Planning a trip to La Serenissma or heading to Juliet’s balcony in Verona? If you’re a wine lover, you cannot miss a trip to the Veneto wine region while you’re there, or at the very least, get some wine tasting in! Wine has a really long history in this North Eastern region, in fact, it’s been grown in Veneto since 1000 BC! The Veneto wine region has 15 DOCG and 29 DOC regions – so there is a lot to explore and we’ll help unpack it in this guide to Veneto wine. If you like to drink, you’ll be in good company too – wine is a seriously big deal here and they drink more per capita than any other region in Italy!
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You’ve likely drunk wine from Veneto because the USA is the biggest importer followed by the UK. Which wine are we talking about? Prosecco of course! This region is most famous worldwide for its bubbles and therefore mainly grows white grapes to be used in this famous sparkling wine. Soave is another well-known variety from the region, but it’s not all about white wine here either. A trip to Veneto will also leave you with a taste for its big-bodied reds like Amarone and some of its delicious dessert wines or passiti.
Ready to fall head over heels with the wines from Veneto region? Keep reading to find out what to drink when you’re in Venice, or Verona, and why you might like to spend a day or more exploring.
Where is the region?
Veneto is in the northeast of Italy and borders Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and even Austria. It’s described as Italy’s wine factory due to the sheer volume of wine it produces! The Veneto wine region has a beautiful climate with cold winters and warm summers that enjoy breezes from the Adriatic Sea to help cool down the vineyards in the summer and protection from the wind thanks to the Alps. The province of Verona is the historic heart of the winemaking region and today, Verona and Treviso are the main Veneto wine-producing regions making up 3/4 of the total production. The Veneto wine regions are made up of:
- Veronese: wines of Bardolino, Valpolicella and Soave
- Vicentino region: Wines of Gambellara and Colli Berici
- Padovano: wines of Colli Euganei
- Venice: Lison
- Trevigiano: wines of Piave and prosecco
What are the main grapes in Veneto?
Veneto is mainly a white grape growing zone thanks to Prosecco. The main grapes used in white wine from Veneto include Glera, Pinot Grigio, Garganega, and Chardonnay. Meanwhile, the main grapes used in Veneto red wine include Corvinone, Corvina, Merlot, Rondinella, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
The White Grapes of Veneto
- Glera is the most widespread grape in the entire region. It’s an indigenous grape of Veneto with a fruity and floral flavor profile.
- Garganega is the most important grape for still white wines of Veneto and dominates the hills of Soave and Gambellara . Look out for notes of sambuca flowers, and almonds!
- Some lesser-known white grapes that are indigenous to the region include Verduzzo Trevigiano which has the most wonderful perfume of pear and apricots and is grown in the provinces of Treviso and Venice.
- Manzoni Bianco is an interesting grape and relative of Riesling. Durello is a historical grape and found in the province of Vicenza and Verona and used in Spumanti.
- Vespaiola is an indigenous grape and brings to mind vespe or wasps thanks to its high sugar content inside the grape. It makes delicious dry refreshing wines like delicious Torcolato.
- Moscato bianco used to make sweet wines, spumanti or passiti
The red grapes of Veneto
- Merlot from the region is soft, fruit forward and best drunk whilst young
- Look out for indigenous Carmenere which is often confused with cabernet franc. Herbaceous flavor with blackberries and black pepper.
- Corvina is used as in Valpolicella and Bardolino wines. It gives color, acidity, and notes of violet and cherry.
- Indigenous grapes include raboso, marzemino and tocai rosso. Raboso is a little rustic with notes of violet, marasca cherry and blackberries, spices and tobacco. Tai rosso is related to grenache and cannonau.
What to expect when ordering Veneto wine?
Okay picture this. You’re in Venice and you’ve already had your fair share of Spritz. Now it’s time to drink some wine, but what to order (besides Prosecco)?! Here are some starting ideas to help you understand the general characteristics of the most famous wines in Veneto:
- Soave: one of the most well-known wines abroad, maybe you’ve even tried this before? It can be really complex when done well with notes of tropical fruits, citrus, almonds, and florals.
- Bardolino Superiore Classico DOCG – notes of cherry and berries, cloves cinnamon and black pepper, and almond. Order this with a plate of tagliatelle with black truffles. Yum!
- Bardolino Chiaretto: is a soft pink shade and has notes of blackcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, and pink grapefruit and goes really well with polenta and vegetables.
- Amarone: notes of violet, rose and crushed red flowers, blackberry and prune jams, cherries in liqueur, almond, walnuts and hazelnuts. nutmeg, cinnamon, rhubarb, tobacco, eucalyptus, coffee and chocolate, and truffle. It goes well with braised beef, truffles, or aged cheeses like monte Veronese d’Allevo DOP.
