Prosecco Wine Travel Guide (Veneto, Italy)

Discover Prosecco’s Heartland in Veneto, Italy

Nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Italy, Veneto’s Prosecco region offers a sparkling blend of wine culture and scenic beauty. This area, known for its crisp, effervescent white wine, invites travelers to explore charming villages, historic vineyards, and indulge in local cuisine.

Towns and Villages

The Prosecco region boasts several picturesque towns and villages worth visiting:

  • Valdobbiadene: The heart of Prosecco production, known for its superior DOCG wines
  • Conegliano: Home to Italy’s first wine school and the starting point of the Prosecco Road
  • Asolo: A hilltop town with medieval architecture and panoramic views of the vineyards
  • Vittorio Veneto: Rich in history and surrounded by lush landscapes

Wine Producers

Visit these renowned Prosecco producers for tastings and tours:

  • Bisol: Family-owned since 1542, offering organic Prosecco
  • Nino Franco: Pioneers in Prosecco production since 1919
  • Ruggeri: Known for their high-quality Cartizze Prosecco
  • Villa Sandi: Housed in a Palladian-style villa with underground cellars

Accommodations

Stay amidst the vineyards or in charming towns:

  • Agriturismo Al Credazzo: A working winery offering rustic rooms and homemade meals
  • Hotel Villa Abbazia: Luxury accommodations in a historic palace in Follina
  • Duca Di Dolle: Elegant suites in a restored 18th-century villa surrounded by vineyards
  • CastelBrando: A medieval castle turned hotel with spa facilities and panoramic views

Dining

Savor local cuisine paired with Prosecco at these establishments:

  • Locanda da Lino (Solighetto): Traditional Veneto dishes in a rustic setting
  • Ristorante Da Gigetto (Miane): Michelin-starred restaurant with an extensive wine cellar
  • Osteria Senz’Oste (Valdobbiadene): Self-service wine and local products in a scenic location
  • Ristorante La Corte (Follina): Refined cuisine using local ingredients in a historic setting

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore these local wine shops and bars for a taste of Prosecco and other regional wines:

  • Enoteca Zanardo (Conegliano): Extensive selection of local wines and knowledgeable staff
  • La Cantinetta del Prosecco (Asolo): Charming wine bar offering tastings and local appetizers
  • Osteria al Castelletto (Pedeguarda): Rustic wine bar with panoramic views of the vineyards
  • Enoteca Prosecco (Valdobbiadene): Specializes in Prosecco with over 100 labels available

Other Shops

Pick up local specialties and souvenirs at these shops:

  • Latteria di Soligo (Soligo): Artisanal cheeses and dairy products
  • Panificio Bernardi (Vittorio Veneto): Traditional breads and pastries
  • Salumeria De Stefani (Conegliano): Local cured meats and gourmet products
  • Ceramiche d’Arte Dolzan (Asolo): Handmade ceramics and pottery

Attractions

Beyond wine, explore these cultural and natural attractions:

  • Molinetto della Croda (Refrontolo): 17th-century watermill in a picturesque setting
  • Follina Abbey: 12th-century Cistercian monastery with beautiful cloisters
  • Prosecco Hills: UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for hiking and cycling
  • Canova Museum (Possagno): Dedicated to the works of neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova

Events

Time your visit with these wine-related events:

  • Vino in Villa (May): Prosecco Superiore DOCG festival in Susegana
  • Prosecco Cycling (September): Combine cycling and wine tasting through the vineyards
  • Primavera del Prosecco (March-June): Series of wine events across the Prosecco hills
  • Festa dell’Uva (September): Traditional grape harvest celebration in Conegliano

Appellations

Understand the Prosecco quality levels:

  • Prosecco DOC: Produced in a wider area of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia
  • Prosecco Superiore DOCG: Higher quality, from the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene
  • Asolo Prosecco DOCG: Smaller production area around Asolo
  • Cartizze: The highest quality Prosecco, from a small area in Valdobbiadene

Grape Varieties

Prosecco is made primarily from the Glera grape, formerly known as Prosecco. This variety thrives in the Veneto region’s cool climate and hilly terrain.

Other permitted varieties include:

  • Verdiso
  • Bianchetta Trevigiana
  • Perera
  • Glera Lunga
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Bianco
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Pinot Nero

Main Wine Styles

Prosecco comes in various styles, each with distinct characteristics:

  • Spumante: Fully sparkling, the most common style
  • Frizzante: Semi-sparkling, with lighter bubbles
  • Tranquillo: Still wine, rarely found outside the production area

Sweetness levels range from Brut Nature (zero sugar) to Demi-Sec (sweet).

Food Specialties

Veneto’s cuisine pairs perfectly with Prosecco. Local specialties include:

  • Risotto al radicchio: Creamy rice dish with red chicory
  • Baccalà alla vicentina: Salt cod with polenta
  • Bigoli in salsa: Thick spaghetti with onion and anchovy sauce
  • Sarde in saor: Sweet and sour sardines
  • Tiramisù: The famous coffee-flavored dessert

Drives & Walks

Explore the Prosecco Road (Strada del Prosecco) for scenic drives through vineyards and charming villages.

For walks, try:

  • The Prosecco Hills Trail: A 50km path through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes
  • San Boldo Pass: A historic road with switchbacks and tunnels
  • Monte Cesen: Offers panoramic views of the Prosecco hills

Itineraries

Weekend Getaway

Day 1: Visit Conegliano, tour Carpené Malvolti winery, enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Corte

Day 2: Explore Valdobbiadene, taste at Nino Franco winery, picnic in the hills

Week-long Adventure

Add visits to Venice, Treviso, and Asolo. Include a cooking class and a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards.

Customize itineraries based on your interests, whether it’s wine tasting, culinary experiences, or cultural exploration.

Getting There & Around

The Prosecco region is easily accessible from major Italian cities:

  • By Air: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport or Treviso Airport
  • By Train: Take a train to Conegliano or Valdobbiadene from Venice or Treviso
  • By Car: Rent a vehicle for flexibility in exploring the wine routes

Local transportation options include:

  • Bus services connecting major towns
  • Taxi services in larger towns
  • Bike rentals for scenic rides through vineyards

Best Time to Visit

The Prosecco region shines throughout the year, but certain seasons offer unique experiences:

  • Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming vineyards
  • Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, outdoor festivals
  • Autumn (September-October): Harvest season, vibrant foliage
  • Winter (November-March): Cozy wine tastings, fewer tourists

Sustainability Efforts

The Prosecco region is committed to eco-friendly practices:

  • Biodiversity preservation in vineyards
  • Organic and biodynamic wine production
  • Water conservation techniques
  • Sustainable tourism initiatives

Language Tips

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases can enhance your experience:

  • “Salute!” – Cheers!
  • “Un bicchiere di Prosecco, per favore” – A glass of Prosecco, please
  • “Grazie” – Thank you
  • “Dov’è la cantina?” – Where is the winery?

Further Resources

For more information on Prosecco and the region, consult these resources:

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