Olea 2001: Showcase of Olive Oil Quality and Tradition at Lake Garda
There are about twenty manufacturing companies participating in “Olea 2001,” the 5th edition of the Regional Showcase dedicated to high-quality extra virgin olive oil, scheduled from June 15 to 17 in the historic center of San Felice del Benaco. An event that is continuously developing, intended to promote one of the most typical and unique products of our lake regions, which is olive oil promoted by the municipal administration in collaboration with AIPOL (Italian Association of Olive Oil Producers).
Event Presentation and Objectives
Giovanni Mazzoldi, the president of AIPOL, emphasized during the program presentation meeting that the San Felice event “was created to highlight the most valuable product of Lake Garda: extravirgin olive oil. But how does one recognize, choose, and consume it?” – Mazzoldi asked.
“The answer can be found by visiting this ‘DOP Oil Three-Day Event,’ where it will be possible to buy oil directly from the most qualified and all certified producers. It will also be possible to taste and compare the various oils live, through those extraordinary dishes specially prepared by the participating restaurateurs.”
Activities and Participants in the Event
Within this framework, six restaurants—Primavera, Baia, Rio Verde, Agriturismo in Serra, La Pignata, Cantina De La Mirleta—will offer, from June 10 to 17, a menu priced between 38,000 and 65,000 lire, with Lake Garda oil as the true protagonist.
In the square, at the heart of the exhibition area, on the altar of the parish church, visitors will be able to sample and enjoy typical dishes seasoned with Garda DOP olive oil.
For the occasion, a gastronomic area has been created, coordinated by Giordano Rosina, chef at Piccolo Grill di Portese, who with his staff will prepare a complete selection of truly delicious and exceptional dishes.
Some campsites will be involved on June 11 and 14 in promoting typical local dishes with extra virgin olive oil: this year, Europa-Silvella and Eden will be featured.
These choices are not incidental, as they rotate annually among the nine campsites within the municipal territory, to showcase to visitors the value and qualities of this local “precious product.”
Origins and Traditions of Olive Oil in the Area
The territory of San Felice del Benaco has been linked to olive cultivation for centuries, as evidenced since 879 by a diploma from Carlomanno addressed to the Zenon Monks of Verona.
Program of Events
The rich schedule will commence at 6:00 pm on Friday, June 15, with the opening of stalls and the bonsai exhibition.
On Saturday afternoon, there will be a panel discussion on quality DOP olive oil, followed by a theater performance “La Balda de l’oio bù” with the Le Betulle group at 7:00 pm.
Sunday is the highlight day, with the official inauguration and the awards ceremony for a competition—the first of its kind in Italy—for packaging bottles of quality extra virgin olive oil, won by a Parmese participant among 61 entries.
In the afternoon, an interesting and lively “bala” tournament will take place, a game once very popular in Lake Garda areas, now mainly played only in Valle Sabbia. It is similar to tamburello but played with a hand wrapped like a racket.
Of course, all evenings will be lively with musical groups and orchestras performing in the square for dancing.
