Two events, one region: the Grape Festival and the 100th anniversary of the Bardolino Wine Consortium

From 1 to 5 October 2026, Bardolino will once again be celebrating one of the most important events on the Lake Garda calendar: the 95th Grape and Wine Festival, an event founded in 1929 to celebrate the grape harvest and which, over the years, has become a fixture that attracts visitors, wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

For five days, the historic centre and lakeside promenade of Bardolino, in the province of Verona, are transformed into a vast space dedicated to food and wine, featuring tastings, food stalls, live music, performances and, of course, Bardolino wine, the undisputed star of the festival. Entry to the event is free.

Where and when

📅 From Thursday 1 to Monday 5 October 2026

📍 Bardolino (VR), Lake Garda

📍 Main event areas: Cornicello lakeside promenade, Roma lakeside promenade, the historic centre and the town’s green spaces.

The local council has announced that the event will officially begin at 10.00 am on Thursday 1 October, whilst it is scheduled to conclude on the evening of Monday 5 October.

The star of the show: Bardolino wine

The festival was created to celebrate the grape harvest and the Bardolino wine-growing region. Among the wines not to be missed is, of course, Bardolino DOC, a red wine characterised by its freshness, lightness and drinkability. In the glass, it displays a brilliant ruby-red colour and aromas reminiscent above all of cherry, raspberry and small red berries. On the palate, it is fresh, well-balanced and characterised by soft tannins.

Alongside Bardolino red, there is also a strong focus on Chiaretto di Bardolino, the characteristic rosé wine of Lake Garda.

Fresh, fragrant and savoury, Chiaretto stands out for its bright pink colour and its floral and fruity aromas, with hints of rose, peach, pomegranate, citrus and small red berries. It is particularly well-suited to aperitifs, lake fish, fried foods, light pasta dishes, vegetables and fresh cheeses.

The food stalls: what to eat

The food and wine stalls are mainly concentrated along the Cornicello lakeside promenade and offer traditional local and Venetian dishes, alongside other specialities designed to complement the region’s wines.

Among the most interesting examples are the following dishes:

• tripe in broth
• tripe alla parmigiana
• pearà and cotechino
• bigoli with duck ragù
• braised donkey with polenta

It is precisely these pairings of local cuisine and local wine that make the festival a complete gastronomic experience: from first courses to classic traditional dishes, not forgetting, of course, cured meats, cheeses, street food specialities and convivial treats to be enjoyed right on the lakeside promenade.

Not just wine: music and shows
The Grape and Wine Festival is not merely a food and wine event. Throughout the festival, Bardolino offers a packed programme of concerts, live music, shows and entertainment.

How to get there and get around during the festival
During the festival, dedicated transport services will be provided to make getting around easier and reduce traffic.
The local council has organised connections between Calmasino, Cisano and Bardolino, whilst on festival evenings there will also be an ATV service running along the Garda – Bardolino – Cisano – Lazise – Pacengo route.
For those arriving by car, it is therefore advisable to make use of off-site car parks and shuttle services, especially on the busiest days.

And what about the following weekend?
Following the Grape and Wine Festival, Bardolino continues to celebrate its wine-growing heritage with an event of historical significance: from 9 to 11 October 2026, the town will mark the centenary of the Bardolino Wine Consortium, founded in 1926 and now a key organisation for the protection and promotion of the Bardolino and Chiaretto appellations.
This significant anniversary falls right in the heart of the grape harvest season and offers an opportunity to reflect on a century of viticulture, the evolution of the region and wine culture.
 

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