The Prosecco Hills unfold like a green wave of vineyards across gentle slopes between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, a UNESCO heritage landscape that enchants all who discover it. Treviso, the city of canals and frescoes, guards an intimate and refined beauty with silent squares and walls decorated by Renaissance masters. Here Prosecco DOCG is not merely a wine, but a declaration of joie de vivre, accompanied by cicchetti and traditions stretching back to the Middle Ages.
The Landscape
The Prosecco Hills extend across 8,500 hectares of terraced vineyards gently descending from 300 to 500 meters in altitude. The rounded hills, legacy of glacial erosion, create a mosaic of vines that shift color with seasons: emerald green in spring, golden in summer, fiery red in autumn. The territory encompasses the municipalities of Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, Santo Stefano, Miane, and other small villages where the agricultural landscape has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Treviso sits in the plain to the south, surrounded by ancient walls and crossed by the Sile river, creating a fascinating contrast between medieval architecture and surrounding rural landscapes.
History and Folklore
The Prosecco hills have hosted human settlements since Roman times, but true glory arrived with the Venetian Republic. The Venetians transformed these lands into sprawling vineyards, exporting wine throughout the Mediterranean. Local legend speaks of the 'Countess's Prosecco': in the 16th century, Countess Giulia of Valdobbiadene celebrated the end of harvest with a festival where sparkling wine was the star. Treviso, meanwhile, preserves memories of the Da Carrara dynasty, medieval lords who transformed the city into one of Veneto's most important fortresses. The 16th-century walls still embrace the historic center, silent witnesses to battles and intrigue.
What to Eat
The Treviso table is an ode to simplicity and excellence. Begin with Red Radicchio of Treviso IGP, bitter and crisp, perfect grilled with local oil. Asiago DOP cheese from the Dolomites arrives in Treviso dairies, served in traditional dishes. Don't miss Vialone Nano DOP rice from Sant'Agata and tortellini, pasta filled with meat and mortadella. Treviso arrosticini—small meat skewers over coals—accompany every celebration. The typical dessert is Torta di Riso, a family secret recipe passed down generations, light and fragrant.
What to Drink
Prosecco Superiore DOCG from Valdobbiadene and Conegliano is the undisputed king. Prefer Prosecco Superiore Brut or Extra Dry, with notes of green apple, citrus, and white flowers. Aficionados seek Rive labels, vineyards from specific slopes with more pronounced characteristics. Alongside Prosecco, discover Verdiso, a dry white wine with mineral notes, and Marzemino, a light red perfect with cicchetti. For still wine lovers, Pinot Grigio from the Treviso hills offers freshness and clarity.
When to Visit
Spring (April-May) transforms vineyards into a blooming garden, perfect for hiking. Summer brings the Radicchio Festival (July-August) in Treviso. Autumn is magical: September-October reveal harvest colors and the Prosecco Festival in Valdobbiadene (September). November hosts the Chestnut Festival in Santo Stefano. Winter is calm yet charming, with the Treviso Film Festival (April) and Christmas markets (December). The finest season remains autumn, when the landscape blazes with reds and golds.
Places Worth Visiting
Valdobbiadene: the viticultural heart par excellence. Visit Piazza Marconi and climb to the Church of San Giovanni Battista for Italy's most photographed panoramic view. Treviso: stroll along the Sile River, admiring the frescoed porticoes of Piazza dei Signori and the Duomo with its Malchiostro Chapel. Santo Stefano: the small municipality to discover vineyard paths and authentic rural tranquility. Minor villages like Miane and Refrontolo deserve detours to find family wineries and traditional osterie.
Practical tips
Rent a bicycle in Valdobbiadene: the rural roads between vineyards are perfect for pedaling at the pace of the landscape.
Visit wineries in small groups or alone during weekdays, not weekends, for a more authentic experience with winemakers.
In Treviso, the best time to discover cicchetti is aperitivo hour (6-8 PM): enter traditional bacari and order 'an ombra' (small glass of white wine).
Prosecco Superiore Rive from Valdobbiadene costs less at the winery than in restaurants: buy directly from producers for best value.
Don't miss the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) trails connecting vineyards: maps available at the Valdobbiadene tourist office.
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