Nestled along the shores of Italy’s picturesque Lake Garda, an immersive tasting event promises to whisk visitors away on a culinary journey. Guests will have the opportunity to savor a carefully curated selection of 10 local wines, each expertly paired with a delectable array of cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal olive oils. As the sun sets, the experience unfolds in a charming garden setting, with a candlelit dinner showcasing the region’s traditional Veronese dishes. With expert guidance, you will learn the art of pairing, unlocking the unique flavors that define Lake Garda’s rich gastronomic heritage. What secrets await in this captivating tasting experience?

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Dinner Tours In Italy.

Key Points

  • A 4-hour tasting experience showcasing 10 local wines, cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and appetizers from the Lake Garda region for $98.83 per person.
  • Interactive cheese pairing techniques and insights into the region’s winemaking traditions, dairy heritage, and cured meat production.
  • Candlelit dinner featuring traditional Veronese dishes, including Risotto all’Amarone, Bigoli in salsa, and Pastissada de caval, in an internal garden setting.
  • Opportunity to learn how to create winning flavor combinations by exploring the relationship between local products, such as cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils.
  • Comprehensive exploration of the rich culinary tapestry of Lake Garda, including artisanal olive oils, salami, prosciutto, and locally grown fruits and herbs.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

Lake Garda: Tasting of Local Products With Dinner - Overview of the Experience

This 4-hour activity provides a delightful opportunity to taste a variety of local products from the Lake Garda region.

Priced at $98.83 per person, the experience includes a tasting of 10 local wines accompanied by local cheeses, cured meats, olive oil, and appetizers.

Participants will also learn how to pair cheeses with mustards and compotes produced on-site.

The highlight of the evening is a candlelit dinner featuring traditional Veronese dishes steeped in history and ancestral tradition, all served in the internal garden.

Throughout the experience, you will gain valuable insights into the unique products of Lake Garda and master the art of creating perfect flavor combinations.

Tasting of Local Wines

At the heart of this tasting experience lies the opportunity to indulge in a carefully curated selection of 10 distinct local wines.

These vintages, meticulously chosen by the expert sommeliers, hail from the renowned vineyards of the Lake Garda region, each offering a unique flavor profile and story.

The tasting is accompanied by an array of local cheeses and cured meats, as well as olive oil and appetizers, allowing participants to:

  • Discover the rich and diverse flavors of the local terroir
  • Learn the art of pairing wines with complementary food items
  • Gain insight into the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the region
  • Appreciate the nuances and complexities of each wine
  • Deepen their understanding of the intricate relationship between the land, climate, and the grapes.

Pairing of Cheeses and Cured Meats

Complementing the carefully selected wines, the experience treats participants to a curated array of local cheeses and cured meats.

Guests learn how to expertly pair these artisanal delicacies, guided by the hosts’ in-depth knowledge. The cheese selection showcases the region’s rich dairy heritage, with creamy, tangy, and bold varieties.

Accompanying the cheeses are expertly cured meats, each with its distinct flavor and texture. Participants discover the art of balancing the flavors, textures, and acidity of the cheeses with the savory, umami-rich cured meats.

Through this interactive tasting, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the nuanced pairings that elevate the entire dining experience.

Olive Oil and Appetizers

Guests are then treated to a delightful array of appetizers, each one expertly crafted to complement the carefully selected olive oil. The olive oil, produced locally, is drizzled over the appetizers, showcasing its rich, complex flavors.

The appetizers may include:

  • Freshly baked bread, still warm, served with a selection of flavorful dipping oils
  • Marinated olives, their briny notes perfectly balanced by the nutty olive oil
  • Crunchy crostini topped with creamy cheese and a drizzle of the aromatic oil
  • Colorful vegetable crudités, their natural sweetness enhanced by the olive oil
  • Delicate bruschetta, the tomatoes and basil in harmonious union with the olive oil

These appetizers not only delight the palate but also provide a tantalizing prelude to the traditional Veronese dishes that await during the candlelit dinner.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Candlelit Dinner in the Garden

The candlelit dinner in the internal garden is a truly immersive experience, transporting guests to the heart of traditional Veronese cuisine.