- Recioto della Valpolicella: Velvety and sweet, garnet red with a perfume of jams and spices like cacao and licorice. This is a dessert wine perfect with chocolate and raspberries
How to choose an incredible prosecco Veneto wine?
So we’ve been going on about how huge the production of Prosecco Veneto Italy is – and in fact, every year more and more is produced and exported. However, not all Prosecco is created equal and with huge quantities, quality can sometimes suffer. If you’re trying to choose a Prosecco from Veneto for your Spritz, of course, you’re not going to use something super expensive. But if you want to enjoy a glass of Veneto Prosecco, there are a few things to look out for.
A really delicious Veneto Italy Prosecco is light and fresh with the perfume of apple, pear, citrus, white flowers and maybe even peach and apricot sometimes. The top quality Veneto Italy Prosecco you can buy is marked as Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG. Here is the quality breakdown of the Veneto prosecco region from best quality to more mass-produced:
- Top quality: Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG
- Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG
- Prosecco DOC Treviso
- Prosecco DOC
Here are some of our favorite prosecco wines to try in 2023:
1. Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut Particella 68 2021 from Sorelle Bronca
If you’ve ever thought Prosecco was basic, then try this! Grown at 150-200m above sea level, this incredible Prosecco takes its name from particella 68 in reference to the specific plot of land where the grapes used in this wine are grown. It’s extremely elegant and lusciously creamy with notes of apple and acacia flowers. The winery is a family affair run by two sisters, Antonella and Ersiliana, who inherited the love of winemaking from their father.
2. Col Fondo Asolo Prosecco DOCG from Case Paolin
Macerated for 18 hours, this Prosecco from the Veneto region is full of personality and minerality. Enjoy the aromas of yellow fruits, white flowers, and even the crust of a freshly baked loaf of bread on the nose. It’s made according to the metodo classico aka the same way Franciacorta or Champagne is made, so its got lots of lovely savory flavors.If you’re a fan of natural wines, Case Paolin is certified organic too.
3. Valdobbiadene Rive di Refrontolo Brut Col del Forno 2021 Andreola
Another wonderful Veneto Italy Prosecco, this one from Andreola is delicate with the pleasant perfume of white flowers, citrus, and herbs. At around 13 euros a bottle, it won’t break the bank either! The winery is renowned for its heroic viticulture, as they grow in extreme conditions on the mountains 240m above sea level.
Where to go wine tasting in Venice?
If youre traveling to Italy for the first time, the chances are high that spectacular Venice is on your list. Even if youve visited before, this magical city on the lagoon begs a return trip to get lost in its mazelike streets, ride a gondola, and eat delicious cichetti (Venices version of tapas!) Besides all the sightseeing there is to do, Venice is a wonderful place to explore (and taste!) the regions wine. Whilst Select Spritz or a Bellini cocktail might be the stereotypical go-to drinks here, the city offers wonderful wine bars and food & wine tours to help you discover Veneto wines.
One of our favorite places to try wine from Veneto in Venice is at Vino Vero – a wine bar in the Cannareggio neighborhood. They famously dont serve spritz and can be a little stroppy about it – this is where you should go to drink really good wine from the region.
Did you know that you can also visit a winery in Venice Italy? One of the most unique wine experiences you can have is at Venissa, a wine resort on the Venetian lagoon. On the island of Mazzorbo, they grow the Dorona di Venezia grape. It makes a macerated white wine and only 3500 bottles are produced every year!
Or why not pair a trip to Venissa winery with this luxe tour from Walks of Italy? It takes you to explore Murano and Burano, two ancient islands only accessible by boat, before an exclusive wine tasting at Venissa. All the transport is totally taken care of too!
If you prefer a daytime experience and a smaller group, try Liv Tours Cicchetti & Wine tour. It starts at the Rialto Fish Market before going cicchetti hopping and enjoying a glass of local wine together. You even get to hop into a gondola to ride to lunch!
Alternatively, for a dedicated wine from Venice and Veneto tour, try this wine tasting tour on GetYourGuide. Youll enjoy 6 different wines paired with food in 6 different bars on this wine crawl tour.
The Best Veneto wine tours from Venice
If you have a free day or even a half-day available, use it to go on a wine tour in Veneto! The most typical routes take you to Prosecco land, but there are adventures you can have in Valpolicella if you’re a red wine drinker too. Here are some great Veneto wine tours to consider for your trip:
- Prosecco Wine Tour: Leaving from Venice, you’ll head to Conegliano Valdobbiadene, a premier prosecco-making zone. This tour takes you to two different wineries for a tasting at each. It also includes a light lunch.
