Vineyards (Kimberly Kephart)
Nestled among the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene, Italy lies one of the country’s most captivating wine regions—the Prosecco Hills. Renowned for their vineyards that yield the esteemed Glera Grape, these hills have held the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019. Vicenza, Italy is about an hour away from this beautiful area and I convinced my husband to go on a tour with me, but not just any typical wine tour. Instead of cars or walking, we embarked on an e-bike adventure, guided by the fearless and incredibly knowledgeable Massimo from Vagabond Bikes.
Our 35-kilometer ride immersed us in the picturesque landscape. Along the way, Massimo, a local with a deep connection to the area, shared fascinating insights. Did you know that the Prosecco region has been a winemaking hub since ancient Roman times? Even Pliny the Elder mentioned this region in his writings. Massimo educated us on the grape responsible for Prosecco’s magic—Glera—which thrives in the Veneto region. Glera is used for Italian sparkling styles: frizzante (lightly sparkling) and spumante (fully sparkling) and is the backbone of Prosecco production. The flavor profile is neutral which allows it to highlight the flavors of the region or “terroir.”
Flowers on a tall bush in front a house (Kimberly Kephart)
Our journey led us to Casa Brunoro, a small wine cantina with a historical wine cellar. As we savored their Prosecco, we took a breather and soaked in the views. We were surrounded by nature, green from recent rains and the beautiful stone cantina before us. Casa Brunoro, tucked away from the main road, is a laid-back wine cantina but there is something special here. This is the location where the Brotherhood of Prosecco di Valdobbiadene meets.
Founded in 1946, this brotherhood’s mission is to protect and promote the unique qualities of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superior. The brotherhood is comprised of producers and winemakers who come together to vote for the best Prosecco. As you walk in, you are greeted with the sight of old paintings on the walls telling the story of the brotherhood. Old bottles of prosecco line the shelves dating back to earlier days. Award-winning labels detail the year and type of prosecco that won. While in meetings, the brotherhood don traditional robes and insignia. One of the highlights was learning about the initiation ritual. Our host playfully told us that during the initiation one must consume a whole extra-large glass of Prosecco and only has three tries. This glass looked like a whole liter of wine could be poured in it. She laughed as we all looked on in disbelief, I could not tell If she was joking or serious. Either way, it was a wonderful insight into the local culture and history of Prosecco.
At the bar (Kimberly Kephart)
But our adventure did not end there. As we pedaled through vine-clad slopes, we stumbled upon a true marvel at Osteria Senz’Oste: vending machines filled with Prosecco. Massimo even filled us in on the delightful story of this Osteria. It is one you do not want to miss. The establishment’s name translates to “The Tavern Without a Host” and the tavern offers automated dispensers complete with wine cups and local salami. Wooden chairs dot the viewpoints to savor Prosecco with a view. The charm was undeniable, though some prices left us shocked.
Our return journey to Massimo’s shop outside the Prosecco Hills was challenging, navigating Italian traffic. Yet Massimo’s guidance was unparalleled. Safety, route understanding and photo stops, he had it all covered.
So, if you are up for an e-bike adventure, dress comfortably, lace up your best athletic shoes and prepare for fun. The Prosecco Hills transcend mere wine—they offer a sensory journey, blending tradition, innovation and the sheer pleasure of sipping bubbly amidst the backdrop of nature!
Check out Vagabond Bikes here and on Instagram @vagabondbike.
Check out Varaschin Wineries on Instagram @varachestorie.
Check out Casa Brunoro on Instagram @casa_brunoro.
