Wine tourism in Prosecco

Wine Tourism in Prosecco: destination information, how to move in Prosecco, Top Wine Experiences, Itineraries and tours, tips and secrets.

Prosecco is more than just a sparkling wine; it's a delightful region that stands as a testament to Italy's rich viticultural heritage and scenic beauty.

In this presentation, we'll explore the geography, history, and the exceptional wines that define the Prosecco region. Picture a landscape of rolling hills adorned with lush vineyards, where every glass of Prosecco encapsulates the essence of its origin.

Join us as we delve into the heart of the Prosecco DOC, one of Italy's most iconic wine territories. Whether you're planning a distinctive tour or seeking a memorable experience, the Prosecco region promises an unforgettable journey. Ready to embark on a sparkling Wine Experience?

If you already know the most important info on Prosecco and its celebrated wines, feel free to skip this guide and start your search for Prosecco experiences available on winedering.com

The Destination: Prosecco


The Prosecco region, a captivating wine destination, is nestled in the picturesque hills of Veneto, within the renowned Conegliano Valdobbiadene area. To fully appreciate Prosecco, it's essential to understand the heritage of this region, famous for its stunning landscapes, rich winemaking traditions, and cultural heritage that dates back to the ancient Romans.

In our previous articles, we explored Valpolicella, noting its boundaries set by Verona and the Adige River. Heading northwest from Venice, we reach the remarkable Prosecco region. This journey begins with the scenic vineyards of Conegliano and extends to the charming hills of Valdobbiadene, the heart of Prosecco country. The most captivating part of the Prosecco region stretches along the route connecting these two towns, showcasing rolling hills adorned with Glera grapevines that define the landscape and contribute to the region’s renowned sparkling wine.

Before booking, let’s see how to reach and visit the Prosecco region.

Did you know? The Prosecco Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage site

In 2019, the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This prestigious designation celebrates the region's outstanding universal value as a cultural landscape, where the natural beauty of the rolling hills and vineyards is a testament to centuries of human cultivation and winemaking tradition. The Prosecco Hills exemplify a harmonious relationship between nature and human creativity, reflecting the deep-rooted heritage and exceptional craftsmanship of the region's wine producers.

A wine lover's triangle

The ancient villages, with their rich artistic and historical heritage, add immense value to the Prosecco region. They form a triangle on the map, with the most famous and largest centers at its vertices. Vittorio Veneto, Conegliano, and Valdobbiadene are three key territories in the Prosecco region, each offering unique contributions to the area's rich cultural and viticultural heritage.

Conegliano

The Prosecco route starts from the south, in Conegliano, where the first Italian wine school was founded in 1876.

Discover wine experiences in Conegliano

Vittorio Veneto

To the east, you reach Vittorio Veneto, at the foot of Monte Grappa, famous for the Great War of 1918.

Discover wine experiences in Vittorio Veneto

Valdobbiadene

Valdobbiadene is the capital of Prosecco, boasting the highest density of wineries. Along the route to this charming town, you will encounter some of Italy's most beautiful vineyard landscapes, passing through the hamlets of Follo, Santo Stefano, Saccol, and San Pietro di Barbozza. This area is the renowned Cartizze microzone (check details in the wine section below) .

  Discover wine experiences  in Valdobbiadene  

How To Reach Prosecco wine destination

Veneto and Northern Italy Tour

For a focused exploration, consider a tour of Northern Italy, starting from vibrant cities like Venice or Verona. From these historic centers, embark on a captivating journey through the Prosecco Hills. After exploring the canals and historic sites of Venice, a 2-3 day stay in one of the charming Prosecco villages offers a serene and delightful retreat.

Choose to stay in a picturesque town such as Treviso or in a charming villa amidst the tranquil Veneto countryside for an authentic experience. This route allows you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and wine heritage of Veneto, providing a refreshing change of pace.

