From late September to mid-November, a calendar of culinary events runs through the autumn along the northern Gardasee shore. The Mese del Gusto, literally the Month of Taste, brings together the traditional village festivals, markets and tastings of the Garda Trentino region under one umbrella. Organised by the Garda Dolomiti tourism board in Riva del Garda, the concept spans a range from freshwater fish from Lake Garda to organic vegetables from the Val di Gresta, through to chestnuts, cheese, wine and grappa. The 2026 calendar features nine individual festival dates between 25 September and 7 November, complemented by special themed menus at participating restaurants and two ongoing offers for car-free exploration of the wine region of the Valle dei Laghi. The autumn period is also one of the best opportunities to experience Lake Garda beyond the summer rush and to discover the region much more as a local would . What follows is an overview of the events, the produce and the practical options for travellers.
The Opening in Late September: Freshwater Fish and the Organic Valley
The programme opens on 25 September 2026 with the event Sponde, dedicated to freshwater fish from Lake Garda. The event is spread across three locations on the northern shore of Lake Garda: Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda and Arco, according to the official Garda Dolomiti tourism board programme. Traditional recipes meet modern interpretations, with tastings and gastronomic offerings at distinctive venues in the three towns. The festival highlights the importance of freshwater fish to the culinary culture of Lake Garda.
Two days later comes the Mostra Mercato della Val di Gresta on 27 September in Ronzo-Chienis. The focus is on the time-honoured organic vegetables of the Val di Gresta, which have become well known far beyond the borders of Garda Trentino. Producers present their wares, visitors can discover regional specialities and experience the connection between farming, landscape and sustainable cultivation. In 2026, the event takes place for the 56th time.
The Full October: Pumpkin, Polenta, Cheese and Chestnuts
October brings a particularly dense succession of events. From 3 to 4 October, the Festa della Zucca e degli Ortaggi Invernali draws visitors to Lasino, where pumpkin and winter vegetables are presented in both traditional and newly interpreted dishes. On 3 October, the Fiera di San Francesco simultaneously enlivens the centre of Tiarno di Sotto in the Ledrotal, with a traditional market and a culinary tour centred on the various forms of polenta, a staple of the region's rural culture. On 4 October, the Laghet con Gusto follows at Lake Tenno, with Carne Salada as the speciality of the municipality of Tenno: a cured and seasoned beef that has a centuries-old tradition in the region.
The second half of October belongs to dairy and chestnut produce. From 10 to 11 October, the Festa del Latte in Fiavè is devoted to the area's dairy tradition, offering insights into farm life and the production of typical cheeses. Two weeks later, the Maroni in Festa in Drena celebrates its 55th edition from 24 to 25 October, with walks through the surrounding chestnut groves, tastings of the Marone di Drena and cookery workshops. The Marone di Drena reflects the centuries-old bond between the village, nature and tradition.
Autumn Wine from Trentino: Reboro and the Valle dei Laghi
A firm fixture in the culinary autumn of the northern Lake Garda shore is the red wine of the wine region between Trento and Lake Garda. From 16 to 17 October 2026, the event Reboro, Territorio & Passione places the red wine of the Valle del Vino Santo Trentino centre stage. The Rebo grapes are dried after harvest, and the wine produced from them then matures in oak barrels. Tastings and masterclasses explore the wine, its origins and the terroir.
A November Novelty: Grappa Culture in Santa Massenza
New to the 2026 programme is the event Alchimie d'Autunno on 7 November in Santa Massenza, dedicated to the grappa tradition and the flavours of autumn. After the grape harvest, grappa is distilled, and it is in oak barrels that it develops its colour, aromas and character, whilst herbs, spices and fruits form the basis of traditional liqueurs and infusions. Guided tours, meetings with master distillers, tastings and autumnal cuisine offer a glimpse into the world of distillation.
Exploring without a car: Wine & Go and Bike & Wine
From as early as 19 September 2026, two practical options are available for exploring the Valle dei Laghi wine region without a car. Wine & Go organises a shuttle service starting in Riva del Garda or Arco, allowing flexible boarding and alighting along a route through the region's wineries and distilleries. The ticket price includes three tasting vouchers that can be redeemed at participating producers, and any purchases can be left on the shuttle for collection later. Complementing this, the Bike & Wine Experiencealso launches on 19 September, a self-guided cycling tour through the region's vineyards, with three tasting vouchers included in the experience price.
