THE NEW PROJECT THAT BRINGS TOGETHER THE CONSORTIA OF LAKE GARDA
Paris, February 2025 _ Lake Garda Wines is a new project born from the desire of the Bardolino, Custoza, Garda, Lugana, and Valtènesi Consortia to promote the wines and the territory surrounding Lake Garda under a unified image. It is a synergy among various Denominations, all united by the goal of enhancing an extraordinary viticultural heritage and spreading the quality and authenticity of the wines from this area around the world.
With its unique microclimate, biodiversity, and centuries-old winemaking tradition, Lake Garda offers an ideal environment for producing wines that are both evocative and deeply rooted in the local culture.
Fabio dei Micheli, President of the Bardolino DOC, emphasizes this aspect, explaining how the Lake Garda Wines project represents an opportunity to promote not just the wines but also the identity of the region, focusing on quality, tradition, and innovation. “Working together with the other consortia,” says dei Micheli, “means strengthening the visibility of our wines and building a common message that highlights our climate’s unique vocation as an increasingly distinct and recognizable model of quality, consolidating it as a hub for winemaking excellence worldwide.”
This idea of collaboration, which respects the uniqueness of each Denomination, is echoed in the words of Roberta Bricolo, President of the Custoza DOC. “Five consortia unite to face the challenges of the global market with determination and cohesion,”comments Bricolo. “This alliance not only optimizes resources but enhances the authenticity of our region, strategically combining forces for greater international recognition.”
This concept is further affirmed by Paolo Fiorini, President of the Garda DOC, who highlights how the Lake Garda Wines project is a real opportunity to strengthen the region’s presence in foreign markets, particularly in France. “We are not only promoting our wines,” explains Fiorini, “but also the cultural and landscape heritage that makes Lake Garda a unique place, capable of evoking unparalleled emotions.”
For his part, Fabio Zenato, President of the Lugana DOC, underscores the importance of joining forces to tell the story of Lake Garda and its winemaking traditions. “With this project,” Zenato says, “we aim to strengthen the winemaking identity of each Denomination while also conveying a collective vision that embraces sustainability, innovation, and a shared commitment to the future of wine.”
The idea of cooperation looking toward the future is made even more evident by the words of Paolo Pasini, President of the Valtènesi: “From any point of view, Lake Garda is a fundamental trait in the DNA of all wines that originate from its unique microclimate. Uniting the Consortia and Denominations is the best way to make the world aware of the beauty that sustains us. Thanks to Lake Garda Wines,” says Pasini, “we tell the story of a region that has been producing wines for centuries, wines that are indissolubly tied to its nature, culture, and traditions.”
The desire for synergy among the Bardolino, Custoza, Garda, Lugana, and Valtènesi Consortia represents a virtuous example of cooperation. A synergy that enables them to face the challenges of an increasingly demanding global market with more significant impact and competitiveness. The unified approach and the sharing of a strong identity will amplify the visibility of the wines while fully enhancing the qualities and characteristics of each Denomination.
Lake Garda Wines at Wine Paris 2025 to present the Excellence of Lake Garda
The Lake Garda Wines coalition and more than 30 companies from the different Consortia are featured in a single stand at Vinexpo —Wine Paris 2025 from February 10 to 12: Pavilion 6, Stand C158. The presidents of the Consortia presented this synergy on Monday, the 10th, at 2.30 PM, with a selection of the most representative labels from the various Denominations, offering the press and industry professionals the opportunity to explore the variety and quality of wines from these extraordinary areas.
Consorzio Vini Bardolino DOC
Bardolino DOC is a wine denomination located along the eastern shore of Lake Garda in Veneto, characterized by extraordinary climatic and landscape variety. The area produces excellent wines such as Chiaretto di Bardolino, Bardolino, and Bardolino Sottozone, all expressions of the native Corvina Veronese grape. The production, involving 16 municipalities, has a winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, with significant evolution in the 20th century. The Protection Consortium, which has been active since 1969, promotes and safeguards the quality and identity of Bardolino through wine tourism that highlights the landscape and local culture.
Consorzio Tutela Vino Custoza DOC
The Custoza land between Verona and Lake Garda is rich in history, culture, and tradition. Custoza is a contemporary and elegant white wine made from a blend of native grapes, mainly Garganega, Bianca Fernanda, and Trebbianello. Known for its freshness in the basic version, it stands out for its longevity and complexity in the Superiore and Riserva versions. The Denomination was founded in 1971 to protect this wine, and the Protection Consortium was established in 1972. The production area covers nine municipalities between the city and the lake. It hosts numerous historical and natural routes, making it ideal for food and wine tourism, offering unforgettable experiences among vineyards and local traditions.
Consorzio Garda DOC
The Garda DOC Consortium promotes and protects wines from a unique region in climate, geography, and tradition. Established in 1996 to enhance varietal wines produced in the 10 historical production zones of the Garda area, Garda DOC celebrates a winemaking heritage rooted in antiquity, with viticulture developing on moraine soils and a temperate climate favourable to quality production. In addition to varietal wines, the Denomination has included sparkling wines since 2016, responding to market trends. The Consortium represents 250 producers and 2,800 hectares of vineyards and aims to consolidate the reputation of Garda as an area of winemaking excellence through events like “Garda Wine Stories.” Its mission is to strengthen the bond between wine and the territory, promoting biodiversity and scientific research to improve production quality and sustainability.
Consorzio Lugana DOC
Lugana DOC is located among the hills surrounding Lake Garda, where the clayey soil and mild climate favour the cultivation of Turbiana. This native grape produces fresh, elegant, and long-lived wines. The Denomination, recognized in 1967 and regulated by the Consortium since 1990, now covers 2,600 hectares with 214 producers, exporting over 60% of its production to 65 countries. Lugana wine is known for its various expressions, from fresh and young versions to complex reserves. The Consortium also promotes sustainable practices and growing wine tourism, offering immersive experiences in wineries and certified wine routes. The Lugana territory, rich in history and beauty, is an ideal destination for wine, culture, and wellness enthusiasts.
Consorzio Valtènesi
Valtènesi, the area on the Brescia side of Lake Garda, is known for its light, juicy wines. Facing the sunrise, Valtènesi enjoys cool nights, gentle breezes, and sunny mornings. The mild climate and the influence of the lake create an ideal environment for viticulture, where historical tradition and winemaking methods codified by Senator Pompeo Molmenti in 1897 intertwine with innovation. The terroir is characterized by family-owned wineries that pass down the art of high-quality viticulture, linked to native grape varieties of rare delicacy. The Valtènesi Consortium protects rosés, reds, sparkling wines, and whites from the Valtènesi – Riviera del Garda Classico Denomination, the Bianco San Martino della Battaglia DOC, and all expressions of the IGT Benaco Bresciano. The gentle hills of Valtènesi are rich in beauty and culture, as attested by the great poets who have celebrated the area’s charm, creating a unique “sweet life” experience reflected in its wines.