offered by the farms of Alto Adige, or South Tyrol if you prefer, that is the typical mountain houses of the farmers and shepherds of the past, now partially adapted but without losing the charm of the period.
Gallo Rosso is the brand that since 1999 has promoted and encouraged the activity of over 1,500 farmhouses in South Tyrol and which belongs to the Union of Farmers and Direct South Tyrolean Cultivators (Südtiroler Bauernbund). What does this type of holiday offer? From the parent company they describe it like this, with a little poetry: “In spring the nature that surrounds the Red Rooster farms awakens, coloring the landscape with bright colors: green meadows, blue sky, multicolored flowers. The hens begin to come out of the hen house to scratch around in the farmyard and the newborn puppies begin to take their first uncertain steps: calves, kittens, bunnies, dogs are all ready to receive cuddles and attention. The sun warms with greater intensity, restoring the body from the winter numbness. The farmers of the farms prepare the apartments to welcome their guests in the best possible way and even start working in the fields again, now that the snow has melted ”.
The classification of farms that offer accommodation (Agriturismo in South Tyrol) is organized in flowers, from 1 to 5; the higher the number of flowers, the more numerous are the criteria satisfied by the structure. In addition, the Association supports the work of over 100 farms that are dedicated to peasant catering (Masi con Gusto), authentic craftsmanship (Peasant crafts) and the production of genuine gastronomic products (Sapori del maso). Since its origins, the main purpose of Gallo Rosso has been to support the farmers of the farms in the development of activities to complement agriculture. The philosophy of the Red Rooster Association is “Bringing people closer to the lifestyle of South Tyrolean farmers”.
For more information on the Red Rooster: www.gallorosso.it