It is a fact by now: while visiting a new territory, sensitive and attentive tourists look for total and multi-sensorial experiences, starting from the natural environment to the typical local flavours. Garda is in this sense a territory capable of captivating even the most shrewd gourmet, thanks to its unique combination of Alpine and Mediterranean flavours: after all, this is the northernmost area in the world where capers and lemons are grown, where olive trees are a distinctive feature of the landscape and where viticulture goes back to pre-Roman times.

Needless to say that Garda has very much to offer to wine enthusiasts: from Lugana (one of the most internationally acclaimed Italian white wines, the 80% which is produced for export) to Chiaretto (the sapid and elegant Riviera rosé wine; its method of production was invented exactly 120 years ago by the Venetian Senator Pompeo Molmenti, at Moniga del Garda). Moniga (the home of Chiaretto) hosts every year the June festival “Italian in Rosa” (“Italy in Pink”), the first and most renowned Italian event dedicated entirely to rosé wines. But Garda means also very high quality extra-virgin P.O.D olive oil, delicate and yet incisive in its unique taste, making the most of local cultivars such as Casaliva; this exquisite oil will be perfect in combination with both meat and fish (especially lake fish) dishes. In the mountain pastures of the Upper Garda and Sabbia Valley several delicious types of cheese are produced, such as Tombea, Seasoned Garda, Bagoss and Tremosine Formaggella. And then truffles, cured meats, honey and preserves … The Grand Hotel Gardone blog will regularly post suggestions about the best wine labels, the finest olive oils and food & wine events which will make you discover the best our territory.