Prosecco Hills UNESCO: Journey Through Venetian Vineyards

In the heart of Veneto, among gentle hills that follow one another like green waves, stretches one of the world's most fascinating wine landscapes: the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. This international recognition celebrates not only the extraordinary beauty of a territory, but also a millennial tradition that has successfully combined the art of viticulture with respect for the environment.

Crossing these hills means immersing yourself in a mosaic of terraced vineyards, ancient villages and historic cellars, where Prosecco DOCG is born from Glera grapes cultivated with passion and wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Every sip tells the story of this generous land, where the unique microclimate and calcareous soils create ideal conditions for producing one of the world's most appreciated wines.

The UNESCO Territory: A Mosaic of Beauty and Tradition

The Prosecco Hills extend over approximately 20,000 hectares between the provinces of Treviso and Belluno, embracing 15 municipalities in an embrace of hills reaching 500 meters in altitude. The landscape is characterized by the distinctive ciglioni, narrow terraces supported by dry stone walls that follow the natural profiles of the hills, creating a geometric design of rare beauty.

This territorial conformation, which might seem purely aesthetic, actually conceals ancient agricultural wisdom. The terraces allow optimal use of solar exposure, ensure water drainage and prevent soil erosion, fundamental elements for grape quality and cultivation sustainability.

The Prosecco Municipalities: Pearls Scattered Among the Vineyards

The UNESCO territory includes architectural and cultural gems of inestimable value:

• Conegliano: birthplace of Cima da Conegliano, home to Italy's first Enology School
• Valdobbiadene: beating heart of Prosecco Superiore DOCG production
• Vittorio Veneto: rich in history and gastronomic traditions
• San Vendemiano: land of ancient winemaking traditions
• Susegana: dominated by the majestic Castle of San Salvatore

The Prosecco Route: A Journey Between Taste and Culture

The Prosecco and Wines Route of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Hills is a food and wine itinerary that winds for over 90 kilometers through breathtaking landscapes, touching more than 50 cellars and wineries. This tourist route, one of the first in Italy, offers visitors the opportunity to discover the secrets of Prosecco production through guided tastings, cellar visits and meetings with producers.

Along the route, local osterias and restaurants offer gastronomic pairings that enhance the organoleptic characteristics of Prosecco, from the freshness of Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco to the complexity of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive.

The Best Wineries to Visit

The territory offers unique experiences in wineries ranging from small family businesses to large historic producers:

• Villa Sandi: elegance and tradition in an architectural context of rare beauty
• Nino Franco: artisanal excellence and sustainable innovation
• Bisol: centenary history and respect for biodiversity
• Canevel: family tradition and certified quality

Authentic Flavors: The Gastronomy of the Hills

The gastronomic tradition of the Prosecco Hills has its roots in Venetian peasant culture, enriched by Friulian and Alpine influences. Traditional dishes enhance local products, creating perfect pairings with different types of Prosecco.

Traditional Dishes and Pairings

Local cuisine favors fresh and seasonal ingredients:

• Baccalà alla vicentina: creamy and flavorful, pairs perfectly with Extra Dry Prosecco
• Amarone risotto: richness and structure balanced by the freshness of Brut Prosecco
• Sarde in saor: Venetian tradition that finds the ideal companion in Prosecco
• Tiramisu: the quintessential Venetian dessert, enhanced by sweet Prosecco
• Piave DOP cheese: local dairy excellence to taste with Prosecco of different structures

Fraschette and osterias with shade dot the territory, offering refreshing stops where you can taste cicchetti and local specialties accompanied by a glass of fresh cellar Prosecco.

Unique Experiences in the Heart of Prosecco

The Prosecco Hills offer tourist experiences that go well beyond simple tasting, creating unforgettable memories for every type of visitor.

Activities and Experiences

The territory offers activities for all tastes and seasons:

• Participatory harvest: experience grape picking as protagonists between September and October
• Vineyard trekking: panoramic trails through the heart of production
• Bike tours: gentle rides through hills and wineries with tasting stops
• Gourmet picnics: outdoor lunches overlooking vineyards with local products
• Tasting courses: learning the art of organoleptic evaluation
• Sunset aperitivo: magical moments at sunset with panoramic views

Prosecco: Art and Science of Italian Bubbles

The Prosecco DOCG from the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene represents the excellence of Italian sparkling wine production. Its production follows the Charmat method, which preserves the freshness and primary aroma of Glera grapes, an indigenous variety that finds its maximum qualitative expression here.

Different types of Prosecco reflect the variety of the territory: from classic Prosecco Superiore DOCG to prestigious Rive, additional geographical mentions that identify wines of particular merit from individual municipalities or hamlets, up to the legendary Cartizze, produced in only 106 hectares in the most suitable area of San Pietro di Barbozza.

Conscious Tasting

Tasting Prosecco in its lands of origin means understanding the indissoluble bond between territory, climate and tradition:

• Appearance: fine and persistent perlage, straw-yellow color with golden reflections
• Aroma: floral notes of wisteria and acacia, fruity apple and pear
• Taste: balanced freshness, mineral sapidity, clean and persistent finish

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

The Prosecco Hills are easily accessible from Venice (70 km), Treviso (40 km) and Belluno (50 km). The ideal period for visiting runs from April to October, with particular charm during harvest time (September-October) and the Christmas period, when the hills dress in autumn colors.

For a complete experience, a stay of at least two days is recommended, choosing from the numerous accommodation facilities in the territory: from renovated colonial houses to charming wine resorts, to elegant relais with vineyard-view spas.

The UNESCO Prosecco Hills represent a unique heritage in the world, where landscape beauty merges with gastronomic excellence in a complete sensory experience. Visiting this territory means touching firsthand the passion of those who, for generations, have guarded and passed down the art of making Prosecco, giving the world one of the most authentic symbols of Italian excellence. Whether you are wine enthusiasts, nature lovers or curious about culinary traditions, the Prosecco Hills will conquer you with their timeless charm and genuinely Venetian hospitality.