Veneto
From the Dolomites to Prosecco
Veneto, the land of sparkling wines and full-bodied reds
The name of the cities and the wines may be more prominent than the region itself: who hasn’t ever dreamed about visiting Venice and Verona or skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo? And who has never sipped a glass of Prosecco, Pinot Grigio or Valpolicella?
The large Veneto region in Northeastern Italy is a highly coveted tourist destination, and one of the big players in the Italian wine scene. The cradle of several renowned wines, including Prosecco, the world’s most famous tank-fermented sparkling wine, the region ranks 1st by total production and 2nd by surface under vine after Sicily.
The large appellations and gigantic output would make you think of a rather homogenous territory but the truth is successfully commercial brands often camouflage rich biodiversity: from the peak of the mountains to the Venice lagoon, the landscape varies substantially, and so it does from the volcanic hills of Soave to the rolling hills of Valpolicella within the province of Verona.
The fact all these areas produce wine means Veneto has a lot more to offer than it may seem: even within the Prosecco galaxy, hillside vineyards in Conegliano Valdobbiadene offer a radically different take on this iconic bubbly than those on the fertile plains bordering Friuli Venezia Giulia to the east. And we are not even taking into consideration smaller and lesser-known areas like Colli Berici, Colli Euganei or Piave, all of which have different viticultural traditions and would deserve greater attention.
- Area: 18.407 km2 (8th out of 20)
- Mountain: 29/1%
- Hill: 14,5%
- Plain: 56,4%
- Highest peak: Marmolada (3,342 mt)
- Population: 4.849.553 (8,2%)
- Province: Padova, Treviso, Venezia, Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, Rovigo
- The region comprises large plains that stretch from hills in the pre-alps to the Adriatic shores and estuary of the Po River. The coast around Venice houses a lagoon that is studded with small islands. These islands started being populated by former citizens of the Roman Empire during the Barbarian invasion. The strategic position would then allow Venice to become the cradle of one of the cradles of Western civilization.
- On the western side of the region, bordering Lombardy and Trentino, Lake Garda, the largest lake in Northern Italy, creates a Mediterranean enclave, allowing the vineyards to benefit from a temperate climate.
- Prosecco, the most important sparkling wine in Italy, dominates production in Veneto, with 635 million bottles produced in 2022 (twice as much as Champagne).
- Only 19% of the regional production is red wine, yet some of Italy’s best reds originate from Veneto.
- The Venetians are responsible for shaping viticulture in Italy: merchants based in the city imported a number of grapes from the Middle East, including all those named “Malvasia”, taking their name from a Venetian harbor on the coast of Attica in Greece.
- Some of Veneto's historic wine-growing areas are world-famous for their unique landscapes forged by viticulture: the Rive (steep vineyards) of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene have been inserted in the UNESCO world heritage sites list, and other areas such as Valpolicella and Soave in the province of Verona have also applied for this recognition.
- Geologically speaking, Veneto is one of the most complex regions, housing anything from volcanic areas (Soave, Colli Euganei) to alluvial plains, morainic terraces, and dolomitic limestone.
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Veneto Travel Guide
Where is Veneto?
Veneto elegantly extends from the grandeur of the Dolomites in the north to the glistening Adriatic Sea in the south. This enchanting region is bordered by an array of contrasting landscapes: the rugged, mountainous terrain of Trentino–Alto Adige to the north, and the rich, fertile plains of Emilia-Romagna to the south. On its western flank, Veneto shares a lively border with Lombardia, while to the northeast, it gently grazes the picturesque Austrian landscapes. Completing its diverse and scenic boundary to the east, Veneto is neighbored by the culturally rich Friuli–Venezia Giulia and overlooks the tranquil waters of the Adriatic Sea.
What see in Veneto?
- Venice: Canal Grande, Piazza San Marco with the namesake Basilica, Guggenheim Collection, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, La Fenice Theatre, island of Murano.
- Verona: Arena of Verona
- Padua: Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, Scrovegni Chapel with frescoes by Giotto.
- Vicenza: Palladian Villas, old town.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: ski resort in the Dolomites
- Treviso: medieval walls
- Lido di Venezia and Jesolo: sandy beaches and nightlife.
- Garda (Lake Garda): Italy’s largest lake.
- Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (Padua): thermal baths.
- Cittadella: walled city
- Bassano del Grappa: Ponte degli Alpini.
- Asolo: picturesque town in Prosecco wine country.
What are the typical dishes of Veneto?
The city of Venice boasts one of Italy’s most distinctive culinary traditions – it has its roots in the lagoon and the Adriatic sea with iconic dishes including risoto de go (with lagoon fish), scampi alla busara (with tomato sauce, garlic and parsley), and bigoli pasta with sardine sauce. Fegato alla veneziana (veal liver with onions) is another renowned dish but please note that aperitivo in Venice is even more important than dinner: locals and tourists always stop by crammed bacari to grab a glass of wine with tapas-style appetizers called cicchetti.
When in Verona, try risotto with Amarone, pastissada de caval (horse stew) and aged Monteveronese cheese. Radicchio trevigiano (red radish), instead, the key ingredient in many recipes from Treviso.
Last but not least, baccalà mantecato (creamy codfish with polenta) is a regular feature in osterie across the entire region, and tiramisù is a popular dessert – even though it is difficult to tell whether it was born in Veneto or Friuli Venezia Giulia.
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Grapes in Veneto
Glera, the grape used in Prosecco production, dominates wine production in the Veneto region unchallenged (with the sole exception of the province of Verona). Dozens of other native grapes grow in more circumscribed terrors along with international-but historically present in the region-such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
What are the grape varieties of Veneto?
- Glera: the semi-aromatic white grape producing Prosecco.
- Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Rondinara and Oseleta: the key grapes in the province of Verona, producing Valpolicella and Bardolino.
- Garganega: the main white variety in a number of different wines, including Soave and Gambellara.
- Trebbiano di Soave: also known as Turbiana, it is closely related Verdicchio from Le Marche. In Veneto it gives Lugana (also produced on the Lombard side of Lake Garde), and complements Garganega in Soave.
- Merlot: Grown in various parts of Veneto.
- Pinot Grigio: Widely grown across the entire region and giving Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio.
- Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are widely grown in the region.
- Carmenère: A lesser-known variety from Bordeaux, often confused with Cabernet Franc.
- Raboso: Typical of the Piave region, giving hearty and bold reds.
- Tai (formerly Tocai) Bianco: Also known as Friulano in Friuli Venezia Giulia, performing well in the Trevigiana plain and in the Lison-Pramaggiore area.
- Moscato Giallo: giving Moscato Fior d’Arancio in the Colli Euganei area.
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Veneto Wine Areas
- Hectares under vine: 100,326 (2021)
- Total production: 11.87 million hectoliters (2021)
- Percentage of DOC/DOCG wine: 67%
- Number of DOCGs: 14
- Average yield: 118 hl/ha.
From huge production districts covering entire provinces to very small enclaves offering great quality averages, the Veneto offers an intricate mosaic of different terroirs. Vineyards lie literally everywhere from fertile plains to the foothills of the Alps, with altitude ranging from 0 to over 700 meters above sea level.
Some of the wine-growing areas in Veneto have been producing wines since the dawn: for instance, Valpolicella is filled with Roman ruins and the name itself may derive from the Latin word “multiple cellars” (poli-cellae).
What are the key wine-growing areas in Veneto?
- Valpolicella: The largest wine district in the province of Verona, boasting expanses of hillside vineyards that produce three different wines: Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso and Amarone della Valpolicella. The latter is the region’s most ambitious wine, obtained by letting the grapes wither in fruttaio (drying chamber). The resulting wines are bold, concentrated and packed with aromas of syrupy red fruits, chocolate, sweet spice, and red roses. Good acidity and substantial tannins calibrate their full-bodied structure, allowing them to age remarkably well. The “classico” mention may appear on the label of the wines of Valpolicella: it means they come from the five towns constituting the ancient core of the area.
- Soave: An historical white wine production area, offering anything from simple and unpretentious examples to some of the most complex and refined whites in Italy. Like in Valpolicella, the Classico mention refers to a small group of volcanic hills representing the historical core of the appellation.
