The Taste of Winter at Schlosshotels & Herrenhäuser!
Authentic Cuisine, Unique Experiences
Winter Culinary Journeys through Schlosshotels & Herrenhäuser
As snow blankets the landscape in a sparkling winter wonderland and the crisp, cold air carries a hint of seasonal magic, the desire for a place that combines warmth, comfort, and indulgence awakens. During this time of deceleration, not only are rest and well-being front and center, but also culinary delights that capture the essence of winter. Whether after a long winter hike alongside a Carinthian lake or through the Black Forest, after a family skiing expedition in the Dolomites or a full day spent on the cross-country trails of Pustertal – pure delectation awaits you in a cozy setting that is quite beyond compare. At our Schlosshotels, regional traditions meld with the sophistication of modern culinary artistry.
This blog post invites you to explore the wintry delicacies of select Schlosshotels. Where centuries-old walls meet modern elegance, a cuisine unfolds that lends the wintertime a flavor all its own. Immerse yourself in the delectable delights of Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio, the See-Villa on Millstätter See, the Strasserwirt, and Hotel Alte Post. Welcome to the mouthwatering winter indulgence of Schlosshotels!
Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio: A Tradition of Fine Dining in the Dolomites
Eat well. Drink exquisitely. At Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio in Innichen, nestled amidst the wintry splendor and sporting opportunities of the Drei Zinnen region, 550 years of history meet contemporary culinary excellence. The Orso Grigio – “The Bear Inn” – is the oldest hospitality establishment in Innichen, the historic town in South Tyrol’s Hochpustertal Valley. Its late-Gothic entrance hall and Biedermeier-style lounge are reminders of its storied past, offering a compelling contrast to the modern dining room and café. Whether you prefer classic, vegetarian, or vegan dishes, dinner at the Boutique & Gourmet Hotel is a nightly indulgence, with cuisine rooted in local traditions as well as seasonal and regional ingredients. One special highlight for guests is the wine cellar together with the wine expertise of host Franz Ladinser.
The Historic Wine Cellar: A Highlight of the House
In the historic wine cellar of the Orso Grigio, the passion of host Franz Ladinser merges with the hotel’s timeless charm. Hidden deep within the oldest walls of the house are over 300 select labels – from classic and premium wines to rare vintages from the world’s finest winegrowing regions. With dedication and expertise, Franz Ladinser curates this exquisite collection and enthusiastically shares his knowledge with guests: every Thursday, the guardian of these treasures opens his vault for a wine tasting. Guests embark on a journey through the world of flavors, with quality and personal taste the focus. Guests are encouraged to sniff, sip, and savor – often with blind tastings to add an element of intrigue. Participation in this exclusive experience is complimentary for hotel residents, while external visitors are likewise welcome to join in for a small fee.
Summer Tip: Indulgence with a View of the Dolomites
In summer, sip on a glass of wine out on the panoramic terrace with a picture-perfect view of the Dolomites.
See-Villa: Fresh-Caught Fish, Wild Game, and Winter Delicacies next to Millstättersee
On the shores of Millstättersee, nestled in the serene winter idyll of Carinthia, the See-Villa reveals its unparalleled charm. Restaurant "1884", awarded three Falstaff forks, delights guests with its modern interpretations of traditional regional dishes and international cuisine.
Winter Specialties by Chef Christian Unterzaucher
In winter, Chef Christian Unterzaucher enchants with dishes that capture the essence of the season: exquisite game from the villa’s own hunting grounds, fresh-caught fish from the lake, and seasonal specialties such as creamy soups and hearty winter dishes. These creations are further enhanced with fresh herbs and vegetables harvested from the hotel’s own garden during the summertime. For the perfect end to a delightful evening, might we suggest a smoky whisky in the comfy lounge, accompanied by breathtaking views of the wintry lake?
In the wine cellar of the “1884,” you are greeted by an exquisite selection of fine wines – from the Tacoli family estate to renowned international varieties and regional gems sourced from meticulously selected wineries. Adding to the charm is the homemade punch served in a heated outdoor tent with views of the glistening lake – a winter experience for all of the senses indeed.
Summer Tip: Dining at the Garden Restaurant
Enjoy light summer dishes and fine wines from the estate’s own winery at the idyllic lakeside garden restaurant. Caressed by the gentle breeze off Millstättersee and with stunning views of its shimmering waters, every visit becomes a summer dream evocative of the Mediterranean.
