With over 3,300 attendees and two sold-out routes, the second weekend of Gustosando in Valtellina 2026 comes to a close with a decidedly positive balance. This time, the spotlight was on Buglio in Monte and Mello, who teamed up with Albaredo for San Marco.
The routes from Buglio and Albaredo reached full capacity, confirming the event’s strong pull and its ability to attract visitors even from outside the province. In Mello, though, the audience response was just as strong as ever, thanks to the lively and engaging atmosphere of “Mello in Cantina”, where tastings and entertainment intertwined to create a true celebration of togetherness and good company. Results like these underline Gustosando’s strength and the value of a programme that brings the distinctive character of the Lower Valtellina villages into the spotlight.
Between tastings of local produce and Valtellina wines, wineries and distinctive viewpoints, music and moments of entertainment, the weekend once again showcased the richness of the area through different experiences—united by a shared bond with local traditions and the warm welcome of the local communities. Not even the rain that affected the first part of Saturday managed to put visitors off: people kept turning up in large numbers, reaffirming the appeal of an event that for over twenty years has turned the villages into places to meet and discover, blending food and wine, culture and conviviality.
«We’re very pleased with the result achieved with Gustosando in Valtellina, which represents an important opportunity for visibility and promotion for our village—so the Albaredo for San Marco Municipal Administration says. The event attracted visitors from across Lombardy, as well as many foreign tourists from Europe and the United States. We’d like to thank the Turistic Consortium Porte di Valtellina for organising and promoting the initiative, which helps regions reach a wide audience and make the most of their own particular strengths. A special compliment goes to the local associations and to the whole community, which—through a strong sense of belonging—knew how to welcome visitors and present the town’s authenticity at its best».
«Gustosando’s journey in Albaredo for San Marco comes to a beautiful finish, with results in line with the targets set—Milena Ravelli adds. The good weather helped make the initiative such a success, allowing us to welcome visitors in the best possible way. I’d like to thank APS Albaredo Promotion, the local associations, the Alpini, the I Barilocc folklore group, the “Cazzùra” group, the restaurants, the bars, the Ecomuseum, the accommodation providers and all the volunteers who made the route welcoming and helped offer a really enjoyable experience in our village. Thanks also to the Turistic Consortium for its support and promotion, and my best wishes for a good job to the routes taking centre stage next weekend».
«We’re extremely proud of the result achieved by Gustosando in Buglio in Monte, an event that highlights the potential of the area and the spirit of collaboration within our community—says Mayor Cristian Azzalini. A thank-you goes to all the volunteer associations, the producers and the wineries that helped make the initiative a success, along with the Turistic Consortium Porte di Valtellina for its support and promotion. We’re particularly pleased that we put forward an food-and-wine route based exclusively on wines and products made in our own Comune. It’s a choice that showcases our local excellence and makes the initiative distinctive on the Valtellina scene».
«The result of Gustosando is a source of great satisfaction and repays the work of many people who, for months, have put themselves into organising it—adds the Deputy Mayor and Vice-President of Pro Loco Filippo Bongini. On Saturday we recorded over 1,000 attendees, and the success of the day meant that everything was sold out already by Saturday evening—also for Sunday. I’d like to thank all the volunteers, associations, farms and wine producers who made this result possible. Choosing to offer only wines and products from Buglio in Monte allowed us to tell the story of the village through its best qualities, its traditions and the work of the community».
«We’re very happy with the public response and with how the event went, which was run in the best way possible and in full respect of the programme. Among the most appreciated elements was the refreshment point set up at the hall of the Parochial Nursery, made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Alpini Group, A.S.D. Calcio Mello and the “Il Tralcio” Association, which offered a varied range of food, accompanied by a selection of wines from the area. The shuttle service also ensured efficient connections and safe returns, while the various DJ sets along the route helped create a festive, engaging atmosphere that continued late into the evening. A special thank-you goes to around 200 volunteers, the associations and everyone who took part in making the initiative happen. Their commitment and ability to work together are essential for organising an event of this scale. After this positive first outing, we’re ready to welcome visitors and enthusiasts again next weekend».
With the routes of Albaredo for San Marco and Buglio in Monte now completed, Gustosando moves towards its final weekend, with Mello and Dubino taking centre stage. The event continues its journey through the villages of Lower Valtellina, celebrating local traditions thanks to the contribution of the associations and many volunteers.
On Saturday 17 October, “Mello in Cantina” returns, where the village’s festive atmosphere will be the backdrop for eight tasting stations dedicated to Valtellina wines. On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, meanwhile, it will be Dubino’s turn: as has long been tradition, it brings the edition to a close with a route through the characteristic “Invölt” and the streets of the town, to discover local productions and specialities. Here too, the experience will be enhanced by side events, with DJ sets on Saturday evening, live music and activities for children.
Gustosando is now gearing up to wrap up this edition, which—through food and wine and the spirit of getting together—confirms its commitment to bringing the villages, communities and identity of Lower Valtellina to the fore.