Following a successful showing at Vinitaly, the Consorzio Garda DOC is preparing to welcome wine journalists, industry experts, and international media to Lake Garda for the 2026 edition of Garda Wine Stories, a three-day event dedicated to exploring the future of one of Italy’s most dynamic wine appellations.
Taking place June 3–5, Garda Wine Stories has become a key platform for presenting the identity, innovation, and strategic direction of Garda DOC to audiences from around the world. Through a combination of educational sessions, tastings, and immersive experiences, the event aims to strengthen the denomination’s presence in both domestic and international markets.
The centerpiece of the program will be a technical conference on June 4 at the historic Dogana Veneta in Lazise. Titled “Garda DOC: Growth Strategies and Perception in International Markets. Low Alcohol Content, Versatility and New Consumption Trends,” the conference will bring together industry experts, market analysts, and representatives from leading international publications to discuss the evolving wine landscape.
A major topic of discussion will be the growing consumer demand for low-alcohol wines and more mindful drinking habits. According to Consorzio Garda DOC President Paolo Fiorini, these changing preferences represent both a challenge and an opportunity for wine producers.
“An increasing number of consumers are seeking versatile, contemporary products that align with a more mindful approach to drinking, without compromising on quality or territorial identity,” Fiorini said. He noted that Garda DOC was the first Italian appellation to formally include low-alcohol wines within its production regulations, a move designed to position producers for future market growth.
The conference will also examine the performance of Garda DOC in key international markets, including the United Kingdom and Germany, while exploring emerging consumer trends and opportunities for expansion.
Beyond industry discussions, Garda Wine Stories will highlight the region itself through a series of experiential activities. On June 4, attendees will participate in a walk-around tasting at the historic Rocca di Lonato in Brescia, where wineries from across the appellation will showcase their wines within the scenic Casa del Podestà.
The event concludes on June 5 with a unique sensory masterclass led by Fiorini, winemaker and Vinitaly Ambassador Sissi Baratella, and trainer and freediver Dario Boschetto. The session will combine wine tasting with breathing techniques and sensory perception exercises designed to deepen participants’ connection to the tasting experience.
As part of the European Union-supported Euchronicles project, Garda Wine Stories 2026 reflects the Consorzio’s broader mission of promoting European agricultural excellence while strengthening awareness of the Garda DOC brand among consumers and industry professionals worldwide.
Set against the backdrop of one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, the event continues to position Garda DOC as a forward-thinking appellation focused on innovation, sustainability, and international growth.