Lake Garda Wines: five consortia, one powerful way forward
Trade / People

Lake Garda Wines: five consortia, one powerful way forward

February 5, 2025
Editorial Staff

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and one of Europe’s most fascinating tourist destinations. It is located in northern Italy, spanning the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. With its crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages, and unique microclimate, this area offers an authentic experience that blends nature, culture, and gastronomy. But another element that makes Lake Garda an unmissable destination for food and wine enthusiasts is its wine.

Lake Garda Wines: five Consortia united

Recently, the five prestigious Consortia of Bardolino, Custoza, Garda, Lugana, and Valtènesi have joined forces to create Lake Garda Wines. This ambitious project aims to promote the region’s esteemed denominations through a unified effort, highlighting the quality of the wines and the cultural and scenic identity surrounding them.

Lake Garda Wines: five consortia, one powerful way forward
Lake Garda Wines: five consortia, one powerful way forward

Lake Garda’s unique microclimate, rich biodiversity, and centuries-old winemaking tradition provide the perfect conditions for producing distinctive wines. Each denomination—Bardolino, Custoza, Garda, Lugana, and Valtènesi—carries its unique history and tradition, enriching the wine landscape with varieties and characteristics that reflect the region’s essence.

This project is not merely a commercial collaboration but a profound commitment to preserving and enhancing Lake Garda’s cultural heritage by promoting its wines internationally. As Fabio dei Micheli, President of the Bardolino DOC Consortium, emphasises, Lake Garda Wines serves as a platform to elevate the quality and authenticity of local wines while combining tradition with innovation. “Working together with the other consortia strengthens the visibility of our wines and helps build a unified message that showcases our unique climatic vocation as a model of quality. This solidifies our region as a centre of oenological excellence recognised worldwide.”

Enhancing Lake Garda’s wine future

Press Conference in Milan
Press Conference in Milan

Roberta Bricolo, President of the Custoza DOC Consorzio, highlights the importance of this alliance in the global market, where unity among the consortia helps optimise resources and reinforce the region’s authentic identity: “Five consortia are coming together to face the challenges of the global market with determination and cohesion,” says Bricolo. “This alliance not only optimises resources but also enhances the authenticity of our region, strategically combining forces for greater international recognition.”

Paolo Fiorini, President of the Garda DOC Consorzio, adds that this project is not just about promoting the wines but also about showcasing the rich cultural and scenic heritage of Lake Garda, evoking unparalleled emotions among wine lovers worldwide.

For Fabio Zenato, President of the Lugana DOC Consorzio, collaboration among the consortia is crucial for conveying a collective vision of sustainability and innovation—key elements for the future of winemaking in the region. Paolo Pasini, President of the Valtènesi Consortium, underscores how this partnership is the best way to introduce the world to the beauty and expressive diversity of Lake Garda’s wines.

The commitment of the Bardolino, Custoza, Garda, Lugana, and Valtènesi Consortia to working together represents a virtuous example of cooperation in the wine industry. This strategic approach allows them to tackle the growing challenges of an increasingly demanding global market with greater effectiveness and competitiveness. By uniting under a strong shared identity, they will amplify their wines’ visibility while fully enhancing each denomination’s unique qualities and characteristics.

More details about the five consortia:

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