You will fall in love with the rolling vineyards of Conegliano, Valdobbiadene and Vittorio Veneto, and savor the exquisite Prosecco wines that have earned global acclaim.

A stay in the Prosecco Hills guarantees a memorable and relaxing moment during your trip, whether you're unwinding after your Venetian explorations or gearing up for your next destination.


Flights

The nearest airport to the Prosecco region is Treviso Airport (TSF), located approximately 30 km (around 19 miles) from the heart of the Prosecco Hills. You may also consider Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), which is about 50 km (31 miles) away. This airport offers a greater number of international flights and connections. Additionally, Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) is approximately 120 km (around 75 miles) from the Prosecco wine region.


Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is also an option, situated about 300 km (186 miles) from the Prosecco Hills. While it is farther away, Milan Malpensa is a major international hub with a wide range of flight options from various global destinations.


Consider private transfers or car rentals from the airport for a more comfortable and convenient journey, especially after long flights. These services can enhance your travel experience and ensure a seamless transition to the scenic Prosecco Hills.

Car / Ncc

From Venice and Treviso:

You can take the A27 motorway towards Belluno, then exit at Conegliano and follow the signs to the Prosecco Hills. The journey typically takes about an hour, offering scenic views of the Veneto countryside.


From Milan and Verona:

Drive along the A4 motorway towards Venice, then take the A27 towards Belluno. Exit at Conegliano and follow the local roads to the Prosecco region. This route will take approximately 3 hours from Milan and 1.5 hours from Verona.


Remember that renting a car offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the countryside at leisure, but you need to ensure you are comfortable with driving in Italy and navigating rural roads. Make sure you have a GPS navigation or a detailed map to avoid getting lost on the winding country roads.


Bus & Train Travel

From Venice:

There are regular bus services operating from Venice to Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the main towns in the Prosecco region. These routes offer scenic views of the Veneto countryside and provide a budget-friendly travel option. The journey may require a transfer in Treviso or other nearby towns.


From Treviso:

Treviso, being closer to the Prosecco region, offers more frequent bus services directly to Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The journey is relatively short and convenient, making Treviso a great starting point for exploring the Prosecco Hills.


Buses are a budget-friendly option but may require more time and transfers. Ensure you are aware of the schedules and routes.

We also recommend purchasing tickets in advance and checking the latest schedules to avoid delays.

How to visit Prosecco wineries

Exploring the Prosecco region offers a unique mix of scenic landscape and exquisite wine tasting experiences. You can rent a car for a better flexibility, but you can also join one of the beautiful guided wine tours for expert insights and stress-free travel. Prosecco wine territory is also well known as a bike destination and you can definitely enjoy biking tours through the vineyards in an eco-friendly option.

Distances within this region are not that complicated so half or full day tours may definitely be an option. For a more exclusive experience, you may want to hire a private driver with a sommelier guiding you thru the day.  Public transportation are well organized here but you would still need to either grab a taxi or enjoy beautiful walking and hiking options to discover the outstanding Prosecco area.

Private half-day Prosecco wine tour from Venice

The private half-day Prosecco wine tour departs from Venice and offers a 5-hour journey through the scenic Prosecco wine area. You'll get the chance to visit a local winery for Prosecco tastings, followed by a beautiful light lunch with local products. This half day tour includes private pick up and drop off in Venice, with options for pick-up from Treviso and Asolo, too.

Check this tour to get an idea

E-Bike Tour through the Prosecco hills & tasting of typical products

With this experience, you'll embark on a captivating e-bike tour through the scenic vineyards of Valdobbiadene, renowned for its prestigious Prosecco wines. Begin your journey with a self-guided e-bike ride through the picturesque hills of Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lasting approximately 2 hours.

Upon your return to the Fasol Menin winery, take a comfortable seat on the winery's outdoor porch overlooking the vineyards or in the cozy tasting room. Enjoy a tasting of three DOCG Fasol Menin sparkling wines, paired with local cured meats and cheeses, providing a delightful conclusion to your tour. This tour lasts approximately 3h.

