Lombardy Open Doors Event Showcases Local Food & Wine Companies
There will be 165 agricultural and farm tourism companies in Lombardy that, during the upcoming weekend of May 13-14, 2000, will host the public and enthusiasts of local typical products at “open doors” events. These attendees will have the opportunity to “discover the great treasures they hold”, as Umberto Borelli, president of CIA Lombardia, has stated.
This event, although only in its second edition and therefore relatively young, has managed to attract the attention and favor of the public, recording a significant increase in participation compared to the first edition in 1999.
The initiative received sponsorship from all provincial administrations in Lombardy, as well as from the Lombardy Region itself, the Unioncamere of Lombardy, the Chambers of Commerce of Brescia, Mantova, and Cremona, along with some notable food companies and consortia. The presentation of the Garda event took place in the evocative setting of the Rocca di Lonato, from which the towers offer a view over much of the territory of Valtenesi and the middle and lower Lake Garda. Present were the Councillors of the Province of Brescia for Agriculture, Giampaolo Mantelli, and for Tourism, Ermes Buffoli.
Participation and itineraries
Last year, about one hundred companies joined the initiative promoted and organized by CIA, the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori (Italian Farmers Confederation), with participation nearly doubling for the 2000 edition. The number of itineraries also increased from the original 16 to 22. Among these, of course, could not be missing the Lake Garda and Valtenesi area — “On Lake Garda: wines, oils, and delights of Valtenesi”, is the title of itinerary “B” — with 7 companies open and ready to guide visitors on a brief tour of their facilities.
“To let you discover “on the spot” the pleasure and secrets of true flavors, crafted with skill and love, each company — explains Borelli — will offer a tasting of its products. Wines, oils, cheeses, cured meats, meats, rice, juices, jams, and honey are just some of the products you will find on this journey at your doorstep: an excellent opportunity to enrich your supplies by purchasing directly from the producers.”
Besides the various products individually proposed by each participating company, visitors will be able to enjoy additional events organized independently, to make the visit as warm and lively as possible. There will be art exhibitions, equestrian competitions in cross-country and speed, music, organic farming, furniture and decorated objects, gastronomic publishing, and more. Furthermore, for those interested, there will be the possibility to stop for lunch or dinner to taste the special menu each company has prepared for the occasion.
These are the companies in Valtenesi and nearby areas that will open their doors: Cantine della Valtenesi e della Lugana (also the point of contact for eventual information regarding the event, ask for Cristina at 0365 503314) in Moniga del Garda; Azienda Agricola Masserino, Azienda Agricola e Agriturismo Cavalli, and Azienda Agricola La Basia in Puegnago; Azienda Agricola biologica L’Ulif in Polpenazze; Azienda Agricola e Agriturismo Trevisani in Soprazzocco di Gavardo; Azienda Agricola La Torre di Mocasina in Calvagese.