Just over an hour's drive from Venice, the Prosecco DOC hills ring the natural amphitheatre lying between ConegLiano and Valdobbiadene, in the north of Marca Trevigiana, as the province was once known. In the near distance you can see the imposing Veneto Dolomites rising in the background the visitor coming from the plain is greeted with lovely, unexpected scenery where steep inclines alternate with gentle slopes and there are endless rows of vineyards.

Here, in this beautiful part of the joyous and loving Marca, everything scents of wine and hearty flavours, with century-old enological traditions that have deeply marked the landscape and spirit of this enchanting area. The people here love their roots and have retained a taste for tradition and the pleasure of hospitality, along with that for local food products like cold meats, cheeses, roast meats, greens, chestnuts, grappa, mushrooms and honey. Together, all of these elements combine to enrich the flavours of the local food and wine This is a district full of charm, of historical and artistic attractions, of precious, often unexpected and jealously guarded surprises, to be found in the valleys or in the many villages and towns scattered in the area, a pleasure to wander through while discovering the ancient traces of human in-habitance and culture.

These are lands of castles of the past, aristocratic villas, lone monuments, churches and hot springs of Roman times. Conegliano, Vittorio Veneto, Valdobbiadene and Pieve di Soligo are each little jewel-caskets of nature, as well as artistic and architectural treasures, all waiting to be discovered as you capture the inner rhythms of an area which still follows the ancient beat of man and nature. While all around, with age-old patience, the vines await to meet the sun and witness the solemn alternation of seasons, colors and tastes.

The best way to get to know this district is to follow the Prosecco and Colli Conegliano Valdobbiadene Wine Road, Italy's oldest, which takes the visitor over three theme routes to discover historic-artistic sights as well as the most prestigious crus.

www.coneglianovaldobbiadene.it