Check this tour to get an idea

Original Prosecco tour with a local guide from Venice

Embark on an enchanting full-day Prosecco Guided Wine Tour from Venice.
Visit three exquisite Prosecco DOCG wineries, enjoy tastings of various Prosecco wines, and savor a delicious light lunch amidst the vineyards.
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point in Venice, making for a seamless and unforgettable wine experience.  

Check this tour to get an idea

Prosecco: Wine & Food

The perfect wine of the venetian hills

The story of Prosecco Superiore DOCG begins in the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a small yet precious region located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Venice and roughly 100 kilometers (70 miles) south of the Dolomites. This unique landscape has been recognized for its wine-producing potential since ancient times. The first written record of the term "Prosecco" dates back to 1593 in the notes of a wine-loving traveler who used the word "prosecho" to describe this wine

Prosecco, made primarily from locally grown Glera grapes, can also include up to 15% of other permitted varieties like Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera Lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Grigio. This blend is produced and bottled mainly in the Prosecco DOC and DOCG areas, including Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

Prosecco has become one of the most beloved sparkling wines in the world. The variety of terrain, with altitudes reaching up to 500 meters (1600 feet) and differing climates—more continental in the higher elevations and Mediterranean-like in the lower areas—has proven particularly beneficial for the vines.

Despite its ancient roots, Prosecco saw a significant transformation in the 19th century with the advent of the Charmat method, developed by Federico Martinotti and later perfected by Eugène CharmatThis method allows Prosecco to retain its fresh, fruity characteristics while achieving the perfect effervescence. 

In the Charmat method, the second fermentation, which creates the bubbles, takes place in large, sealed stainless steel tanks instead of individual bottles, as in the traditional Champenois method used for Champagne, Trento Doc or Franciacorta.
The Charmat method is fast and efficient, producing wines that are light, fresh, and fruity. This makes Prosecco accessible, affordable, and perfect for a wide variety of occasions.

Prosecco comes in several styles, primarily differentiated by their levels of sweetness. Here is an outline of the different types of Prosecco that you will encounter during your Prosecco-tours with Winedering:

1. Prosecco Brut: Less than 12 grams of sugar per liter; crisp and dry with notes of green apple and citrus. This is the most "trendy" wine at the moment.

2. Prosecco Extra Dry: The most traditional version, this wine combines savoriness and acidity,  with flavors of ripe apple and pear.

3. Prosecco Dry: less common version, enhances fruity and floral notes.

4. Prosecco Demi-Sec: 32-50 grams of sugar per liter; the sweetest style, rich with honey and candied fruit flavors.

How to drink Prosecco

To fully enjoy a Prosecco, we recommend using a tulip-shaped glass to enhance its bubbles and aromatic profile. Serve it well-chilled at a temperature of 6-8°C. This sparkling wine is bright and straw-yellow in color, with a fine and persistent perlage (=bubble formation). Its aroma is fresh and fragrant, featuring fruity notes of apple, pear, and citrus, with floral hints of wisteria and acacia. The taste is light, crisp, and pleasantly fruity, making it an ideal choice for celebrations and casual gatherings.

Cartizze Microzone

Among the villages of Follo, Santo Stefano, Saccol and San Pietro di Barbozza, 108 hectares of land make up the Cartizze area. The combination of ideal exposure, constant ventilation, mineral-rich soil, and five hillside ridges ensuring excellent drainage allows the Glera grapes to thrive exceptionally well here. This results in Cartizze wine of outstanding quality. The grapes harvested by local producers are vinified only in Valdobbiadene and the wine is sold in a limited number of bottles, ensuring its exclusivity.

Flute glass

The flute is the typical glass for sparkling wine, enhancing the perlage (the bubbles). Although it is widely used for Prosecco, its narrow opening limits the perception of the aromas.

"Tulipano" Glass

The tulipano glass is the best choice for enjoying Prosecco because its shape retains the bubbles while also allowing the wine's aromas to be appreciated.

Food

Prosecco is a versatile and light sparkling wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are two simple rules for pairing it:

1. Opt for Light and Fresh Dishes: Prosecco's crisp and fruity profile complements light appetizers, seafood, salads, and fresh cheeses. Its acidity and bubbles cut through the richness of these dishes, enhancing their flavors.

2. Balance Sweet and Savory: Prosecco's slight sweetness pairs beautifully with savory dishes, like prosciutto, as well as mildly sweet desserts like fruit tarts and pastries. The balance of sweet and savory creates a delightful harmony on the palate.

Prosciutto and Melon

The saltiness of the prosciutto perfectly complements the sweetness of the melon, while Prosecco's crisp acidity balances the flavors, making it a refreshing starter

Cicchetti

These Venetian small plates , with bites like marinated seafood, olives, and crostini with various toppings, pair perfectly with Prosecco. The wine's light bubbles and fruity notes enhance the flavors and textures.

Tiramisù

The slight sweetness and creamy texture of tiramisù, a dessert that has its origins rooted in the city of Treviso, pair wonderfully with Prosecco, enhancing the rich coffee and cocoa flavors for a delightful dessert combination.

Top 5 Wine Experiences

Here are our top 5 recommendations for wine experiences for Prosecco, carefully selected by Winedering, the world's most popular wine and food experiences marketplace. These experiences, booked by thousands of customers, are the ones we highly recommend for creating unforgettable moments.

Wine tasting in the vineyard at Gemin Spumanti

Run by the Gemin family, the Gemin Spumanti experience offers an immersive tour through their vineyards and winery in Valdobbiadene, part of the UNESCO heritage landscape. Begin with a guided walk through the vineyards, followed by a visit to the winemaking cellar and bottling department. The tour concludes with a tasting of four Valdobbiadene DOCG wines, paired with local cured meats, cheeses, and traditional Pan da Vin, enjoyed in a comfortable tasting area overlooking the vineyards.

Location: Valdobbiadene

Rating: 4,87/5

Experience type: Winery visit and tasting

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Organic Prosecco Tasting with a View of the Asolani Hills at Ghisolana

This organic Prosecco tasting at Ghisolana includes a tour of the vineyard and winery, focusing on hand-harvested, minimally processed wines. The visit is complemented by a tasting of three organic Proseccos paired with "Cicchetti" while overlooking the scenic Asolani hills. Reviews highlight the stunning location, excellent service, and high-quality Prosecco. The experience is highly recommended for its authenticity and delightful local snacks.

Location: Monfumo, Colli Asolani

Rating: 4,8/5

Experience type: Wine tasting

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From Vine to Glass: Premium Prosecco Tasting at Fasol Menin

This Prosecco tasting at Fasol Menin includes a vineyard tour, explanation of the production process, and tasting four premium Spumante wines with local cold cuts and cheeses. Reviews praise the knowledgeable and passionate staff, beautiful location, and high-quality Prosecco. The experience is noted for its excellent value and engaging tours.

Location: Valdobbiadene

Rating: 4,7/5

Experience type: Wine experience

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Food & Wine Experience at Ruggeri Winery

The experience at Ruggeri Winery includes a tour of the vineyard and winery, a video presentation of the territory, and a guided tasting of four Valdobbiadene DOCG wines: Saltèr, Cartizze Brut, Giustino B, and Cartizze Dry. Guests also enjoy a platter of local cold cuts and cheeses. Reviews commend the knowledgeable staff, comprehensive explanations, and high-quality wines, with visitors appreciating the beautiful location and well-curated pairings.

