Garda DOC 2024, a positive balance

to make known to an ever wider audience not only the wines but also the heritage of Lake Garda, a unique microcosm surrounded by mountains and caressed by an ideal Mediterranean microclimate. The events, seminars, masterclasses and meetings in the USA, England and Italy have given us the opportunity to enhance the wines of the Garda DOC and the excellence of a territory evocative of a 'unique' lifestyle that is increasingly characterized by a synergy of values and the search for unique experiences by the consumer. In an increasingly global market, the appreciation received from enthusiasts, operators and journalists fills us with pride and motivates us to continue on the path we have undertaken.”

“The past year has been very intense, full of appointments, meetings and activities, but above all of qualitative growth and awareness..” he added Carlo Alberto Panont, Director of the Garda Consortium DOC “We are very satisfied that the companies have decided to accept the challenge launched by the Consortium and that they are increasingly embracing the project. A challenge that is certainly intriguing but that has given excellent results not only for the DOC Garda wines but for the promotion of the entire economic fabric of Lake Garda”.

 Among the most important projects stands out the annual edition of Garda Wine Stories, the event dedicated to the press which hosted journalists from Italy, Germany, Austria, USA, UK and Switzerland in the splendid sites of Lake Garda.
2024 saw the Consortium engaged through important international fairs and events such as: ProWein in Germany and Sparkling Wine Forum in Brescia, consolidating its presence in the markets through masterclasses, conferences, educational courses and dedicated tastings.
The United States remains a strategic focus, with initiatives for industry professionals and the press in New York, curated by wine expert Susannah Gold. In parallel, the United Kingdom was the focus of events in collaboration with The Drinks Business, while in Central Europe, activities in Switzerland, Germany and Austria stand out.

At a national level, in addition to the consortium stand at Vinitaly with a stand that we recall is located outside pavilions 3 and 5, animated daily by interventions, tastings and masterclasses, the Consortium has strengthened its presence through projects such as the Colnago Cycling Festival, organized in synergy with the Lugana and Valtènesi Consortia and the Strada dei vini e dei Sapori del Garda, thus strengthening a union between wine tourism and the territory that sees Lake Garda as the protagonist of the national scene.
There are also many activities aimed at promoting the excellence of the area and the DOC Garda wines, including collaborations with AIS Brescia, AIS Mantova, ONAV Brescia, ONAV Verona as well as AS.CO.VI.LO and Grana Padano on the occasion of the Wine in Veniceand who saw, in the magical city of Venice, a walk around tasting, during which industry professionals, press and enthusiasts were able to taste the Consortium's wines in a unique atmosphere.

Synergy with ASCOVILO which materialized in the realization of multiple activities during 2024 including a tasting and two masterclasses organized by the Gambero Rosso magazine in the exclusive location of the Hotel Melia during which guests had the opportunity to preview the DOC Garda excellences awarded with the prestigious "Tre Bicchieri".
A year full of events that have strengthened the union between wine, territory, sport and culture such as the “Festivaletteratura” of Mantua or the participation in the event, held in the Triennale in November, of presentation to 250 national and foreign journalists of the territories that will host “Milano Cortina 2026”.
Not only promotional activities dedicated to the press and professionals, but also events for the general public such as Inn Verona held in the city centre, Meran Wine Festival, an event of international importance, or Street Wine Garda These were occasions that involved wine lovers, enthusiasts and the curious.

In line with the strategic plan for positioning and consolidating DOC Garda wines and the territory, the Consortium has also invested in the creation of promotional materials and innovative campaigns, such as the video “Vino al Vento” with Sissi Baratella and social communications created with influencers and partners in the food sector.
In 2024, the activity of the Garda DOC Consortium was not limited only to the promotion but also to the study of the Garda winemaking system. Important analyses, such as “Garda DOC: the strength of an integrated and innovative area system” were conducted by the University of Verona and the University of Padua, with the support of CIRVE, to provide a socioeconomic and production framework of the Garda DOC.