The White Wine Road
The White Wine Road, also known as the “First Prosecco Road” — the very first wine route in Italy — is a scenic food-and-wine itinerary created by Giuseppe Schiratti in 1966. It takes those who follow it on a journey through beauty, history, and the rich heritage of the region.
“Traveler, as you set out to explore this wonderful land—rich in beauty, vibrant initiatives, thriving industries, and remarkable achievements in every field of human endeavor—I ask you to spare a moment to reflect on the distant year of 1918.
Back then, along this very road, the Great War had sown death and destruction. Yet the innate resilience and industrious spirit of its people made everything rise again, erasing the scars of the past and restoring life where once there had been only ruin.”
Giuseppe Schiratti
The itinerary
This route stretches for about 50 km along gentle, scenic hill roads, from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene, punctuated by stops in charming villages, panoramic viewpoints, excellent restaurants, and welcoming wineries. Along the way, detours are not only possible but highly recommended—perfect for uncovering the hidden gems of the area.
The Route
CONEGLIANO
The journey begins in Conegliano, a historic town nestled among the green hills of Veneto and crowned by an imposing medieval castle.
A pleasant walk will lead you through its many highlights, starting with the Fountain of Neptune, dating back to the 15th century and now adorned with 18th-century statues. Nearby lies the vibrant heart of the town: Via XX Settembre (once known as Contrada Grande), lined with arcades sheltering lively shops, and the Cathedral, consecrated on June 5, 1491.
At the end of the central nave, you can admire the precious Sacra Conversazione by the Venetian master Cima da Conegliano, whose birthplace is just behind the church.
Continuing uphill, you can reach Colle di Giano, where the 19th-century Villa Gera overlooks the valley with its ten neoclassical columns and distinctive pediment. At the very top stands the Castle of Conegliano, home to the civic museums and a stunning viewpoint stretching from the town below all the way to the Alps of Alpago.
ALONG THE RIDGE OF THE HILLS
The White Wine Road winds northward along Via Costa Alta and Via Guizza—panoramic roads tracing the ridgelines of the hills toward San Pietro di Feletto.
Here you’ll find one of the area’s oldest religious buildings: the Pieve di San Pietro. Dating back to the 11th century and crowned by a Romanesque bell tower, it houses five remarkable frescoes from the 12th to 14th centuries.
Continuing along Via Mire Basse, you’ll reach Refrontolo, a small village famously described as “a handful of houses and many true winegrowers.” It is also one of the area’s finest viewpoints, offering sweeping vistas from the Piave River to the Montello and Monte Grappa—especially enchanting at dusk.
Literature lovers will appreciate that Not All Bastards Are from Vienna by Andrea Molesini (winner of the 2011 Campiello Prize) is set within the 17th-century walls of nearby Villa Spada.
Just a few kilometers away lies one of the most evocative spots of the entire route: the Molinetto della Croda, a 17th-century watermill carved into the rock.
PIEVE DI SOLIGO
Following Via Francesco Fabbri, you arrive in Pieve di Soligo, a dynamic town historically considered the capital of the Quartier del Piave.
From the bell tower, you can take in sweeping views of landscapes that witnessed some of the most intense moments of the First World War: the Prealps, the Piave River, the Montello ridge, Monte Grappa, and Vittorio Veneto.
The surrounding area is rich in history and legend: the Castle of Collalto, built in 1110 and said to be haunted by Bianca; the plains of Sernaglia, where the final battle of October 1918 unfolded; Barbisano, home to the villa of soprano Toti Dal Monte; the “Büs delle Fate,” a deep cave with a crystal-clear spring; and the Island of the Dead park, dedicated to the fallen of World War I.
Don’t miss the chance to visit our Bottega e Cucina, where you can enjoy delicious dishes or take part in our events.
FARRA DI SOLIGO
The road continues its winding course through the hills, passing Solighetto, Soligo, and Farra di Soligo.
Nearby, we recommend a stop at the Oratory of San Gallo, a hermitage perched on a hilltop offering wide panoramic views—once a place of solitude and silence.
In Farra di Soligo, a steep road leads to the Towers of Credazzo, remnants of a larger fortification system largely destroyed in the 15th century. These three towers retain a timeless charm and offer a privileged vantage point over the landscape.
Along the way, be sure to admire Villa Gradenigo, an 18th-century Palladian residence, and Villa Savoini, a 16th-century villa adorned with fine frescoes.
COL SAN MARTINO AND THE SOUL OF PROSECCO
Continuing onward, you reach Col San Martino and enter the heart of the Prosecco region, where vineyards are not only the backbone of the local economy but also a breathtaking spectacle.
Passing through San Pietro, Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene, and the hills of Guia, you’ll be treated to enchanting views—whether in the clear light of morning, the soft glow of summer evenings, or the fiery hues of autumn sunsets.
Each year, between March and April, Col San Martino hosts the Primavera del Prosecco, an unmissable event for wine lovers.
VALDOBBIADENE
The final stop of this dreamlike journey is Valdobbiadene, a charming town nestled in the welcoming Prealps. Its bright central square, surrounded by elegant buildings, offers a warm welcome.
Inside the church, with its white columns, you can admire works by Palma il Giovane, Paris Bordone, and sculptures from the Sansovino school. Thanks to its long-standing winemaking tradition and the exceptional quality of its wines, Valdobbiadene has long been a favored destination for wine enthusiasts.
THE RETURN
Rather than retracing your steps, more adventurous travelers can head north along the “Strada della Vallata”, a scenic route filled with striking views and tunnels leading toward Passo di San Boldo and Vittorio Veneto.
The route is simple: from Valdobbiadene, continue east along the provincial road as it winds through the valley to Vittorio Veneto. Along the way, you’ll find many opportunities to stop and explore both nature and culture. Highlights include the Abbey of Follina, built by Cistercian monks in the 13th century; the ancient Brandolini Castle in Cison di Valmarino; and the lakes of Lago and Santa Maria.
In Vittorio Veneto, immerse yourself in history with a visit to the recently expanded Museum of the Battle, now enriched with interactive installations.
TRAVEL TIPS
BY CAR OR MOTORBIKE
This itinerary is perfect for exploring by car or motorbike year-round, though the best time to fully appreciate its beauty is from spring to late autumn. Take your time—this is a journey to savor, with plenty of stops along the way.
BY BICYCLE
Thanks to its hilly terrain, the route is ideal for cycling enthusiasts. Notably, the Prosecchissima race takes place every spring, covering part of the White Wine Road.
ON FOOT
For well-trained walkers, the route (or parts of it) can also be explored on foot. Even better, use it as a starting point for hillside excursions and to reach places otherwise inaccessible.
Notably, near Refrontolo, the White Wine Road intersects with an ancient Roman route connecting Munich to Venice—still walked today by many travelers on foot.