Mittel-Europa meets the flavor of Italy

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of Italy's most enchanting wine regions, yet one of the least explored. Charming and eclectic, Friuli is where “Mittel-Europa meets the flavor of Italy” thanks to its unique location in northeastern Italy on the Adriatic Sea. The mix of cultural and gastronomic influences are from the historic Venetian Republic and Austrian-Hungarian Empire.

For the literary fans, this area is a treasure trove of stories as James Joyce, Stendhal, Pasolini, Hemingway, and more based their novels and selected Friuli as their home. Manicured vineyards, charming Medieval villages, and splendid classical Italian villas surround this peaceful, uncrowded wine country.  

Our wine adventure includes tastings of outstanding fragrant and elegant white wines, known as “SuperWhites"  made from varietals Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Malvasia, Picolit, Vitovska, and Ribolla Gialla. Also, unique red varietals such as Schioppetino, Tazzelenghe, Terrano, and Refosco, often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to produce silky spicy, delicious red wines. 

Following ancient wine traditions, Friuli also produces “orange” wines, using red wine-making techniques. 

Friuli is home to wine visionaries, like Mario Schiopetto,  Josko Gravner, Alvaro Pecorari, Livio Felluga, Flavio Pontoni, and Edi and Renato Keber. 

Experience unique flavors of Prosciutto di San Daniele –cured “prosciutto” made only where the unique microclimate of fresh Alpine air meets salty Adriatic sea breezes. Enjoy a super fun local tradition called“osmiza,”  where food and wine are enjoyed at casual communal tables directly with the farmers. 

Visit the stunning city of Trieste and enjoy espresso coffee creations at a Hapsburg-style café. Among the sites on this tour, Grado, the hidden Venice, Cividale del Friuli (former capital of the Lombard kingdom, Palmanova and its superbly preserved Venetian fortress, Aquileia the ancient one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire, was destroyed by Attila, Cormòns a gourmet village famous for its Hapsburg architecture, excellent restaurants, and wineries and Benedictine Abbey of Rosazzo.

Join me for a seven-day itinerary surrounded by sea, mountains, and unspoiled wine country!

INCLUDED

• 5 nights in boutique accommodations
• Daily breakfast
• Wine pairing dinners and lunches
• Hands on Cooking class
• Winery visits and sit down tastings
• Prosciutto and cheese visit and tastings
• Transportation as per program
• Group Transfer from and to  Venice airport  
• Wine tasting notebook
• Guided tours and all tickets

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Travel & Trip Cancellation insurance