The White Wine Road, also known as the \u201cFirst Prosecco Road\u201d \u2014 the very first wine route in Italy \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Map<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cTraveler, as you set out to explore this wonderful land\u2014rich in beauty, vibrant initiatives, thriving industries, and remarkable achievements in every field of human endeavor\u2014I ask you to spare a moment to reflect on the distant year of 1918. Giuseppe Schiratti<\/i><\/p>\n 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\u2014perfect for uncovering the hidden gems of the area.<\/p>\n CONEGLIANO<\/b> ALONG THE RIDGE OF THE HILLS<\/strong> PIEVE DI SOLIGO<\/strong> Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit our\u00a0Bottega e Cucina, where you can enjoy delicious dishes or take part in our events.<\/p>\n FARRA DI SOLIGO<\/strong> COL SAN MARTINO AND THE SOUL OF PROSECCO<\/strong> VALDOBBIADENE<\/strong> Rather than retracing your steps, more adventurous travelers can head north along the \u201cStrada della Vallata<\/strong>\u201d, a scenic route filled with striking views and tunnels leading toward Passo di San Boldo and Vittorio Veneto<\/strong>. BY CAR OR MOTORBIKE<\/strong> BY BICYCLE<\/strong> ON FOOT<\/strong>
\nBack 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.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\nThe itinerary<\/h2>\n
The Route<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nThe journey begins in Conegliano<\/strong>, a historic town nestled among the green hills of Veneto and crowned by an imposing medieval castle.
\nA pleasant walk will lead you through its many highlights, starting with the Fountain of Neptune<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>), lined with arcades sheltering lively shops, and the Cathedral<\/strong>, consecrated on June 5, 1491.
\nAt the end of the central nave, you can admire the precious\u00a0Sacra Conversazione\u00a0by the Venetian master Cima da Conegliano<\/strong>, whose birthplace is just behind the church.
\nContinuing uphill, you can reach Colle di Giano<\/strong>, where the 19th-century Villa Gera<\/strong> overlooks the valley with its ten neoclassical columns and distinctive pediment. At the very top stands the Castle of Conegliano<\/strong>, home to the civic museums and a stunning viewpoint stretching from the town below all the way to the Alps of Alpago.<\/p>\n
\nThe White Wine Road winds northward along Via Costa Alta and Via Guizza\u2014panoramic roads tracing the ridgelines of the hills toward San Pietro di Feletto<\/strong>.
\nHere you\u2019ll find one of the area\u2019s oldest religious buildings: the Pieve di San Pietro<\/strong>. Dating back to the 11th century and crowned by a Romanesque bell tower, it houses five remarkable frescoes from the 12th to 14th centuries.
\nContinuing along Via Mire Basse, you\u2019ll reach Refrontolo<\/strong>, a small village famously described as \u201ca handful of houses and many true winegrowers.\u201d It is also one of the area\u2019s finest viewpoints, offering sweeping vistas from the Piave River to the Montello and Monte Grappa\u2014especially enchanting at dusk.
\nLiterature lovers will appreciate that\u00a0Not All Bastards Are from Vienna\u00a0by Andrea Molesini (winner of the 2011 Campiello Prize) is set within the 17th-century walls of nearby Villa Spada.
\nJust a few kilometers away lies one of the most evocative spots of the entire route: the Molinetto della Croda<\/strong>, a 17th-century watermill carved into the rock.<\/p>\n
\nFollowing Via Francesco Fabbri, you arrive in Pieve di Soligo<\/strong>, a dynamic town historically considered the capital of the Quartier del Piave.
\nFrom 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.
\nThe surrounding area is rich in history and legend: the Castle of Collalto<\/strong>, built in 1110 and said to be haunted by Bianca; the plains of Sernaglia<\/strong>, where the final battle of October 1918 unfolded; Barbisano<\/strong>, home to the villa of soprano Toti Dal Monte; the \u201cB\u00fcs delle Fate<\/strong>,\u201d a deep cave with a crystal-clear spring; and the Island of the Dead park<\/strong>, dedicated to the fallen of World War I.<\/p>\n
\nThe road continues its winding course through the hills, passing Solighetto<\/strong>, Soligo<\/strong>, and Farra di Soligo<\/strong>.
\nNearby, we recommend a stop at the Oratory of San<\/strong> Gallo, a hermitage perched on a hilltop offering wide panoramic views\u2014once a place of solitude and silence.
\nIn Farra di Soligo, a steep road leads to the Towers of Credazzo<\/strong>, 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.
\nAlong the way, be sure to admire Villa Gradenigo<\/strong>, an 18th-century Palladian residence, and Villa Savoini<\/strong>, a 16th-century villa adorned with fine frescoes.<\/p>\n
\nContinuing onward, you reach Col San Martino<\/strong> and enter the heart of the Prosecco region, where vineyards are not only the backbone of the local economy but also a breathtaking spectacle.
\nPassing through San Pietro, Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene<\/strong>, and the hills of Guia<\/strong>, you\u2019ll be treated to enchanting views\u2014whether in the clear light of morning, the soft glow of summer evenings, or the fiery hues of autumn sunsets.
\nEach year, between March and April, Col San Martino hosts the\u00a0Primavera del Prosecco<\/a>, an unmissable event for wine lovers.<\/p>\n
\nThe final stop of this dreamlike journey is Valdobbiadene<\/strong>, a charming town nestled in the welcoming Prealps. Its bright central square, surrounded by elegant buildings, offers a warm welcome.
\nInside 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.<\/p>\nTHE RETURN<\/h3>\n
\nThe route is simple: from Valdobbiadene, continue east along the provincial road as it winds through the valley to Vittorio Veneto. Along the way, you\u2019ll 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.
\nIn Vittorio Veneto, immerse yourself in history with a visit to the recently expanded Museum of the Battle, now enriched with interactive installations.<\/p>\nTRAVEL TIPS<\/h3>\n
\nThis 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\u2014this is a journey to savor, with plenty of stops along the way.<\/p>\n
\nThanks to its hilly terrain, the route is ideal for cycling enthusiasts. Notably, the\u00a0Prosecchissima\u00a0race takes place every spring, covering part of the White Wine Road.<\/p>\n
\nFor 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.
\nNotably, near Refrontolo, the White Wine Road intersects with an ancient Roman route connecting Munich to Venice<\/a>\u2014still walked today by many travelers on foot.<\/p>\n