Prosecco Hills by E-Bike an Epic One Day Itinerary
Italy has some of the most fertile grounds for wine production. You can find several different varieties in Italy and one of them happens to be Prosecco. There happens to be a whole area of northern Italy devoted to growing this particular grape, known as the Prosecco hills. Lucky for me, it’s a short drive away from Vicenza (score!) and for those who don’t want to drive through this area of Italy, I have the perfect way to dabble in a form of sustainable tourism, enjoy the prosecco hills by e-bike!
Part of this piece was originally published in Stars and Stripes Europe; however, I wanted to expand on my experience and provide additional insights for readers.
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Discover the Prosecco Hills by e-Bike
Nestled among the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene lies one of Italy’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, but our experience was found on Get Your Guide.
>>>>>>Valdobbiadene: Guided E-Bike Tour in Prosecco Hills<<<<<<<
E-biking is an incredible way to see a place in a short amount of time. When you participate in e-biking you are practicing sustainable tourism, you reduce your carbon footprint, and it promotes health and well-being. I also think it’s a great way to support local economies! Those small business owners love that.
I am aware of the drawbacks of lithium batteries, that’s a whole different subject to tackle but just know, I am aware.
Facts about Prosecco Hills
Did you know that the Prosecco region has been a winemaking hub since Roman times, dating back to ancient Rome? Even Pliny the Elder mentioned this region in his writings.
Interestingly, the first reference to Prosecco can be traced back to a wine called ‘Puccino,’ which was produced around Trieste. The Romans highly regarded this wine for its quality and considered it a luxury item. They were the first to recognize the area’s ideal conditions for grape growing, playing a crucial role in its development.
Furthermore, during the Venetian Republic, Prosecco continued to flourish, particularly among the nobility and wealthy merchants.
The Glera Grape
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.”
Glera grape has been cultivated in the Veneto and Friuli regions for centuries. It was originally known as Prosecco but changed to Glera to protect the prosecco designation of origin.
Typically Glera exhibits light, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavors, common tasting notes include peaches, apples, and floral hints. According to WineSearcher.com ” The grape’s high acidity and neutral flavor profile make it perfect for producing the refreshing and effervescent prosecco”
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.
Casa Brunoro
We arrived at Casa Brunoro, a small wine cantina with a historical wine cellar. We savored their Prosecco, took a breather, and soaked in the views. Nature, green from recent rains, surrounded us, and the beautiful stone cantina stood before us. Casa Brunoro, tucked away from the main road, offers a laid-back atmosphere, but there is something special here. The Brotherhood of Prosecco di Valdobbiadene meets at this very location
Who Are the Brotherhood of Prosecco di Valdobbiadene?
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.
This brotherhood was formed during a time of significant hardship. Much of Italy was recovering from the devastation of the war. The founders aimed to rejuvenate the local economy and preserve the centuries-old tradition of prosecco production. They also focus on improving methods of winemaking in the prosecco region and increasing awareness of the qualities of prosecco on a global scale.
The Prosecco Cave
Our hostess and Massimo led us into what I’d like to call the coolest wine cave ever. As we walked in, we were greeted by old paintings on the walls that told the story of the brotherhood. Old bottles of Prosecco lined the shelves, dating back to earlier days.
Award-winning labels detailed the year and type of Prosecco that won. During meetings, the brotherhood dons traditional robes and insignia. One of the highlights was learning about the initiation ritual. Our host playfully explained that during initiation, one must consume a whole extra-large glass of Prosecco and only has three tries. This glass looked like it could hold a whole liter of wine. She laughed as we all looked on in disbelief, and I couldn’t tell if she was joking or serious. Either way, it provided a wonderful insight into the local culture and history of Prosecco
Osteria Senz’Oste
We packed up and left Casa Brunoro on our bikes, then pedaled over to Osteria Senz’ Oste.
Osteria Senz’Oste, which roughly translates to ‘Tavern without a Host,’ reflects its distinctive self-service concept. We helped ourselves to a variety of Prosecco and local delicacies. Wooden chairs dotted the viewpoints of Cima Cartizze, where we could savor Prosecco with a stunning view. The charm was undeniable, although some prices left us shocked. Massimo even shared the delightful story of this Osteria, emphasizing that it is one you do not want to miss.
Cesare De Stefani created Osteria Senz’ Oste with the goal of sharing the beauty and tranquility of the Prosecco Hills with others. The farmhouse has been preserved in its original state, maintaining its historical charm and providing a glimpse into the region’s past
The end of the Bike Journey
Our return journey to Massimo’s shop outside the Prosecco Hills proved challenging as we navigated through Italian traffic. However, Massimo’s guidance was unparalleled. He ensured our safety, provided clear route instructions, and even planned photo stops—he had everything covered.
Therefore, if you are up for an e-bike adventure, dress comfortably, lace up your best athletic shoes, and get ready for fun. The Prosecco Hills offer more than just wine—they provide a sensory journey, blending tradition, innovation, and the sheer pleasure of sipping bubbly amidst the stunning backdrop of nature!
The ideal time to visit Prosecco Hills
- Spring (March to June)
- Primavera del Prosecco Superiore Festival: This festival runs from March to June and features numerous events, tastings, and activities celebrating Prosecco.
- Blooming Vineyards: The hills come alive with blossoming flowers and lush green vineyards, making it a picturesque time for photography and leisurely walks.
- Mild Weather: Enjoy pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the scenic landscapes.
- Early Summer (May)
- Warm Weather: May offers warmer temperatures without the intense heat of summer, ideal for vineyard tours and outdoor dining.
- Open Wineries: Many wineries open their doors for tastings and tours, providing a great opportunity to sample Prosecco and learn about its production.
- Harvest Season (September)
- Grape Harvest: Witness the excitement of the grape harvest, a crucial time for winemakers. Participate in harvest activities and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
- Festivals and Events: September is filled with local festivals celebrating the harvest, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.
- Beautiful Scenery: The vineyards are at their most picturesque, with ripe grapes hanging from the vines and the landscape bathed in golden autumn light.
- Autumn (October)
- Fall Foliage: adorned with stunning fall colors, creating a breathtaking backdrop for hikes and scenic drives.
- Wine Tasting: Continue to enjoy wine tastings and tours as the harvest season winds down, with a focus on the newly produced wines.
Each of these periods offers unique experiences and highlights, making the Prosecco Hills a delightful destination year-round. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural explorer, there’s always something special to enjoy in this beautiful region.
How to Book This Tour:
If you would like to do this tour you can easily book via Get Your Guide, below is the affiliate link
>>>>>>Valdobbiadene: Guided E-Bike Tour in Prosecco Hills<<<<<<<
If you have any questions, you can also visit Vagabond Bikes website or their Instagram.
Places to Stay Near Prosecco Hills
Want to make a weekend out of this? Well here’s a list of places to stay near Valdobbiadene (affiliate link)
Conclusion
Prosecco Hills are a great place to visit and the history alone is fascinating and worth your time. People like Massimo, owner of Vagabond Bikes are making this area accessible and digging into sustainable tourism so that you can uncover parts of Italy with ease.
Fan of French wine? why not check out my Bordeaux itinerary
Lastly, while you’re here why not learn all about sustainable travel with my beginners guide?