The Prosecco Route, from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene

Just an hour's drive north of Venice lies the hub of production of Italy’s most famous bubbles, Prosecco. Stretching for roughly 100km amid the hilly countryside between the towns of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, the Prosecco Route was established in 2003 and continues the legacy of Italy’s very first wine trail, which appeared in this area back in the 1960’s.

Growing grapes here is often defined as “heroic viticulture”, because of the steep vineyard slopes that don’t allow any kind of mechanisation. This means that vines are cultivated by small family-run wineries, with the same passion and traditional methods that have been handed down from generation to generation. 

Passion and tradition are also the main drivers behind the foundation of the Valdobbiadene Confraternity back in 1946, thanks to a group of entrepreneurial winemakers keen to preserve and promote the production of Prosecco in the aftermath of WWII. Their foresight undoubtedly paid off, since today Prosecco is one of the most popular sparkling white wines in the world, as well as a symbol of Made in Italy.

Travelling along the Prosecco Route, visitors can taste the different varieties of this delightful wine: not only sparkling (Superiore), but also semi-sparkling (Frizzante), still (Tranquillo), and the prestigious Prosecco Superiore DOCG Cartizze, which is a special sparkling blend produced only in a small patch of land at the foot of the Cesen mountain, characterised by a particularly favourable microclimate and terroir.

A visit to the Prosecco region is a real pleasure not only to the palate but also to the eye, thanks to the incredible landscape that characterises this corner of Veneto. The region’s distinctive hogback hills are covered in countless shades of green and appear like a grandiose natural amphitheater, offering breathtakingly gorgeous views. Outdoors enthusiasts will also appreciate the impressive Caglieron caves in the village of Fregona and the lovely hiking trails around the Revine Lakes, where they can also visit an interesting archeological park.

Located at the far ends of the route, Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are the two capitals of the Prosecco Route, each with its own unique historical and artistic heritage, but united by a strong viticulture tradition. In between these two towns are scenic villages and rural hamlets with a wealth of attractions to explore. These include, among other things, the picturesque hamlet of Rolle, the imposing manor of Susegana, the 12th-century Romanesque Abbey of Follina and Molinetto della Croda, an ancient mill set in the rock in the village of Refrontolo.