Diners will enjoy a selection of time-honored regional dishes, each meticulously prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

The intimate setting, with its flickering candlelight and lush, verdant surroundings, creates a cozy and authentic ambiance.

As the meal progresses, guests will gain insight into the history and cultural traditions that have shaped this beloved local fare.

Whether savoring the rich flavors of a classic risotto or delighting in the complexity of a homemade pasta, this candlelit dinner promises to be a truly memorable gastronomic journey.

Traditional Veronese Dishes

At the heart of the Veronese culinary tradition lies a rich tapestry of dishes that have been perfected over generations.

The candlelit dinner showcases these time-honored recipes, each one a testament to the region’s gastronomic heritage.

The menu features:

  • Risotto all’Amarone, a creamy rice dish infused with the bold flavors of the local Amarone wine
  • Bigoli in salsa, handmade thick spaghetti in a savory anchovy and onion sauce
  • Polenta e osei, a hearty cornmeal dish topped with slow-cooked game birds
  • Pastissada de caval, a slow-braised horse meat stew with vegetables and spices
  • Pandoro, the iconic Veronese sweet bread, served with rich, creamy mascarpone.

These traditional Veronese dishes, steeped in history and culture, promise to delight the senses and transport diners on a flavorful journey.

Creating Winning Combinations

Mastering the art of pairing local products elevates the tasting experience, unlocking a symphony of flavors that captivates the senses.

Participants learn to create winning combinations by expertly matching the region’s cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils with an array of mustards and compotes. Under the guidance of knowledgeable hosts, guests discover the nuances of each product and how to accentuate their natural qualities through thoughtful pairings.

From the rich, creamy textures of local cheeses to the bold, tangy notes of homemade condiments, every bite and sip reveals the depth of Lake Garda’s culinary heritage.

This hands-on learning experience empowers guests to become discerning connoisseurs, primed to savor the true essence of the region’s finest offerings.

Insights Into Lake Garda Products

Lake Garda’s rich culinary tapestry extends far beyond the noteworthy pairings explored in the previous section.

This picturesque region boasts a wealth of local products that offer a captivating glimpse into its gastronomic heritage. Participants will gain valuable insights into:

  • The diverse array of artisanal olive oils, ranging from delicate to robust, each with its own unique flavor profile

  • The centuries-old traditions of salami and prosciutto production, showcasing the region’s mastery of cured meats

  • The wide variety of locally grown fruits, from vibrant citrus to luscious berries, that lend their natural sweetness to jams and preserves

  • The distinctive herbs and spices that enliven Veronese dishes, imbuing them with the essence of the land

  • The ancient lineage of Garda’s winemaking, where each bottle tells a story of the region’s terroir and winemaking expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Dinner Experience?

The dress code is casual but nice. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows them to fully enjoy the tasting and dinner experience. No formal attire is required.

Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available for the Dinner?

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available for the dinner, allowing all participants to enjoy the traditional Veronese dishes. The experience is designed to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences.

Can I Purchase Additional Bottles of Wine or Cheese to Take Home?

You can purchase additional bottles of wine or cheese to take home. The experience includes a tasting, but you’re welcome to buy extra products if you’d like to continue enjoying them after the event.

Is Transportation to the Meeting Point Included in the Price?

Transportation to the meeting point is not included in the price. Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the starting location of the tasting and dinner experience.

Are There Any Health or Dietary Restrictions the Organizers Should Be Aware Of?

The organizers should be made aware of any dietary restrictions or health concerns participants may have. This ensures they can accommodate everyone’s needs and provide a safe and enjoyable tasting experience.

Recap

This immersive tasting event offers a delightful exploration of Lake Garda’s rich culinary heritage. Guests will savor a selection of local wines paired expertly with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils, while enjoying a candlelit dinner showcasing traditional Veronese dishes. This four-hour journey enhances appreciation for the region’s unique flavors and gastronomic traditions, leaving participants with a deeper understanding and newfound passion for the diverse culinary offerings of Lake Garda.

You can check if your dates are available here: