Prosecco Hills

The basics

A tour of the Prosecco hills to taste this wine at its source is a must for oenophiles, and wine tours departing from Venice generally include a stop for lunch to sample some authentic fare from the Veneto region. Some tours combine a wine tasting with visits to the area’s towns, as well as the historic Palladian Villas that dot this countryside. Prosecco DOC is produced in vineyards covering the countryside straddling the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions; the more prestigious Prosecco Superiore DOCG includes Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG from the hills between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, and Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG from the area surrounding Asolo.

Things to know before you go

• Many of the vineyards have small terraces on steep slopes that offer great views of the surrounding countryside, so be sure to bring your camera.
• Some wineries may not be accessible to wheelchairs. If you are visiting as part of a wine tour, check in advance.
• Choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather when touring the Prosecco Hills wine country, as you will be spend most of your time outdoors.

How to get there

The Prosecco Hills are located in the Veneto region at the foot of the Dolomites, just north of Venice. The best way to visit is with a wine tour that includes transportation to avoid having to navigate the rural roads by car.

When to get there

The countryside in the Prosecco Hills is most scenic in spring and fall, when the vineyards are in full bloom. Tour in late summer if you would like to see the “vendemmia” (traditional grape harvest).

The Palladian Villas

The Veneto region is home to the UNESCO-listed Palladian villas, elegant 16th-century residences in the hills between Vicenza and Treviso designed by Italian architect Andrea Palladio. Among the most famous are Villa Barbaro, Villa La Rotonda, and Villa Emo.