THE WINE ROAD

The new Road for Prosecco and the Wines of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Hills, founded in 2003, is the heir to what was, as long ago as 1966, Italy’s first wine route. Large tracts of that historic itinerary have been maintained, but they have been supplemented by themed routes that really show off the whole of the area, with its varied viticultural landscapes and many historical and artistic treasures that are strewn amidst the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

The various itineraries meander between these two towns, situated in the heart of the upper Marca Trevigiana, the cradle of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. In the northern part of the Province of Treviso, with the imposing Veneto Dolomites looming nearby, an environmental scenario opens up with markedand distinctive traits, made up of steep hills alternating with gentle slopes, covered in a seemingly infinite patchwork of vineyards.

In this area, the air is full of the scent of wine and of good things to eat, as well as of a centuries-old winemaking culture that has had a profound effect on the landscape and on the soul of one of the most magical areas in Italy. The people here love their roots and they have maintained a taste for traditions and for the pleasure of meeting and greeting other people. They are also passionately fond of food and their typicalproducts such as hams and salamis, cheeses, spit-roasted meats, wild herbs, chestnuts, grappa, mushrooms or honey, all of which contribute to the rich and varied oeno-gastronomic offering from this area.

This is a territory that is full of charm and atmosphere, of historical and artistic attractions, of surprises and –often unexpected – offerings. Because they are precious, these almost seem to be hidden away in the valleys and in the little villages scattered here and there, where it is a pleasure to wander off and discover thousand-year-old traces of human habitation. And the best way to do so is to allow oneself to be guided along the Road for Prosecco and the Wines of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Hills, which will lead the visitor to discover the area’s many sights and landmarks, as well as its most prestigious vineyards.

This is a land of historic castles, of aristocratic villas, of remote monuments, of sacred buildings and of ancient thermal springs. Conegliano, Vittorio Veneto, Valdobbiadene and Pieve di Soligo each represent a little treasure chest full of natural, artistic and architectural gems, just waiting to be discovered, at the same time enjoying the gentle rhythms of an area that still moves at a natural, human pace. Meanwhile, all around, the vines await, with age-old patience, their encounter with the sunshine, taking part in the solemn progression of one season, colour and flavour to the next.

For further information: www.coneglianovaldobbiadene.it