The Food and Wine Route at Lake Garda
Embark on a journey through the world of scents, colours and delights at Lake Garda. From Brescia to Verona, travelling along the various routes by bike or car is a real paradise for wine connoisseurs and lovers of good food and fun! Lake Garda's Food and Wine Route has existed since 2011 and allows you to get to know the history, art and culture of the area through a unique and exciting culinary journey.
Here, you will discover the typical dishes and products of the region and the wines from the countryside of the west of Lake Garda. About 100 companies are involved in this tour, including wineries, olive oil producers, agritourism, restaurants, artisans, municipalities and cultural associations, foundations and museums.
Product tastings along the Food and Wine Route
The area around the Food and Wine Road of west Lake Garda includes the cultivation and production areas of the three wines with Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC): Lugana, Garda Classico and San Martino della Battaglia. Another well-known product is the quality extra-virgin olive oil with a protected designation of origin (DOP). Thanks to its low acidity, it's particularly easy to digest and therefore highly appreciated.
At Lake Garda, you'll not only find first-class wines and olive oils. The lake also offers excellent freshwater fish such as trout, eels, vendace, pike, perch or bass, carp, sardine and onion fish, which are lovingly and delicately prepared by the restaurants in the area for their delicious fish dishes.
Also of the highest quality are the fresh and matured cheeses such as the Grana Padano, the Provolone Valpadana both bearing the DOP seal, the Garda variety, the Formaggelle of the Valtenesi and those of Tremosine. Other excellent products of Lake Garda are the white and black truffles from the Valtenesi and the cured meats, such as the Soppressa Bresciana and many excellent salami varieties. The Mediterranean climate at Lake Garda also allows the cultivation of lemons and cedars.
The Tour Routes
The different routes run from the east of the city of Brescia on the west of Lake Garda to Verona. You travel five roads by car and another six by bike.
If you prefer to travel part of the route by bike, you will pass wineries, olive groves, meadows and forests and enjoy a leisurely bike ride.
Those wishing to embark on a voyage of discovery to the most beautiful and hidden corners of Lake Garda, the Food and Wine Route is a worthwhile alternative to the touristy and most popular holiday destinations.
To ensure there's something for every taste and different needs are met, you can individually design the routes — this tour tailoring results in day trips with visits to wineries, oil producers and gardeners or even tours over several days, which are all about art and culture.
As a complement the food and wine along the routes, it's worthwhile to visit castles, villas and historic estates, archaeological excavations and mystical religious sites. Sports lovers and active people also have opportunities to practice their favourite sports between locations.
And, of course, the surrounding mountain landscape, the hills and valleys, the numerous rivers and the magnificent Lake Garda can only enhance the journey!
Additional information:
Palazzo del Turismo, Piazzale Porto Vecchio, 34 - Desenzano del Garda (Bs)
Tel +39 030 9990402
www.stradadeivini.it