- Prosecco: the large production area of Prosecco comprises the entire provinces of Padova, Vicenza, Treviso, and Belluno, and also some areas of neighboring Friuli Venezia Giulia. With over 600 million bottles produced yearly, this Glera-based, tank-fermented sparkling wine enjoys incredible international success. It is usually light, fruity and floral, with a soft mousse and ripe acidity, making for a great aperitif.
- Conegliano–Valdobbiadene: the cradle of Prosecco, giving the highest-quality examples, usually made with grapes coming from the Rive, steep vineyards on pre-alpine hills. Conegliano also houses one of the most important enology schools in Italy.
- Montello, Asolo and Colli Asolani: the other top-tier subzone for Prosecco, also producing Bordeaux blends.
- Delle Venezie: an large denomination dedicated to crisp and easy-going Pinot Grigio, covering the entire Veneto region and parts of Trentino and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
- Colli Euganei: Volcanic hills in the southern corner of the region, producing characterful wines from Garganega, Bordeaux varieties, and Moscato Fior d’Arancio.
- Bardolino: On the shores of Lake Garda, this small appellation is known for Chiaretto, a light rosè, and Bardolino Rosso, an easy-drinking red.
- Lugana: interregional appellation on Lake Garda specializing in white wines (see Lombardy for more information).
- Breganze: Famous for its white wines, especially Vespaiolo, and for Bordeaux blends.
- Gambellara: Known for its white wines and for sweet Recioto di Gambellara.
- Colli Berici: An up-and-coming area, specializing in reds from the rare Tai Rosso grape or international varieties.
- Piave: in the plains of the provinces of Treviso and Venice, Piave is known for the Raboso-based Malanotte del Piave
- Lison-Pramaggiore: An inter-regional denomination giving a wide variety of different wines, among which Tai-based whites stand out.
What are the DOCG wines of Veneto?
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
- Bagnoli Friularo or Friularo di Bagnoli DOCG
- Bardolino Superiore DOCG
- Colli Asolani Prosecco or Asolo Prosecco DOCG
- Colli di Conegliano DOCG
- Colli Euganei Fior d’Arancio DOCG
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
- Lison DOCG
- Montello Rosso or Rosso del Montello DOCG
- Piave Malanotte or Malanotte del Piave DOCG
- Colli Euganei Moscato Fior d’Arancio DOCG
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Wineries in Veneto
What are the most important Wineries in Veneto?
From gigantic cooperatives to small family-run farms, Veneto houses any kind of winery you could possibly think of.
Big Producers
Valpolicella:
- Bolla
- Cantine di Verona
- Masi
- Pasqua
- Sartori
- Zenato
- Tommasi
Other areas:
- Bottega
- Carpenè Malvolti
- La Marca
- Miotto
- Montelvini
- Villa Sandi
- Valdo
Cult Wineries
Valpolicella:
- Allegrini
- Dal Forno
- Guerrieri Rizzardi
- Quintarelli
- Pieropan
- Speri
- Venturini
- Tedeschi
Other wine-growing areas:
- Anselmi
- Bisol
- Ca’ Lojera
- Loredan Gasparini
- Maculan
- Masottina
- Nino Franco
Up and Coming Wineries
Valpolicella:
- Ca’ La Bionda
- Massimago
- Monte dei Ragni
- Musella
- Secondo Marco
- Rubinelli Vajol
Other wine-growing areas:
- Ca’ di Rajo
- Garbole
- Vignalta
- Venissa
Natural Wine Producers
- Angiolino Maule
- Carolina Gatti
- Ca’ dei Zago
- Castello di Lispida
- Costadilà
- Filippi
- Monte dall’ Ora
- Menti
- Vigna del Peste
- Tenuta L’Armonia
Wine areas
Discover the wine denominations of Veneto: Valpolicella, Soave, Prosecco, Bardolino, Colli Euganei, Breganze, Piave, Berici, Gambellara, Montello
Grapes
Discover the grape varieties of Veneto: Garganega, Prosecco, Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Merlot, and Cabernet.
Wineries
Top wineries in Veneto are renowned for their exceptional red wines, crafted with local grapes like Corvina, known for their deep and sultry characteristics
Travel
Discover Veneto: Venezia, Verona, Padova, Vicenza, Treviso, Lago di Garda, Le Dolomiti, Riviera del Brenta, Asolo, Colli Euganei
veneto
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