Located in the Northeast of Italy and bordering Slovenia, the Prosecco region has been producing sparkling wine for centuries. A stunning region with rolling green hills; scattered with centuries-old vines, medieval villages and hamlets, a tour of this area is an enriching experience for any food and wine lover. In this article we will delve into the world of Prosecco, how it’s made and where to get some of the best Italian Prosecco as well as some delicious local food.

Prosecco: Centuries of tradition.

To be considered a Prosecco it must be made within three designated appellations covering nine provinces in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions and produced with 85% Glera. The Glera grape variety, formerly known as Prosecco, has a light acidity which gives notes of melons, pears and peaches resulting in a light to medium bodied wine. This thinly skinned green grape has been grown in the region for centuries and thanks to the microclimate in the area makes for a delicate and light wine. Prosecco can be frizzante, which is lightly sparkling; spumante, which is fully sparkling; or tranquillo, which is still. Make sure to try all three on your Prosecco tour of Italy!

What is the difference between Prosecco and Champagne?

The first difference is the locations where these two sparkling wines are made, both can only be made within the regions they are named after. Prosecco must be made within the Prosecco region in Italy and Champagne must be made in the French region of Champagne. The geographical location has an impact on the flavour of each wine as well as the process: Champagne tends to have a more complex flavour profile due to the yeast exposure in the second fermentation while Prosecco is a much lighter and fresh wine. Secondly, Prosecco in Italy is vinified using the Charmat method, which involves a single fermentation process in the tank rather than in each bottle, this is a much quicker and less costly process than that of Champagne. The fermentation process of Champagne, by contrast, involves double fermentation, the second of which, is conducted inside the bottle.

Food and wine experiences on offer in the Prosecco region of Italy

 Most wineries within the Prosecco region require you to book ahead as they are working wineries and farms. Tastings and tours are usually an in-depth experience where you can learn the intricacies of Prosecco making, view the vineyards and sample some Prosecco, often accompanied with some local delicacies. Here are some we recommend for your Prosecco tour of Italy.

Col del Lupo: quality and love in every sip

Located on the highest point of the Cartizze and offering spectacular views over the rolling vineyards, this family run winery produces some of the best quality Prosecco in Italy, including Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG and Brut Pink Twelve Moons. They provide a series of different themed tours as well as bespoke private tours and are open every day of the week. A great place to learn about sustainable, organic farming, they even harvest their grapes by hand. Make sure to try the homemade focaccia with the tasting, you won’t be disappointed!

De Riz: ‘land, love and prosecco superior’

This Winery located on the hills of San Pietro di Feletto is great for tasting a wide variety of local wines. There are 3 different tour options depending on your interests and the time you have available, which include a tasting with their very own Prosecco Superiore DOCG or a full tasting which includes their own red, whites and rosés. During the summer months you can partake in tastings in the vines and in winter sit inside the tasting rooms overlooking the beautiful views. A unique aspect of this winery is its pairing chocolate with Prosecco.

Borgoluce: The complete package

If you are looking for a complete culinary extravaganza whilst on your Prosecco tour, then this agritourism farm could be just the ticket. This sprawling estate is dedicated to biodiversity and sustainability and offer a complete viniculture experience. They not only produce Prosecco, but they also keep buffalo for their meat and to make their own mozzarella. They offer a choice of accommodation and places to dine or you can opt for a day tour of the vineyards, farm museum and Prosecco tasting. They have a natural swimming pool, bike and walking paths for you to explore; a farm shop where you can buy their cured meats, honey, olive oil and, of course, their excellent Prosecco.

One last chance at Fiumicino Airport

During your Prosecco tour you can buy bottles individually or whole cases of wine. However, if you have forgotten your favourite bottle or want to pick up something special, there is a wide selection of the country’s best sparkling wines available for purchase at Rome Fiumicino airport.

A visit to the Prosecco hills in Italy will, without a doubt, be a rich gastronomic experience where you can savour the most exquisite Proseccos and local delicacies, while immersing yourself in the world of wine making.

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