Garda DOC Consortium Reports 20% Surge in Wine Production for 2025

The Garda DOC Consortium has reported a significant increase in wine production for 2025, closing the year with more than 23.3 million bottles produced. This figure represents a 20% rise compared to the previous year, with total bottlings reaching 175,352 hectoliters. The announcement was made from Sommacampagna, Verona, as the consortium opened 2026 with optimism about its continued growth.

This increase comes at a time when the broader wine sector is experiencing a slowdown. Despite these challenges, Garda DOC has managed to strengthen its position in both domestic and international markets. Paolo Fiorini, President of the Garda DOC Consortium, attributed this success to strategic decisions made in recent years. He highlighted updates to production regulations and a stronger focus on market demands as key factors behind the positive results.

Fiorini emphasized that the growth demonstrates Garda DOC’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and international market trends. He noted that export markets, especially the United Kingdom and Germany, have played a central role in this expansion. In these countries, Garda DOC wines have become more recognizable and reliable, aligning with new consumption patterns.

The consortium also pointed out that certain wine categories have contributed significantly to the overall increase. Pinot Grigio and Garda Bianco were mentioned as particularly strong performers in 2025. These varieties have helped reinforce Garda DOC’s reputation as a modern and versatile denomination capable of meeting industry challenges.

Garda DOC covers a hilly region that spans Lombardy and Veneto, protected by mountains and overlooking Lake Garda. The area includes parts of Brescia, Mantua, and Verona provinces. Its unique climate has shaped the grape varieties grown there, giving them distinct characteristics that continue to define their wines today.

The denomination was first recognized in 1996 to enhance varietal wines from ten historic winemaking zones around Lake Garda. Since then, it has evolved through innovation while maintaining respect for its long-standing traditions. The consortium received ministerial recognition in 2015 and has operated erga omnes since 2016.

Today, the Garda DOC Consortium represents 250 producers who work together to promote one of Italy’s most valued food and wine regions. The group’s efforts focus on maintaining quality, typicity, and flexibility in production while responding to market needs.

As 2026 begins, the consortium’s leadership believes that their approach will allow them to continue growing despite ongoing difficulties in the global wine industry. They remain committed to balancing tradition with innovation and ensuring that Garda DOC wines maintain their connection to the territory while appealing to contemporary consumers worldwide.