Alpe del Garda – A Dairy Farm in the Alps

Up up up… winding your way into the Alps above Limone sul Garda on the gorgeous Lake Garda, you will find your way to the home of Alpe del Garda, a dairy cooperative in Tremosine.

 

OK, so working on a farm isn’t for me, but I love visiting co-ops and supporting the local economy!

 

This co-op, over 30 years old and with 105 partners, sits in the heart of the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano. This regional park which is almost 2000 meters above sea level, pairing a favorable Mediterranean climate and proximity to meadows, provides the ideal summer location for the Brown breed dairy cattle to graze and enjoy a breathtaking view.

 

Committed to providing only the highest quality products and dedicated “to growing the local economy while respecting its natural environment”, Alpe del Garda maintains extremely strict quality control and guidelines, including bi-weekly

 

inspections and visits to participating farms. Fresh milk is received daily from 10 -15 of the farmers in the co-op and farmers are paid according the quality of their milk.

 

If you’re lucky enough to get a tour of the facility, you will find everything state-of-the-art, utilizing the latest in eco-energy techniques, but with that human touch. Mouth watering aromas fill the air as we visit the storage rooms where racks and racks of their local “Garda” cheese sits patiently awaiting the table of a delighted diner. Their onsite market is full of more tempting regional specialties including their local cheese, meats and salami, as well as butter, yogurt, oil, honey, and, of course, gelato!

 

 

You may not be able to take everything home with you, but you should plan on staying and enjoy sampling many of the local products in their dairy restaurant. As you contentedly graze on their delicious fare, you too can enjoy a view of the lovely local mountains.

 

 Buon appetito!