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Food and wine

Lake Garda olive oil, a guide to the mills worth visiting

Why lake olive oil is different, when the harvest happens and how to plan a visit to an olive mill.

Redazione Lovegarda24 September 2026
min read2

Lake Garda is one of the northernmost places in the world where olive trees bear fruit: the lake softens the climate and allows a cultivation with centuries of history.

One PDO, three areas

Garda PDO extra virgin olive oil covers three areas: Brescia, the eastern (Verona) shore and Trentino. The most common variety is Casaliva, which gives delicate, fruity oils.

When to go

The harvest takes place in autumn, usually between October and November: that is when the mills are working and you can taste freshly pressed oil.

How to plan a visit

Many mills welcome visitors by appointment. Call a few days ahead and ask whether the visit includes a tasting.