Discover Colli Orientali del Friuli: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Italy, Colli Orientali del Friuli offers a captivating blend of rich viticultural heritage and stunning landscapes. This hidden gem in Friuli-Venezia Giulia is renowned for its exceptional wines and picturesque hillside vineyards.
Towns and Villages
The region boasts charming towns and villages that showcase the area’s unique character:
- Cividale del Friuli: A UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history and beautiful architecture
- Buttrio: Known for its wine production and annual wine festival
- Prepotto: Home to the famous Schioppettino grape variety
- Tarcento: Offers panoramic views of the Julian Alps and hosts a popular chestnut festival
Wine Producers
Colli Orientali del Friuli is home to numerous top-quality wine producers. Here are some notable ones:
- Livio Felluga: Renowned for their white wines, especially Terre Alte
- Ronchi di Cialla: Pioneers in reviving native grape varieties
- Le Vigne di Zamò: Produces excellent Friulano and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
- La Viarte: Known for their Ribolla Gialla and Schioppettino
Many wineries offer tastings and tours, providing an immersive experience in local winemaking traditions.
Accommodations
The region offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets:
- Agriturismo Ronchi di Manzano: A charming farmhouse surrounded by vineyards
- Hotel Locanda al Castello: A historic hotel in Cividale del Friuli
- Relais La Collina: Luxury accommodation with panoramic views
- B&B Al Vecchio Confine: A cozy bed and breakfast near the Slovenian border
Dining
Experience the region’s culinary delights at these recommended restaurants:
- La Subida: Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing local ingredients
- Trattoria Al Campanile: Traditional Friulian cuisine in a rustic setting
- Osteria di Villafredda: Intimate dining with a focus on seasonal dishes
- Ristorante Al Castello: Elegant dining with a view of Udine’s castle
These establishments often feature local wines, providing the perfect opportunity to pair regional specialties with Colli Orientali del Friuli’s finest vintages.
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore the local wine scene at these noteworthy establishments:
- Enoteca di Cormòns: A historic wine shop offering an extensive selection of regional wines
- Wine Bar da Gigi: Cozy bar in Cividale del Friuli with an impressive list of local vintages
- La Viarte Wine Shop: On-site shop at the winery, perfect for tasting and purchasing their wines
- Enoteca Buttrio: Family-run wine shop showcasing Colli Orientali del Friuli’s finest producers
Many of these shops offer tastings and expert advice on local wines. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your preferences.
Other Shops
While wine takes center stage, the region offers other shopping experiences:
- Prosciutteria Dall’Ava: Specializes in San Daniele prosciutto and local cured meats
- Nonino Distillatori: Famous for grappa and other spirits
- Mercato di Cividale: Weekly market featuring local produce and artisanal products
- Bottega del Formaggio: Cheese shop offering a wide range of local and regional cheeses
These shops provide an opportunity to sample and purchase local specialties that pair well with the region’s wines.
Attractions
Beyond wine, Colli Orientali del Friuli offers diverse attractions:
- Longobard Temple: 8th-century architectural marvel in Cividale del Friuli
- Castello di Buttrio: Medieval castle with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards
- Abbazia di Rosazzo: Historic abbey with beautiful gardens and a winery
- Parco Naturale delle Prealpi Giulie: Nature reserve perfect for hiking and birdwatching
Many of these attractions offer guided tours, providing insights into the region’s rich history and culture.
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-centric events:
- Festa del Vino: Annual wine festival in Bertiolo celebrating local producers (May)
- Friuli DOC: Udine’s food and wine fair showcasing regional specialties (September)
- Cantine Aperte: Open cellar event across Italy, including many Colli Orientali wineries (May)
- Fiera dei Vini: Wine fair in Corno di Rosazzo featuring tastings and local cuisine (November)
These events offer unique opportunities to taste a wide range of local wines and meet the producers.
Appellations
Understand the region’s wine classifications:
- Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC: Covers the entire hilly area, known for both white and red wines
- Friuli Colli Orientali Picolit DOCG: Prestigious sweet wine made from the Picolit grape
- Rosazzo DOCG: White wine blend dominated by Friulano grape
- Ramandolo DOCG: Sweet wine made from Verduzzo Friulano grapes
Look for these appellations on wine labels to ensure you’re tasting authentic Colli Orientali del Friuli wines.
Grape Varieties
The Colli Orientali region is known for its diverse grape varieties. Native white grapes include Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Picolit.
Red varieties like Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Schioppettino are also cultivated. International varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot thrive here too.
Main Wine Styles
Colli Orientali produces elegant, mineral-driven white wines with crisp acidity. Friulano wines offer almond notes and a distinctive texture.
Red wines range from light and fruity to robust and age-worthy. The region is also famous for its sweet wines, particularly those made from Picolit grapes.
Food Specialties
The local cuisine pairs perfectly with the region’s wines. Prosciutto di San Daniele is a must-try cured ham.
Other specialties include:
- Frico (cheese crisp)
- Cjarsons (stuffed pasta)
- Gubana (spiral-shaped dessert)
Drives & Walks
The Strada del Vino e Sapori (Wine and Flavors Route) offers a scenic drive through vineyards and charming villages. Stop at wineries for tastings along the way.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Sentiero delle Vigne Alte (Path of the High Vineyards) provides panoramic views of the region’s terraced vineyards.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Explorer
- Day 1: Visit Cividale del Friuli, tour local wineries
- Day 2: Explore Buttrio’s wine museum, enjoy a vineyard picnic
- Day 3: Discover Prepotto, taste Schioppettino wines
Week-long Gourmet Journey
- Days 1-2: Cividale del Friuli, winery visits
- Days 3-4: Buttrio and Manzano, wine and food pairings
- Days 5-6: Prepotto and Dolegna del Collio, vineyard hikes
- Day 7: San Daniele del Friuli, prosciutto tasting
Getting There & Around
The nearest airport is Trieste Airport, about 40 km from Cividale del Friuli. Alternatively, fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport, 120 km away.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the region’s wineries and villages. Most are not easily accessible by public transport.
Best Time to Visit
September to October is ideal for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with the grape harvest. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant weather and blooming landscapes.
Avoid August, when many local businesses close for holidays.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Colli Orientali wineries practice organic and biodynamic viticulture. Look for certifications like “VIVA Sustainable Wine” when choosing wines.
The region promotes agritourism, supporting local farmers and preserving traditional practices.
Language Tips
While Italian is the primary language, Friulian, a Romance language, is also spoken in the region.
Key wine terms:
- Vino bianco – White wine
- Vino rosso – Red wine
- Cantina – Winery
- Degustazione – Wine tasting
Further Resources
Official tourism website: Friuli Venezia Giulia Tourism
Wine consortium: Consorzio Tutela Vini Friuli Colli Orientali e Ramandolo (Italian only)
