There is a time of year when Lake Garda changes pace, inviting you to experience the area with greater slowness and authenticity.

Between late summer and early autumn, from the end of August to mid-October, the hills take on new colours, the vineyards surrounding the lake prepare for the grape harvest, and the air fills with the intense aromas of the season ahead.

Lake Garda is renowned not only for its Mediterranean landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also for the wines and flavours of Italy’s traditional food and wine culture.

Its mild climate throughout the year and fertile land produce outstanding products known around the world, transformed into traditional Garda cuisine through the skill and craftsmanship of local people.

This makes it the perfect time to visit Lake Garda and enjoy an experience capable of engaging all the senses: your eyes are filled with the vibrant colours of vineyards, centuries-old olive groves, historic lemon houses and high-altitude pastures; the clear autumn air carries the scents of vegetation transitioning into the new season; while the table is filled with the rich fruits of the land, ready to be savoured.

With Garda Tours, you can experience this special season directly from the water, combining a speedboat ride with the best wine & food experiences in the area.

Grape Harvest on Lake Garda: a Shared Tradition

The grape harvest is one of the most eagerly awaited traditional activities for producers, local communities and visitors alike.

Between late summer and early autumn, after months of intensive work among the vines, the time comes for farmers to harvest and process the delicious grapes, transforming them into the excellent wine we enjoy at our tables.

It is a highly anticipated moment, full of energy, which many wineries and farms share with the local community and visitors through immersive experiences that allow guests to take part in this ancient tradition firsthand: from grape picking to treading, from winery tours to tastings, and even celebrations among the vines featuring traditional dishes and live music to bring the day to a memorable close.

Lake Garda Wines to Discover During the Grape Harvest

From a winemaking perspective, Lake Garda is undoubtedly a highly fertile region which, thanks to the geographical and microclimatic diversity of its shores, produces wines with very different characteristics.

- Among the best known is Lugana, one of the first DOC denominations to be recognised in Lombardy and Italy, produced in the southern part of the lake mainly from Turbiana grapes. It is a fresh, elegant and mineral white wine, perfect with lake fish, appetisers and local cuisine.

- On the Veneto shore, Bardolino DOC is produced: a fresh and aromatic red wine, light and versatile, which is also ideal for an aperitivo. The same area is home to Chiaretto di Bardolino, the famous rosé wine of Lake Garda, characterised by aromatic freshness and a bright colour.

- Moving towards the hills of the Valtènesi area, we find Riviera del Garda Classico DOC, produced mainly from the indigenous Groppello grape and appreciated for its elegance and pleasant freshness.

- The Garda DOC denomination, on the other hand, represents the winemaking excellence of the wider area between Brescia, Verona and Mantua, with a production that includes sparkling wines, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.

- Finally, in the northern part of the lake and in the nearby Valle dei Laghi, the relevant denominations are Trentino DOC and Trento DOC.

In short, exploring Lake Garda through its wines also means travelling from one shore to another, discovering landscapes, grape varieties and traditions that constantly evolve.

And what better way to explore this world than by arriving directly from the water?

From the Lake to the Winery: Experience the Grape Harvest by Boat

With Garda Tours, you can create an itinerary that combines a boat trip with the best food and wine experiences in the area. Departing by speedboat with the boat taxi service, the team can also arrange tailor-made transfers to wineries and restaurants in the Lugana and Valtènesi areas.

If you prefer a ready-made itinerary, here are two experiences to add to your agenda this season.

Sunset Aperitivo on the Lake

One of the most special ways to savour the fruits of the grape harvest is to raise a glass at sunset, directly on the lake.

The Garda Tours Boat Aperitivo transforms the speedboat into a private terrace on the water.

Settle into the comfortable seating and celebrate — or simply relax — with a glass of Lugana or Chiaretto, accompanied by a selection of cured meats, cheeses and local Garda specialities.

It is the ideal experience for a couple, a group of friends or a special occasion, allowing you to gently drift with the waves while enjoying the colours of the sunset, far from your everyday routine.

Castle Tour with Bardolino DOC Wine Tasting

If you want to combine good wine with a touch of local history, the Garda Castle Tour is the perfect choice. Sail with a Garda Tours captain among some of the most fascinating castles on Lake Garda, from Sirmione’s Scaliger Castle to the medieval walls of Lazise and the majestic fortress of Torri del Benaco.

The scheduled tour lasts 4 hours and includes 7 points of interest. The central stop is Bardolino, where you can stroll through the narrow streets and picturesque harbour of the historic centre. Here, you will enjoy a moment dedicated to discovering one of the area’s iconic wines: a glass of Bardolino DOC accompanied by an aperitivo overlooking the lake.

An experience that combines boating, history, villages and local flavours, with all the magic of Lake Garda during the grape harvest season.

The price is €100 per adult and €50 per child aged 5 to 12, with the tour available in Italian and English.

Licence-Free Boat Rental for Visiting Wineries Independently

If you prefer to move between stops independently, Garda Tours also offers licence-free boat rental: you can organise your day at your own pace, stopping in the villages and wineries you want to discover along the way.

Experience Lake Garda to the Full with Garda Tours

Lake Garda is the ideal destination for experiencing the grape harvest season at your own pace, among vineyards, villages and local flavours. It is particularly appealing to lovers of good wine and food: a region to savour, explore and experience slowly, with plenty of satisfaction.

Tell the Garda Tours team how you imagine your day as a wine lover on Lake Garda: we will help you create the itinerary that best suits you, combining boating, wineries and tastings.