The traditional Marrone di San Zeno DOP chestnut festival returns to animate San Zeno di Montagna over three weekends: October 17-18, October 24-25, and October 31 – November 1, 2026. Running alongside the classic Festa delle Castagne, this culinary event celebrates the harvest of one of Monte Baldo’s most prized agricultural products.
Dates and Program in San Zeno di Montagna
Organized by the Consorzio di Tutela del Marrone di San Zeno DOP in collaboration with the local municipality, the festival centers around the town’s main square, featuring an agricultural market and tasting stands operated by consortium producers.
The rich program includes the Palio Gastronomico delle Contrade, a fierce culinary competition where local districts battle to prepare the best traditional minestrone di marroni (chestnut soup). The event culminates with the awarding of the Marron d’Oro (Golden Chestnut) prize, reserved for the highest quality batch harvested by local growers. For detailed daily schedules, visitors can contact the municipal office at 045 7285017.
The PDO Certification and Monte Baldo Chestnut Groves
The Marrone di San Zeno achieved its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 2003 under EC Regulation No. 1979/2003. The cultivation strictly takes place on the western slopes of the Monte Baldo mountain range, at an altitude between 250 and 900 meters. The unique soil composition, formed by ancient morainic deposits and volcanic rocks without water stagnation, creates the ideal environment for the trees.
The resulting chestnuts feature a distinctive thin, light brown skin with darker stripes and a compact, sweet pulp. This exceptional quality is largely due to the lake’s microclimate, which significantly reduces the incidence of parasites and allows the fruit to develop its unmistakable flavor profile, perfect for roasting or transforming into rich autumn desserts.