Location: Valdobbiadene

Rating: 5/5

Experience type: Wine tasting for small groups

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Romantic Prosecco Picnic at Ville d'Arfanta

Experience a romantic picnic in the vineyard with a breathtaking view of the DOCG hills, a UNESCO heritage site. Guests receive a bottle of Prosecco DOCG Brut Ville d'Arfanta, local cheese, cold cuts, corn breadsticks, olive oil tarallini, seasonal fruit, and tiramisu in a jar. Reviews highlight the quality of the products, the beautiful setting, and the hospitable staff.

Location: Conegliano

Rating: 5/5

Experience type: Picnic and wine tasting

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Prosecco Itineraries and Wine Tours

If you're in need of inspiration for your next trip or want to make adjustments to your experience in Veneto, take a look at our top 2 itineraries suggested by Winedering for the stunning Prosecco DOC and DOCG hills. The Winedering team has carefully curated these tours to meet specific criteria:

Tour #1: Half day Prosecco tour: Wine experiences in the Treviso province

Experience an enchanting half-day tour along the Prosecco hills with a day trip combining different types of experiences.  We suggest to depart from Venice, but this tour is feasible also from Verona, Padua and Treviso.

10 am
/11 am

Depart from Venice via car / personal driver. If you depart from Venice or Padua, you should leave at 11 am, while if you're departing from Verona, you should consider departing around 10 am.


12 am
/
2 pm

Arrival in Tarzo (Treviso) at  Ville D'Arfanta 

Experience Enjoy a romantic pic nic with a great view over the Prosecco hills     with a bottle of Prosecco DOCG Brut Ville d'Arfanta accompanied by local delicacies.

Duration: 2h

2 pm: Transfer to Guia winery, for a splendid visit and wine tasting

3 pm: Arrival at Guia Winery

3 pm
/
4.3o pm

Arrival in Valdobbiadene at  Guia

Experience:  Enjoy an experiential tour of Guia Winery's UNESCO-listed vineyards and wine cellar, followed by a tasting.

Duration: 1,5h

After a a 1,5 h visit and tasting, you will be transfered back to the city

Tour #2: Full-day sparkling discovery: 

Get ready to live a memorable journey through the heart of Valdobbiadene with an exclusive 3 wineries visits and tastings. By the end of the day, you'll have discovered and tasted a great variety of exquisite Proseccos.

8.45 am

Depart from  Venice  via car / personal driver.. The first stop is about half an hour from Venice.

10 am
/
11. 30 am

Arrival at 47 Anno Domini, a family business that will introduce you to the world of Prosecco.

Experience: Unique experience involving separating wines into six elements and tasting five wines with traditional snacks.

Duration: 1,5h

11,30 am: Departure from 47 Anno Domini towards Rechsteiner

12 pm: Arrival at Rechsteiner for a pic nic experience

12 pm
/
3 pm

Arrival at  Rechsteiner Winery , a winery that combines historic charm with modern winemaking. 

Experience: Enjoy a guided tour of Rechsteiner including a walk in the park, a visit to the winery, a tasting of five wines, and a picnic in the scenic park.

Duration: 3h

3 pm: Departure from Rechsteiner

4 pm: Arrival at Bortolomiol

4 pm
/
5. 30 pm

Arrival at Bortolomiol ,    located in Valdobbiadene, renowned for its high-quality Prosecco and commitment to sustainability

Experience: E njoy a tour of Bortolomiol's vineyards, visit the winemaking cellars, and taste three Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG wines with breadsticks and cheese.

Duration: 1,5h

After your visit, you are free to drive back to the city or dwell in Valdobbiadene to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Prosecco hills

Enjoy Prosecco Wine Experiences

With detailed itineraries and insider tips, your adventure through the Prosecco hills will be both seamless and enriching.

Remember to take your time, enjoy the stunning views, and soak in the warm hospitality of the local winemakers and residents. Book your unforgettable experiences  online on Winedering.com, the best online wine tourism marketplace worldwide. 

Buon viaggio and cheers to your sparkling Prosecco adventure!