Association of Garda Wine Route Promotes Wine, Culture, and Tourism Growth
It was officially presented, in the conference hall of the Palazzo del Turismo in Desenzano, the newly established Association of the “Strada dei Vini Bresciani del Garda”. Witnesses to the birth of this new and interesting, as well as significant initiative, included the tourism councilor of the Comune di Desenzano Giuliano Garagna, the founder and current president Andrea Guetta, the president of Arthob Beppe Dattoli, the president of the Brescia chefs and director of the Desenzano hotel school Walter Mesar, and the vice president of the Desenzanese hoteliers Vittorio Cerini. Numerous representatives from various consortia and associations were present in the room.
Characteristics and Objectives of the Association
This organization, one of the first at a national level, was created solely by private individuals. Currently, there are about twenty members, and by next autumn, this number is expected to rise to around one hundred, including private individuals and public entities. The formation was driven by some of the major DOC producers of Garda Classico, Lugana, and San Martino della Battaglia, who aim to “strengthen their relationship with the territory and with local gastronomy”.
The tourism offering seeks to combine quality products with services, enhancing the natural, historical, cultural, and environmental attractions of this area. The western shore of Lake Garda, from Gardone Riviera to Pozzolengo via Salò, Puegnago, Polpenazze, and Calvagese della Riviera, passes through Desenzano, Lonato, and San Martino della Battaglia.
This region has always been rich in traditional products such as wine, extra virgin olive oil, various fish species, and, in the past, lemons and lemons of Garda. It also boasts artisanal quality productions, such as wrought ironwork, woodwork, and marble craftsmanship.
Promotional Activities and Development
To promote this fascinating Garda area, the “Strada dei Vini” intends to spread its image through future promotional initiatives, informational campaigns, management of information centers, and representation activities at events and fairs. “A non-traditional route – states President Andrea Guetta – a niche, within a well-established tourism sector, that proposes a strong link to the territory”.
This tourist offering aims not only to stimulate the economic development of the area but also to foster modern entrepreneurship. It is already defining minimum quality standards for each category of participating subjects to ensure compliance with the market’s needs.
Undoubtedly, all operators and entities will need to give maximum support and enthusiasm to achieve rewarding results, offering tourists products related to the enogastronomic, cultural, artisanal, and commercial paths of the area. For example, restaurateurs should primarily offer wines produced locally, while also including wines from other regions in their wine lists.
The Strada dei Vini Bresciani del Garda will thus promote integration among viticulture, tourism, enogastronomy, and also culture and information. The area covered by this Wine Route is rich in historical, architectural, and archaeological sites.
A “route” that, to be fully experienced, does not require just a single day. It offers itineraries to be indicated to tourists and visitors, who no longer settle only for natural beauty but also wish to explore and visit during their Garda vacation period.