The Garda DOC Consortium returns to Vinitaly with "Garda360"

The Garda DOC Consortium is preparing to return to Vinitaly with a packed calendar of events dedicated to discovering the appellation and its terroir. From April 12th to 14th , the Garda DOC stand – Avenue H, Stand 1 – will host a new edition of the Garda DOC Social Tastings , a format that last year proved a huge success among industry professionals, journalists, and wine lovers.

" Vinitaly represents a key opportunity for meeting and engaging with the national and international market. It's an opportunity to explore the identity of our appellation and present the innovations that mark the evolution of Garda DOC ," says Paolo Fiorini, President of the Garda DOC Consortium. " At this edition, we will also present the new regulations for low-alcohol wines, making Garda DOC the first national appellation to introduce this type. Some wines will be available for tasting at the stand, demonstrating the region's ability to innovate while remaining true to its identity ."

The theme chosen for the 2026 edition is GARDA360 , a tasting journey designed to showcase Garda DOC wines along with the elements that make its terroir unique. A unique environment, suspended between the Mediterranean and the Alps, where Lake Garda creates an extraordinary microclimate. The Social Tastings thus become a shared narrative of this natural balance, in which Garda DOC wines are an authentic expression of a complex and harmonious ecosystem.

The tasting program will take visitors through three themed days dedicated to the elements that define Garda's identity. On Sunday, April 12th, the tour will open with " Garda DOC and the Wind, a Perfect System ," a meeting dedicated to the role of the lake's winds, which, alternating throughout the day, contribute to creating an ideal microclimate for growing grapes, olives, and lemons, as well as making Garda a favorite destination for sailors and sports enthusiasts. Monday, April 13th will feature " Garda DOC Breathtaking ," an event exploring the relationship between water, landscape, and breathing: a tasting that intertwines wine, nature, and awareness of breathing, with the contribution of a freediver. On Tuesday, April 14th, the series will conclude with " Garda DOC Underwater. Between the Submerged and Floating Worlds ," a journey to discover the lake's biodiversity and the species that inhabit its waters—from pike to trout, tench to shad—fundamental elements of the balance of the Garda ecosystem. Each day features two tasting sessions, at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM , with small groups of twelve participants per session. The sessions will be led by winemaker and wine communicator Sissi Baratella , who will guide participants through the discovery of three Garda DOC wines paired with some of the finest food and wine specialties: Montasio DOP cheese, Prosciutto Crudo di Cuneo DOP, and Salame di Varzi DOP . Participation in the Social Tastings is free upon registration at the dedicated link.

The story of the Garda region will continue in the historic center of Verona with Vinitaly and the City, where on Sunday, April 12th at 6:15 PM, the Garda DOC Consortium will host a wine talk hosted by Sissi Baratella. This opportunity for discussion and education will showcase the unique character of Garda DOC wines and the profound connection between the lake, the landscape, and the local culture.

The activities are part of the European project Euchronicles, a promotional initiative dedicated to promoting European agri-food excellence, with the aim of strengthening awareness of denominations among operators and consumers.