March 25, 2025 (Sommacampagna) — Anticipation is growing for Vinitaly, which will take place from April 6 to 9 at the Verona Exhibition Center.
A must-attend event for journalists, industry professionals, and wine lovers from around the world, this year’s edition will feature the Garda DOC Consortium as a key player with a rich program of events.
Inside the area (Avenue H, Stand 1), various activities will take place, some aimed at the public and others at the press.
“The Garda DOC Consortium will take center stage at this edition of Vinitaly with an intense and diverse schedule,” says Paolo Fiorini, President of the Garda DOC Consortium. “Our aim is to tell the story of our Denomination through the voices of those who live, love, and produce in this extraordinary land. Our innovative format includes meetings in a dedicated lounge and tastings at our Social Tasting, featuring themed discussions and pairings designed to offer wine enthusiasts a unique journey of discovery through our remarkable region.”
“Our territory is rich in nuances,” adds Carlo Alberto Panont, Director of the Garda DOC Consortium. “Through these events, we want to share our region with all those attending Vinitaly. We believe that hearing from those who live and deeply understand this land is the best way to convey the incredible variety of the Garda DOC winegrowing area.”
Social Media Engagement and Exclusive Tastings
Each day, oenologist and wine communicator Sissi Baratella will conduct social media interviews in a convivial space styled in the Garda DOC aesthetic. These interviews will feature not only producers but also journalists, opinion leaders, and figures from the worlds of sports and gastronomy. Using the simple question “May I offer you a Garda DOC?” as a conversation starter, Sissi will engage guests in discussions about the consortium’s wines, the region, and its wine tourism offerings—naturally, accompanied by a glass of Garda DOC.
Social Tasting: Sharing, Community, and Participation
Themes of sharing, conviviality, and engagement will also take center stage at the Social Tables: curated tastings and food pairings where, from April 6 to 9, Garda DOC wines will be paired with outstanding Italian gastronomic products such as Montasio DOP cheese, Crudo di Cuneo DOP ham, and Salame Varzi DOP.
These unique tasting experiences, led by Sissi Baratella in her fresh and contemporary style, are designed for a select audience of wine lovers and industry professionals.
The Garda DOC Consortium stand will be Vinitaly’s living room, where visitors can immerse themselves in the aromas, colors, and flavors of a unique landscape stretching between Lombardy and Veneto. Protected by mountains and overlooking Italy’s largest lake, the Garda DOC wine production area spans the provinces of Brescia, Mantua, and Verona. Over time, the area’s special climatic conditions have shaped the characteristics of the various grape varieties grown here, defining the uniqueness of its wines.
Beyond the Stand: Engagement Through out the Event and Verona’s Historic Center
In addition to events at the stand for sommeliers, journalists, and industry professionals, the Garda DOC Consortium will engage the broader public both at the Verona Fiere exhibition centre and in the historic center of Verona.
From April 6 to 9, visitors to the Garda DOC stand will be featured in video interviews, reels, and stories shared across the Consortium’s social media channels. Additionally, on the evening of April 4, Garda DOC wines will be showcased at Vinitaly and the City, taking place from 8:30 PM to 9:15 PM in the historic Cortile del Mercato Vecchio.
This unmissable event invites wine enthusiasts to immerse themselves in an extraordinary atmosphere through tastings, encounters with producers, and live performances.
The evening’s theme: Garda DOC: In the Name of the Grape Variety – Wines of Light, Wind, and Water from Lake Garda. Guests will embark on a sensory and tasting journey through the Garda DOC denomination, from single-varietal wines to blends, from still to sparkling wines—an experience that only the Garda region can offer. A true symphony of flavors and aromas, celebrating the essence of Italy’s largest lake.
A European Quality Initiative
The Garda DOC Consortium is also part of the three-year European Union co-financed project “Eccellenze DOP: A Truly European Savoir-Faire”. This communication campaign aims to strengthen the recognition and visibility of high-quality European agri-food products bearing the DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) label, while also enhancing their competitiveness and consumption within the European Union.
The program, which involves Italy, Germany, and Austria, includes a series of initiatives designed to increase awareness and appreciation of these products in the three target markets.
