It is well known that the Lake Garda territory is the home of many typical products: good wine, scented citrus, delicious fish, and last but not least extra virgin olive oil!

Thanks to the mild climate, the Benacus has always been the ideal area to grow olive trees and to produce the so-called Green Gold of Lake Garda.

From the tree… to the table. The traditional harvest of olives

Every year the harvest of olives begins around the middle of October. Large nets are laid out under the olive trees and the farmers reach the highest branches using stepladders (in local dialect these are called scariògn or scalìgn). The olives are hand-picked (or using a big rake) and then dropped on the ground.

The net method is quite recent: not so long ago, in fact, in agriculture the gremàl was used, a donkey skin container that was worn attached to the belt. 

And after the harvest? Where do the olives end up? Their destination is the local oil mills: dedicated structures within which modern machinery for pressing and processing the fruit is constantly in operation.

Even though technology has replaced the ancient tòrcoi that were already active in Roman times, oil mills are still fascinating places to visit, especially during the harvest season. There are many of them around Torri del Benaco!

From the tree… to the table. Tasting the excellence of Lake Garda.

Garda olìve oil has a delicate taste: pleasantly fruity, with a slight bitter-spicy sensation and a sweet almond aftertaste. How do we know? Obvious. We have tasted it, or rather, savoured it! If you too want to become a true expert and grasp all its nuances… Here are some practical tips.

During tasting, the oil is usually poured into a small dark-coloured glass and swirled inside: this serves to heat the oil and release all its aromas. After that, it is smelled to appreciate its scent and aroma, which must be pleasant and balanced.

We then move on to tasting: a small amount of oil flows over the entire palate and then proceed with stripping, that is, air is let into the mouth while keeping the teeth clenched. This step serves to vaporise the oil in the oral cavity and make it stick better to the taste buds.

But… There is also a simpler method that is accessible to everyone: the bread test. Tuscan bread without salt is ideal: pour a small amount of oil on it, take a vigorous bite and let yourself be won over by that unmistakable flavour that only the Lake Garda area can give to its products. The best of the best? Freshly pressed oil!

The best places to live this experience? Let us inspire you!

Just 5 minutes by car from our Residence is the Azienda agricola Bruma. Here you can book both simple tastings and excellent lunches.

In Albisano in Località Le Sorte there is the Società Agricola Roersa, a family-run business that produces and sells its own oil. The tasting is free and without obligation and the harvesting process is explained in detail during the tasting.

In Bardolino, Olio Viola (a local oil mill) organises guided tours of the mill with tasting throughout the month of September. The experience is by reservation only and available in several languages.

From the tree… to the table (and more). 

Extra virgin olive oil, as is known, is mainly used in cooking. Garda DOP has extraordinary organoleptic properties and is characterised by lightness, low acidity and a delicate and fruity flavour that goes well with many dishes. However, cooking is not the only area in which this prodigious product can be used.

Did you know that the cosmetic properties of extra virgin olive oil have been known since ancient times? The ancient Romans used it daily for personal care in the form of compresses, ointments and balms: a true beauty secret for women of all social classes.

Rich in vitamin E and polyphenols (very powerful natural antioxidants), olive oil beauty treatments are a must all over the world nowadays.

Used pure or mixed in creams or with other natural ingredients for masks, peelings and much more, Green Goldof Lake Garda gives hydration, elasticity and shine to the skin and hair; moreover, if mixed with essential oils it is perfect for a relaxing massage. In the shops in the area, you can also find many olive oil-based products, such as shampoos, creams and soaps.

Tradition, taste and beauty: this is what every bottle of Garda olive oil contains. The new oil season is expected between October and November and many local oil mills and farms willingly open their doors to the public of enthusiasts and visitors.

Book your autumn stay at Residence Ca’ del Lago now and come and discover, or rather, taste all the secrets of the Green Gold of Lake Garda in the surroundings of Torri del Benaco!