- Amarone Wine Trail: Love big bold red wines? Join this tour leaving from Verona to discover Veneto’s famous Amarone wines. Travel to the heart of the Valpolicella winemaking zone where you will visit two gorgeous wineries and enjoy a sommelier-led tasting at both.
5 Best Veneto Wines to Try in 2023
Feeling thirsty? If you’re ready to try a glass of Veneto region wine for yourself, we’re here to help. Here are five best Veneto wines to buy or enjoy a glass of in 2023.
1. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018 from Speri
This is a lovely family-run winery in Valpolicella and is certified organic. Their 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella has a wonderful perfume of the forest floor, and is mineral with a persistent finish and tasty tannins.
2. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018 from Allegrini
Allegrini is another family-run winery in the Valpolicella. This Veneto italy wine from 2018 is still a young wine for an Amarone so this is a great one to keep in your wine cellar and age. The main grape used in this wine is the Corvina – enjoy lovely notes of ripe cherries and spices.
3. Soave Classico Monte Carbonare 2020 from Suavia
This organic certified vineyard is run by three sisters. Their Soave Classico Monte Carbonare uses 100% Garganega grapes and is grown on volcanic soil which makes it all the more interesting. On the nose, you’ll enjoy the scent of citrus, exotic fruits and herbs, whilst in the mouth it’s really creamy, elegant, and has a wonderful fresh acidity.
4. Soave Classico 2020 from Inama
Third-generation winemakers, Inama is a family-run winery who have been working the land for the last 50 years. This is an easy-drinking, everyday Veneto Italian wine. Grown on volcanic soil, this wine has great minerality and floral notes. We love the notes of honey, almond, citrus and white florals in this Garganega wine. This is a great one to enjoy with seafood.
5. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera Riserva 2016 from Masi
If you’re looking for an extra special Amarone, then you can’t beat this cru from Costasera – thought of as the finest place to grow this wine. Made with Corvina and Rondinella grapes, it is extremely elegant and offers the smell of ripe berry fruits, and fruit preserved in spirit plus cocoa and cinnamon. It’s a full-bodied wine with silky tannins and an extra-long finish. This wine is so special, that you might want to hold onto it for years to come. In fact, this could comfortably age for 30-35 years.
Where to stay in the Veneto Wine Region?
Looking for a wine lovers break nestled near the Veneto vineyards? We feel you! If you’re planning a sojourn through some of the best wineries in Veneto, we recommend staying in Verona or better yet, directly in the countryside. Here are some accommodation ideas perfect to use as a base for exploring Veneto wineries.
1. Alice Relais Nelle Vigne
This wonderful wine resort in Veneto is in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene, and connected directly to the Bellenda winery. Relax in the 19th-century restored farmhouse as you sip some of the best Prosecco ever. This extra charming hotel has designed each room to tell the story of Alice in Wonderland, so its full of peculiarities. The breakfast is particularly delicious and all home made with cakes, biscuits, organic cured meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables.
2. Venissa Wine Resort
Located on the islands of Mazzorbo and Burano, this is ideal if you’re planning a trip to nearby Venice. Stay at this modern and clean hotel nestled between the orchards and vineyards on the lagoon. You can visit their winery and Michelin-starred restaurant for lunch or dinner.
3. Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais
If you’re looking for luxe vibes, this is it! Perfect for exploring Lake Garda – it’s just a 10-minute drive away – this completely restored 16th-century Venetian villa is utterly fabulous. There’s an outdoor pool, wellness center and winery on site called Vigneti Villabella. You can even dine at the on-site Michelin-starred Oselata Restaurant.
4. Musella Winery & Relais
Set on the vibrant green vineyards of Musella, this wonderful Realis-style accommodation is for those who like a little luxury. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the property offers an outdoor pool, a golf course, plus free canoe and bike rental. Be sure to book in for a wine tasting!
5. Hotel Milano & Spa
If you prefer a city break, stay in Verona! The beautiful Hotel Milano & Spa is the perfect location with a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Verona Arena. It’s right in the historic center, and there’s a spa and wellness center on-site too. Perfect for joining a wine tour that leaves from Verona or exploring on your own with a car.
Visit the Veneto Wine Region in 2023
Inspired to discover the world of wine awaiting you in Veneto? Whether you’re traveling to the region or want to play along from home, we hope this article has given you a taste for Prosecco and so much more. Let us know your favorite wines from the Veneto region in the comments. Looking for more wine guides? Have a read of our guide to the Tuscany Wine Region now.