Drive Through Italy’s UNESCO-Listed Wine Country
Just an hour north of Venice, the canals give way to rolling green hills, winding vineyard roads, and storybook villages where some of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine is born.
Welcome to the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most scenic road trips in northern Italy.
This is where you’ll discover family-run wineries, scenic overlooks, charming villages, and slow lunches overlooking endless rows of vines. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking for a beautiful day beyond Venice, the Prosecco Hills are well worth the drive.
At a Glance
📍 Region: Veneto
🍾 Known For: Prosecco Superiore DOCG, vineyard landscapes, scenic drives, charming villages
🚗 Best Transportation: Rental car
🗓️ Ideal Trip Length: 1–3 days
👩 Solo Traveler Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🍇 Signature Wine: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Why Visit the Prosecco Hills?
The Prosecco Hills offer a completely different side of Veneto.
Instead of crowds and canals, you’ll find quiet country roads, vineyard-covered slopes, and warm hospitality at family-run wineries where tasting rooms often overlook the very vines that produced your glass of wine.
It’s a destination made for slowing down.
Step Back in Time
The hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene have produced wine for centuries, but it was their unique landscape and traditional vineyard practices that earned them UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019.
Unlike many modern wine regions, much of the work here is still done by hand because of the steep hillsides, helping preserve both the landscape and generations of winemaking tradition.
Suggested Road Trip Route
Conegliano → Refrontolo → Molinetto della Croda → Rolle → Valdobbiadene
This route combines beautiful scenery with some of the region’s most memorable stops.
Stop 1: Conegliano
Often considered the gateway to Prosecco country, Conegliano is home to one of Italy’s oldest wine schools.
Spend the morning exploring the historic center before heading into the hills.
Coffee Stop
⭐ Iconic: Caffè Excelsior
A classic spot for espresso and people-watching in the heart of town.
Stop 2: Refrontolo
One of the prettiest villages in the region, Refrontolo is surrounded by vineyards and peaceful countryside.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and experience small-town Veneto.
Scenic Pull-Off
Take a few extra minutes to admire the vineyard views surrounding the village. In autumn, the hills glow with shades of gold and crimson.
Stop 3: Molinetto della Croda
One of Veneto’s most photographed landmarks.
This beautifully preserved 17th-century watermill sits beneath a rocky cliff with a small waterfall cascading behind it, creating one of the region’s most picturesque scenes.
It’s an easy stop that feels like stepping into a postcard.
Stop 4: Rolle
Recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Rolle is surrounded by terraced vineyards and winding country roads.
It’s quiet, peaceful, and ideal for photography.
Stop 5: Valdobbiadene
The heart of Prosecco Superiore.
Spend the afternoon visiting wineries, enjoying a leisurely lunch, and learning what makes this region’s sparkling wine so distinctive.
Wineries to Visit
Iconic
Bisol1542
One of the region’s most historic producers, known for elegant Prosecco and beautiful tasting experiences.
Local Favorite
Adami
Family-run and widely respected for consistently outstanding wines.
Hidden Gem
Andreola
Known for panoramic vineyard views, welcoming hospitality, and excellent Prosecco Superiore.
Sip Like a Local
Not all Prosecco is created equal.
When you’re visiting this region, look for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
The DOCG designation represents the highest level of quality in Italian wine classification and comes from the historic hills where Prosecco has been produced for generations.
You’ll also notice terms like:
🍾 Brut – Dry and crisp
🍾 Extra Dry – Slightly fruitier
🍾 Dry – Surprisingly the sweetest of the three
What to Eat
Pair your Prosecco with local specialties like:
🧀 Monte Veronese cheese
🥩 Sopressa salami
🍄 Seasonal mushroom dishes
🥖 Fresh focaccia
🍰 Almond pastries
Simple, local flavors let the wine shine.
Best Photo Stops
📍 Molinetto della Croda
📍 Vineyard roads near Rolle
📍 Valdobbiadene hills
📍 Scenic overlooks along the Prosecco Road
📍 Conegliano Castle
Slow Down Moment
Find a winery terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Order a tasting flight.
Put your phone away for a few minutes.
Listen to the breeze moving through the vines and enjoy the slower rhythm of the countryside.
Solo Traveler Confidence Meter
🚗 Driving: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🍷 Winery Visits: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🍽️ Dining Alone: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📸 Photography: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sondra’s Tip
If you’re planning to visit multiple wineries, book appointments in advance—especially during harvest season. Many family-run estates offer intimate tastings and appreciate knowing when guests are arriving.
Italian Phrase of the Week
“Facciamo un giro tra le vigne.”
Pronunciation:
fah-CHAH-moh oon JEE-roh trah leh VEEN-yeh
Meaning:
“Let’s take a walk through the vineyards.”
A perfect invitation in one of Italy’s most beautiful wine regions.
Wine of the Week
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Pronunciation:
koh-nehl-YAH-noh val-dohb-bee-ah-DEH-neh pro-SEK-koh soo-peh-RYOH-reh
Forget everything you think you know about supermarket Prosecco. Here, you’ll discover wines with vibrant acidity, delicate floral aromas, fine bubbles, and incredible elegance.
Taste Like a Sommelier
👀 Appearance: Pale straw with persistent, fine bubbles
👃 Aroma: Green apple, pear, white peach, acacia blossom
👄 Palate: Crisp, lively, refreshing, with balanced minerality
❤️ Pairs Perfectly With:
🧀 Soft cheeses
🐟 Seafood
🥗 Light appetizers
🥂 Aperitivo
Order Like a Local
Try saying:
“Vorrei un calice di Prosecco Superiore DOCG, per favore.”
Pronunciation:
vohr-RAY oon KAH-lee-cheh dee pro-SEK-koh soo-peh-RYOH-reh doh-chee-jee pehr fah-VOH-reh
Meaning:
“I’d like a glass of Prosecco Superiore DOCG, please.”
Beyond the Day Trip
While you’re exploring Veneto, don’t miss:
🚤 The Ultimate Venice Travel Guide
🌿 Hidden Gems Near Venice
🍝 The Best Food Experiences in Veneto
Together, these guides showcase the incredible diversity of the region—from world-famous canals to vineyard-covered hills and charming villages.
Coming Up Next
Hidden Gems Near Venice
Escape the crowds and discover medieval towns, riverside villages, elegant villas, and local favorites that are all within easy reach of Venice.
Until Next Time…
The Prosecco Hills remind us that some of Italy’s greatest pleasures are wonderfully simple.
A winding country road.
A family-run winery.
A conversation with the person pouring your wine.
A long lunch overlooking vineyards that have been cultivated for generations.
Take your time here.
The bubbles aren’t going anywhere.
Ci vediamo in Italia.
XO, Sondra
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