The Wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Where Terroir Meets Tradition
It’s so much more than Prosecco (although the Prosecco here is fantastic too!)
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s most compelling, not as well-known, wine regions, where Alpine influence meets the Adriatic to create exceptional terroir. And I had the good fortune to be invited to explore this Northeastern territory by the regional tourism board. The Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region (or FVG Region for short) produces a remarkable diversity of wines, from the mineral-driven whites like its namesake variety Friulano (which I love) and Ribolla Gialla—with its characteristic apple, floral and citrus notes and, sometimes almonds to the structured reds of Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Schioppettino reflect the region’s complex geological foundation, and my personal favorite, Malvasia, an aromatic and floral white wine. Pro Tip: Try the sparkling Ribolla Gialla. Acid hounds will love this one!
My visit to the region included a stop at Venica & Venica, a winery situated in the Collio hills near the Slovenian border in Dolegna del Collio. (Winery shown in the first and following images.)This family estate exemplifies the region’s commitment to both heritage and innovation. Established in 1930, the Venica family has four generations of evolution while maintaining their foundational principles. With forty hectares of vineyards within the protected Collio D.O.C. Venica & Venica’s vineyards benefit from the area’s microclimate, where mineral-rich soils and Adriatic breezes create optimal conditions for both indigenous grape varieties and carefully selected international grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
What distinguished this visit was the estate’s integration of traditional winemaking with contemporary sustainability practices. The wines demonstrated the care that comes from intimate knowledge of individual vineyard sites, each bottle reflecting both the vintage’s character and the family’s contemporary expertise. The tasting experience, with our wonderful hostess, revealed layers of complexity that spoke to their unique position at the crossroads of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences.
The Collio’s reputation for producing wines of exceptional finesse becomes immediately apparent when experiencing the landscape firsthand. The rolling hills create varied microclimates, allowing winemakers to match specific grape varieties to optimal vineyard sites. This geographic diversity, combined with the region’s commitment to quality over quantity, has established Friuli-Venezia Giulia as a destination for discerning wine enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences beyond Italy’s more commercially recognized regions.
For those interested in exploring the region’s wine culture beyond the cellar door, I recommend La Taverna, a weekly podcast hosted by my friend Wayne Young. Each episode delves into the wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia through conversations with producers and other significant figures in the region and beyond, offering insights in both English and Italian. It’s an excellent way to deepen your understanding of the people and philosophies behind these exceptional wines. You can also listen on Spotify.
For travelers interested in wine-focused travel that combines serious appreciation with cultural immersion, Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers access to producers who view their craft as both agricultural pursuit and cultural preservation. The region’s proximity to Slovenia and Austria adds another dimension to the experience, creating opportunities to understand how historical influences continue to shape contemporary winemaking approaches.
Having experienced the region firsthand at the invitation of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Tourism Board, whose commitment to showcasing authentic regional experiences aligns perfectly with my approach to culturally immersive travel, I’m pleased to share their comprehensive food and wine guide with those ready to explore FVG’s exceptional offerings. This resource, which I found invaluable during my recent visit and continue to reference for clients, captures the depth of the region’s culinary landscape with the authority that comes from local expertise.
If you’re drawn to discovering Italy’s lesser-known wine regions through intimate tastings and meaningful connections with local producers, I invite you to explore the possibilities of a tailored journey through Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This is a region best experienced through carefully curated visits that honor both the complexity of its wines and the depth of its cultural heritage. Contact me today to learn more.
With much love and light,
Photo Credits – Used with Permission of FVG Tourism Board:
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