City of Olive Oil
Consortium Headquarters
Cavaion Veronese is home to the headquarters of the Garda DOP Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Protection Consortium.
The consortium was established through the cooperation of producers and supply chain operators from three regions — Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto — and four provinces: Brescia, Mantua, Trento, and Verona. It received official recognition from the Italian Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies with Ministerial Decree n. 61983 of March 18, 2004, an acknowledgment of the collective commitment to preserving the quality of an olive oil deeply rooted in local tradition and culture. A culture of quality extends beyond pressing and bottling. It involves protecting the environment, preserving traditional production methods, and guaranteeing consumers the authenticity of Garda DOP olive oil through rigorous certified controls. In addition to fulfilling its institutional responsibilities, the consortium supports its member olive growers, millers, and bottlers and actively promotes olive cultivation, recognizing this centuries-old agricultural practice as essential to maintaining the biodiversity of the Lake Garda landscape.
Consorzio Tutela Olio Extra-Vergine di Oliva Garda Dop, introl Soletti, 4 (Casa Berengario) – 37010 Cavaion V.se – tel.+39 045.7235864 – email: info@oliogardadop.it
The origins of Garda DOP olive oil
Garda DOP extra-virgin olive oil is produced along the shores of Lake Garda, the northernmost olive-growing area in the world. Olive cultivation dates back to ancient times, as confirmed by Bronze Age archaeological finds and the remains of Roman oil presses. The region’s olive groves have also been celebrated in literature, from Catullus to Goethe and Gabriele D’Annunzio, who praised the beauty of the landscape. The quality of Garda DOP olive oil is the result of centuries of dedication, artisanal care, and the strict controls required by the protected designation of origin. Thanks to this heritage, Garda DOP olive oil is known for its elegance and refinement, qualities that allow it to pair harmoniously with a wide range of culinary traditions around the world.
Characteristics and uses of Garda DOP olive oil
Garda DOP olive oil is known for its light to medium fruity aroma and a balanced flavor marked by gentle bitterness and a subtle peppery note, followed by its distinctive almond finish. Its harmony and delicacy make it an exceptionally versatile oil in the kitchen, suitable both for raw use and cooking. Thanks to its lightness, it pairs beautifully with many dishes, especially freshwater fish, as well as meats, meat and fish carpaccio, carne salada, fresh vegetable platters, cooked and raw vegetables, bruschetta, and mild cheeses such as stracchino. It also lends itself to more unexpected pairings, including chocolate, sorbets, and gelato.
Park of the Olive Trees
The "Parco degli Olivi" (Olive Tree Park), created by the Municipality of Cavaion Veronese in collaboration with the Garda DOP Oil Protection Consortium, is open to everyone – residents, visitors, curious onlookers and enthusiasts – who want to stroll and relax at any time of the year, learning about the local olive-growing culture, history and characteristics of the precious "green gold" produced in this area: Garda DOP oil.