Quite a short stage, at low altitude, very pleasant, with a single small ascent at the end.
For a day, we change altitude and landscape, walking among the vineyards of Valtellina, admiring the Orobie Alps and its highest peak, the sharp Pizzo Coca (3,050 m).
The stage is a variation of the Sentiero Italia (that resumes altitude towards Monte Cancano, and then descends to Prato Valentino). It is preferred for the different landscapes offered by the Strada del Vino, Wine Route, and the cultural (and food and wine!) interest of Teglio.
We take the short uphill path (about 100 m height difference) that leads to the ancient church of Santa Perpetua, located at the entrance to Val Poschiavo. After admiring the beautiful view of Tirano, we continue walking along the Strada del Vino, Wine Route, that runs in ups and downs through the valley, crossing endless rows of neat vineyards. The stretch is truly enjoyable, also thanks to the continuous view to the south of the Orobie Alps, beyond Valtellina. We find beautiful views in the small villages that we crossed (Campagna, Bianzone ...).
Finally, we arrive in the beautiful town of Teglio that gives its name to Valtellina (the inhabitants of Teglio are the Tellini). We strongly recommend a visit to the ancient watchtower, with its panoramic position.
The Wine Road in Valtellina goes from Tirano to Ardenno, winding for 67 km among vineyards, ancient terraces, and skillful cellars. A great way to combine taste and landscapes.
Hundreds of contraband routes open up above the village of Teglio. The practice of smuggling with neighboring Switzerland has affected the area for many decades: first, it was mainly salt, then coffee, and in the 80's cigarettes.
During the Nazi persecution, Jews fled to Switzerland using the same passes (such as Passo Meden) - they were often robbed or sold to the Nazi authorities by the same smugglers.
Mulino di Menaglio, a mill that the Association for the Cultivation of Buckwheat of Teglio and Alpine Cereals has been in charge of since 2012. It takes care of the enhancement of the agricultural traditions of the place with guided visits to the mill and a small production of flour. Registered in the municipality since 1800, it is the last remaining mill of the 10 that were located along the Rogna stream.
The Accademia del Pizzocchero has been located in Teglio since 2002 and it was born from the need to enhance the main dish of Valtellina gastronomy, as a symbol of an ancient culture.
In fact, Teglio is the homeland of pizzoccheri, a dish famous throughout our country: they are a sort of buckwheat tagliatelle (called furmentun) with potatoes, cabbage, casera cheese, and garlic flavored butter.
Valtellina is also a land of excellent red wines, obtained from Nebbiolo vines.
The noblest of the Valtellina wines is Sfursat (or Sforzato di Valtellina), the first Italian dry red passito to have obtained the Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG), in 2003.
Its name derives from the technique implemented to "force" the ripening of the grapes: at the end of the harvest, they are placed on racks (the "fruit lofts") for 3 months in dry and well-ventilated rooms. Withering makes the grapes lose about 40% of its weight, concentrating the best juices and aromas.
Albergo La Rosa, in Teglio. Tel. +39 0342 780164
Casa Giuliana, in Teglio. +39 0342 780219
Rifugio Baita del Sole, in Prato Valentino. Tel. +39 0342 780211
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
