Radetzky Arsenal to Host Garda Wine Center and Cultural Events

The Radetzky Arsenal prepares… the corks for the bottles of Garda wines. The former artillery barracks of Porta Verona in Peschiera, commissioned by the Austrian field marshal and built between 1854 and 1857, will become a wine-tourism-cultural center. One of the main attractions will be the wine shop, currently organizing to host the five most renowned wine-producing areas of Garda and the hinterland: Bardolino, Bianco di Custoza, Garda Doc, Lugana, Valdadige – Land of the Forts. The cooperative society Beta, appointed by the Municipality to manage the monumental complex through an agreement, has sent registration documentation to wine producers and social wineries; registration must be received by September 30 at the administrative office in Bussolengo (tel. 0457156901). About the center’s goals for the exhibition and sale of typical products such as wine, oil, grappa, the president of the society Claudio Zanoni states: «The permanent exhibition of the lacustrine enological family and the surrounding territory, accompanied by oil and grape-based distillates, highlights the wine value of the area and promotes product sales, which consumers can enjoy through tasting, purchasing, and quick sampling». Something akin to the “Happy Hour” that is popular in cities like Milan? «It resembles Milanese venues in speed, but one of our core principles remains maintaining as much authenticity as possible to satisfy tourists and promote local products. It will be a space somewhat fast for ready-made dishes and somewhat slow for tasting and visiting the architectural complex. The wine shop and its surroundings will be like a postcard accompanying visitors even when they return home». And it’s not an insignificant “surrounding”: the complex spans a vast 4,000 square meters, including, besides the former Austrian barracks, the 16th-century Porta Verona and the contemporary San Marco bastion. The restoration, carried out with strict adherence to original drawings, shapes, and materials, allows versatile use of the spaces. The Venetian beauty of Porta, expressed through its arches, chimney, staircase, and recovered flooring, will host the travel library, gift items, and the historical and educational documentation space for visitors; exhibitions and cultural events will find an unparalleled setting in the reception hall, while entertainment and performances will have a natural stage in the barracks’ inner courtyard. A room will be dedicated to companies wishing to temporarily showcase their products, and tasting evenings with major brands and prestigious journalism signatures will entertain visitors. «Special attention», concludes Claudio Zanoni, «is reserved for associations intending to establish a presence in the former arsenal, primarily including the Donne del Vino association. In the coming days, an online portal for the wine shop will be set up to communicate the center’s activities, deepen the wine culture of our territory, inform about events and festivals happening in the area. Beyond communication, the portal will also serve to launch online sales of products».