You might think that Prosecco is from the area called Prosecco, near Trieste, but you would be mistaken!
Dear Prosecco wine area,
Let’s just start off by saying that we Italians have always known how special the Prosecco region is. It took UNESCO 12 years, but finally, you have achieved recognition for this iconic part of Italy!
I’ve always thought you were being overlooked. You’re truly a hidden gem that really only the locals know about. Even I have to admit you’re one of my favorite destinations to bring guests to because they’re so surprised…
But now that you are getting the honor you deserve, I think more people all over the world are going to want to visit to see the stunning hills covered with vineyards, and taste the product you’re famous for: Prosecco.
Do you agree we should share some insider information with your future fans?
Yours,
Monica
What is the Prosecco Wine Area?
You might think that Prosecco is from the area called Prosecco, near Trieste, but you would be mistaken!
About an hour's drive outside of Venice you’ll find the steep Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. It is this area that has just joined the list of about 1000 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Italy’s 55th!
These steep hills, crisscrossed with vineyards and dotted with Prosecco cellars, are now a protected region, and rightly so. The families in this region have been producing wine, especially Prosecco, for generations. It’s truly the best in the world!
Heart of Prosecco Country
Lovers of bubbles will know that true Prosecco comes from Valdobbiadene, the heart of Prosecco country. Here, winemakers have been making Prosecco from the Glera grape since the 1700s. Did you know that, until now, anyone making wine from at least 85% Glera grapes could call it Prosecco? Now, that name can only be given to wines from this region.
This unique region, positioned between the Dolomite Mountains and the coast, is warm during the day, but cooler at night, while the breeze from the sea dries the grapes well after rain. The repeating hills help to keep the many vineyards well-drained, producing crops of great concentration and flavor.
Since climate and soil play such an enormous role in the flavor and concentration of great wines, you’ll love hopping between the wine farms comparing their different expressions of the terroir and climate of the region.
Prosecco Wine Road
If a series of more than 30 small, family-owned-and-run wine farms with tastings at the literal cellar door sounds like your glass of Prosecco, then the narrow, winding Prosecco Road will be a hit.
Drive through the area stopping at any of the many farms, from the slicker Sorelle Bronca with its glass-walled tasting room to the Prosecco Superiore from Garbera in the La Cartizze district. You can learn your DOCG from your DOC Proseccos, taking your newfound knowledge home to impress your friends.
Visit the Cartizze hill and taste the incredible DOCG Prosecco made at Ca’ Salina by one of the Bortolin brothers. Their fruity, dry version is thought of as some of the very best in the region—you’ll see why!
Taste Prosecco & more
There’s no right or wrong way to taste wine, but there are a few things you can do to get the most enjoyment possible from it.
Firstly, proper Prosecco must be made with at least 85% Glera grapes and, now, it must be grown in the UNESCO Prosecco Wine Region (between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano).
Prosecco can be made to be sweet, dry or extra dry, and the very best Prosecco has the DOCG signifier. It should be served cold in a tulip glass—not a Champagne flute—as the bulb in the top of the glass helps to maximize the unique aroma.
Look out for unusual versions, such as the rose Prosecco from La Tordera or Passito—a sweet wine—from Toffoli. The Prosecco is obviously amazing in this region, but the terroir lends itself to all sorts of wines.
How to get there
You can take a train from Venice to Conegliano and hire a taxi to drive you around the area.
Another option is to drive out yourself, meandering down the winding roads at your own speed, hoping to hit the right farms in the time you have. You could consider staying overnight or for a few nights, if wine tasting is really your thing, taking in a few farms a day.
If you have only limited time, consider booking a day trip which includes your transfers to and from Veneto from Venice. You’ll be driven through the region, and stop for lunch and tastings at Prosecco farms and a local Grapperia. It can be much easier to take in a region with a knowledgable local guide, after all.
Visit with the Hilltowns of Veneto tour
Have I convinced you? Now is the right time to visit the Prosecco region before it becomes flooded with tourists from all over the world. At the moment, it’s like the world has forgotten about the birthplace of Prosecco. Be one step ahead of the crowds and experience this incredible destination in all of its authenticity and heritage. Think Tuscany before the world got hold of it.
Stroll around the enchanting hilltowns, check out the local ceramics and enjoy the scenic backroads of the region. You’ll go the full length of the soon-to-be-famous Prosecco Road, stopping along the way for photos and to visit a medieval castle and life-sized chessboard. Play a quick game of human chess, then take a walk around the quaint village of Marostica.
In Bassano del Grappa, enjoy the view of the mountains and vineyards while taking in this beautiful little town. We’ll cross a Palladian Bridge over the magnificent river Brenta and taste the local drink of choice, grappa, or ‘fire water’ if you want to.
We’ll also pop in at one of the famous villas designed by Andrea Palladio, near another gorgeous little town of Asolo, the Pearl of Veneto. Have lunch in the village or just wander around soaking in the narrow streets and extraordinary scenery.
We’ll end off our glorious day in Veneto with a Prosecco tasting at one of the local vineyards, enjoying a refreshing glass or two of bubbles before we head back to Venice.
Oh, and you’re welcome to pack a few cases of spumante home in the van!
Keen to start planning your trip?
There’s so much more to Prosecco than reasonably priced bubbles and we’re thrilled that this region, and the wine produced there, has received this recognition.
It’s still a relatively unknown area, but we’re sure that this recognition will attract many visitors keen to learn more about this unique Italian wine. Make sure you get there first for an authentic experience.
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