Situated off the beaten track in the picturesque Sarentino Valley in South Tyrol, Terra is a haven for gourmands and epicureans. A former ski chalet, Auener Hof was previously owned by Henrich’s grandfather. In the 1990s it was redeveloped into a restaurant-hotel, enabling Heinrich and his sister Gisele – a qualified sommelier – to create one of Italy’s most unique dining and hospitality experiences. Awarded a Michelin star in 2009, Terra is now considered one of the finest eateries in South Tyrol.

The beautiful dining room has been designed to seamlessly blend in with the restaurant's natural surroundings. Textured wooden panels line the walls, birch trees spring up from the floor and panoramic windows provide stunning views of the Sarentino Valley. Terra’s serving staff are attentive but unobtrusive, presenting Heinrich’s creations on beautiful plates designed by local artists. For those wanting to extend their stay, the hotel has sixteen beautifully styled guest rooms.

The food at Terra is inspired by nature. Heinrich is an expert forager and is often seen with his wicker basket, collecting a fresh batch of wild herbs and grasses from the woods. The menu is regularly adapted to match the season and availability of wild ingredients. Heinrich's cooking style is modern and refined, but also unfussy and light-hearted. There are two tasting menus to choose from, one with nine courses, the other sixteen. Guests can expect classic north Italian dishes as well as intriguing flavour combinations such as Beetroot sorbet with lavender mousse and Birch ice cream with black bean paste.

Gisela has assembled a wine cellar with over 1,000 labels, making it one of the best in the region. In 2008 Auener Hof was awarded the prize for South Tyrolean viniculture in recognition of its promotion of small local producers and micro-distilleries. Diners can either pick out their own bottle from the wine cellar or entrust Gisela to create the perfect wine pairing for them.