The Prosecco Hills – between the cities Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in which Province of Treviso, in which Veneto region, in the northeast of Italy – is an extraordinary area where a wine of international prestige is produced: a sparkling white wine that is exported all over the world, producing more than 90 million bottles a year.
In 2019, this area was UNESCO as a world heritage site recognized.
In the land of Prosecco, beauty and taste blend harmoniously, inviting the visitor to a journey of discovery among wineries and small towns surrounded by terraces and vineyards, abbeys and fortresses.
The cradle of Prosecco Superiore can be discovered by following Italy’s first historic wine route, which winds between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The Prosecco and Wine Route of Conegliano Valdobbiadene is the first enotourist itinerary created in Italy: 90 kilometers to travel by car, on foot or by bike, between a glass of wine and a tasting of local cheeses or cured meats.
The Strada del Prosecco winds through steep slopes covered with vineyards and woods, in a landscape that includes villages such as Conegliano, Refròntolo, Valdobbiadene, Pieve di Soligo and wines such as Prosecco, Cartizze, Bianco dei Colli, Refrontolo Passito and Torchiato di Fregona.
The area is characterized by a particular geomorphological features: Reliefs with narrow ridges and very steep slopes. For centuries, this rugged terrain has been shaped and adapted by man, creating a special checkerboard landscape.
Prosecco hills, vineyards, Unesco World Heritage Site. Veneto, Italy. (photo © Shutterstock.com)
The departure is from Conegliano, which can be easily reached with a rental car from the airports of Milan, Verona and Venice (the latter much closer to the destination), using the A4 Turin-Trieste and A27 Venice-Belluno highways.
The journey of taste in the Prosecco Hills can begin at the Enological School of Conegliano to discover the secrets of the art of sparkling wine, where you can participate in guided tours of the wine cellars, the wine shop or the nearby Wine Museum.
Of course, a visit to the sights of the city, such as the Cathedral, the Cima House and the Jewish Cemetery, should not be missed. At sunset it is advisable to enjoy the splendid panoramic view from the esplanade of Castelvecchio, which can be reached on foot from Cima Square, passing by the imposing complex of the former Franciscan monastery. Here, in the bell tower, the City Museum exhibits Roman and pre-Roman finds.
From Conegliano you can continue towards Collabrigo, a small town that offers suggestive views of the surrounding hills, then the Rua di San Pietro di Feletto with its XVII century hermitage and San Pietro di Feletto, where there is a magnificent Romanesque church of the XII century. Century is located.
White Prosecco grapes on a vineyard before harvest in the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene. Veneto. Italy. (photo © Shutterstock.com)
In an enchanting landscape of vineyards lies Farra di Soligo, a true gastronomic destination known for the spring festivals with prosecco, strawberries and asparagus. When you return to the car, you can make a brief stop in Refrontolo, where you will find the Molinetto della Croda, an old water mill that is still in operation. Then we reach Villa Brandolini in Solighetto, seat of the Consortium for the Protection of Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Docg and home to exhibitions and cultural events. From the small towns of Guia and Campea you can admire some of the most beautiful viewpoints of the vineyards of the entire area.
The Prosecco Road ends in Valdobbiadene, located on a hill and home to numerous sparkling wine cellars and excellent restaurants where you can taste the specialties of the area. To demonstrate the importance of wine production in the city life, there are two important wine events such as“Calici di Stelle” and the“Spumanti Forum“, both housed in Villa dei Cedri, an Art Nouveau building from the XIX century in the middle of a public park.
Text: © Italy.blog
