The female component dominates my paradise. My three sisters used to call me Joe and I’m still called Joe by my wife Michela and the four girls of our happy patchwork family. We run the „El Paradiso“ agritourism business situated in the south of Naturno at only a few minutes from the village center since 2010. Our apartments – how could it be otherwise – are named after delicious Val Venosta apple varieties.

We are currently growing 8 different varieties in our own orchards and in the orchards of two other producers who have chosen me as their business manager. Variety has always been important to me and I tried to find the ideal location for each variety. Gala is a rather uncomplicated variety and thus ideal for organic production, whereas Fuji apples require a lot of attention, as they are very susceptible to russeting. I’m also one of just a few organic producers in Val Venosta who grow Granny Smith apples. Our colorful assortment is further supplemented by Topaz, Red Delicious, Bonita, Golden Delicious and Ambrosia, my current favorite variety.

My wife Michela runs a farm snack bar where guests can taste delicious South Tyrolean specialties and a farm shop with many different homegrown and homemade products such as lettuce, bacon, sauerkraut, jam, apple juice and potatoes. My wife comes from Valle Isarco, where the "Tirtlan" have a long tradition and now also find lovers in Val Venosta. She prefers to fill this speciality made of rye and wheat flour with sauerkraut, spinach or ricotta. Sometimes also with potatoes or pumpkin.

Our four girls help my wife and me whenever they can. They especially like planting potatoes. Our guests also feel at ease at our organic farm and ask curiously about our work. They are especially interested in topics such as hail, harvest period and marketing through the cooperative. My wife and I are pleased to tell them about our experiences at our organic farm and it won’t take long until our four girls become motivated ambassadors of Val Venosta’s healthy organic products as well.