Strasserwirt: Gourmet Winter Dining in Tyrol
At the Strasserwirt, winter becomes a culinary journey that blends tradition and creativity to perfection. The house’s award-winning kitchen elevates regional ingredients into exquisite gourmet dishes through artisanal mastery. Local ingredients form the backbone of the culinary experience: fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs from their herb garden, trout and char caught in their own fishing waters, and meat from the village butcher. At the Strasserwirt, regionality is not just practiced, but also celebrated at the highest level.
Gourmet Dining for Hotel Guests and Visitors
The culinary indulgence begins in the morning with a sumptuous breakfast buffet featuring homemade treats and regional products. In the afternoon, the patisserie tempts with sweet delights, paired in winter with a warming soup out of a copper kettle. Dinner offers a refined four-course menu with various options, accompanied by home-baked bread from the buffet. The focus is on light, creative gourmet cuisine in tune with the passing seasons. This culinary journey is complemented by a perfectly curated selection of fine Austrian and Italian wines, carefully paired with each dish.
Not only the culinary creations but also the ambiance of the historic parlors, each with a unique character all its own, contribute to the unforgettable dining experience. Whether in the warm, pine-paneled “Blue Oven Parlor,” the charming “Ambrosius Parlor” with its emerald-green accents, or the modern “Parlor 1399,” where history melds with contemporary elegance. Both hotel guests and day visitors are invited to enjoy breakfast and dinner at the Strasserwirt.
Every Friday evening, the “Get Together” is a veritable feast for the senses: beginning with an aperitif, and followed by a festive six-course menu that celebrates the diversity and sophistication of the Strasserwirt’s gourmet tradition.
Poetry for the Palate: Strasserwirt & Friends
A long table, special encounters, a masterful symphony of flavors and artistry: those who value unique epicurean moments, are certain to fall in love with Strasserwirt & Friends – with the next edition taking place in February 2025. In an intimate setting, limited to a maximum of 15 guests, participants are greeted by a surprise menu paired with perfectly matched wines and an artfully conceived side-program. Registration is open effective immediately.
Hotel Alte Post: Sustainable Winter Cuisine in the Markgräflerland
Nestled in the gently rolling hill country of the Markgräflerland at the foot of the Black Forest, the Alte Post combines an idyllic location with its impressive, sustainability-focused cuisine. As Germany’s first eco-hotel, this family-run establishment embodies a philosophy that highlights the bounty of seasonal natural products. Under the leadership of chefs Nicolas Volk and Christoph Dees, the kitchen delivers palate pleasers that blend sustainability, natural ingredients, and creativity in perfect harmony.
Gourmet Winter Moments in the Hebelstube
The Hebelstube, the gourmet restaurant of the Alte Post, is a tribute to regional cuisine with just the right touch of creativity and modern flair. Meat and fish are sourced from humane, sustainable farming, while vegetables come predominantly from Demeter- and organic-certified farms. In winter especially, the kitchen tempts diners with hearty creations such as game dishes, inventive soups, and classic winter specialties. Each dish is complemented by an impressive wine selection from the Markgräflerland and beyond, enthusiastically presented by sommelier Tobias Hunziger.
For groups of 10 to 14, the Alte Post also offers cooking classes on various themes – a wonderful opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at this uniquely creative kitchen.
Summer Tip: The Garden Restaurant – Mediterranean Moments in a Verdant Setting
Whilst the Hebelstube is the perfect retreat for cozy moments of culinary indulgence during wintertime, the garden restaurant at the Alte Post offers a truly special experience of its own in the warmer months. Beneath broad-leaved plane trees, surrounded by a charming farmhouse garden, the flair of Southern Europe blends seamlessly with the charm of the Black Forest. From May to August, guests can enjoy BBQ specialties, light summer dishes, and refreshing beverages in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
Whether in the Tyrolean Alps, the Dolomites, along the shores of Millstättersee, or at the foot of the Black Forest, each one of these historic hotels offers its own array of unique winter flavor experiences. Allow yourself to be captivated by the combination of tradition, innovation, and warm hospitality, and discover just how delicious winter can actually taste!
