He never really left, but now it's official and his years of wandering have come to an end: our Patrick has returned home and will be contributing all his skills and knowledge to the family business. Here you can read a three-way conversation and Patrick's personal tips for your vacation in the Schnalstal Valley.
A cozy, balmy summer evening. Nature reaches deep into its bag of tricks: the last rays of the sun gently kiss the alpine meadows, bathing them in golden light. The freshly mown grass exudes its unmistakable aromatic scent and the crickets begin their festive concert. In this idyllic setting, I asked Patrick to join me for a chat on the old bench in front of my farmhouse door. It was supposed to be a conversation between men. If it hadn't been for our Andrea. Luckily! Because, modest as he is, Patrick would have finished talking in two and a half minutes. Thanks to Andrea, you can now enjoy some secrets that have been revealed:
Oberraindlhof: Where do you feel most at home, Patrick?
Patrick: (Without hesitation) “In the wine cellar. And in the evening during the service madness” (he draws quotation marks in the air). “Because that's where I can fully indulge my passion for wine. I love nothing more than serving the best wines to our guests.”
At that moment, Andrea comes around the corner, sits down next to Patrick on the bench and adds enthusiastically: "Patrick sets himself a goal every day. For example, to sell a wine that he hasn't recommended for a long time or of which there is only one bottle left. Or three of the same wines, or, or, or... I think it's brilliant how he motivates himself every day in such a playful way! It's also a pleasure to watch Patrick at work in the afternoon: he serves our guests the very best stories with their coffee and cake! This is a real asset. Patrick used to work in other good establishments in South Tyrol, and as a graduate of the provincial vocational school for hospitality, the service professional was a man in demand. His “baby” is a winter child. The Platzlbar in Kurzras is buzzing during the ski season, and the famous bear never leaves to step.
Oberraindlhof: From drinking to eating. Which Schnals Valley dish is your favorite?
Patrick: “The ‘Schöpserne’ – the traditional roast Schnals lamb. It belongs to the house like the gutter belongs to the roof, and a good drop of wine is a must. That's why I like to recommend the ‘Composition Reif’ from Unterganzner in Bolzano.”
Andrea: "As a teenager, Patrick often came home late (early) and was hungry after a night of drinking. What he always found: Schnals noodles with lamb ragout or Schöpsernes. Often the kitchen staff searched in vain for the food that Patrick had polished off at dawn.
Oberraindlhof: What is your personal tip for our guests, Patrick?
Patrick: “Do nothing. Enjoy the day as it comes. Sleep late, use the wellness area, read a good book and finally: take part in a wine tasting with Helmuth.”
Andrea: “It's so nice to see how Patrick soaks up all the information and wine knowledge that Helmuth passes on. Not only in his head, but sometimes also from the glass. I admire him very much for this, because he can ALWAYS remember everything when it comes to wine.”
