Italy Pic of the Day | Valdobbiadene, Prosecco & UNESCO
‘Hogback’ hills might not sound beautiful, but today’s Italy Pic of the Day proves they are not only beautiful, they are UNESCO World Heritage Site worthy. Welcome to Prosecco country in the Veneto region of Italy, where landscapes are cultural expressions of community.
Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene
“Located in north-eastern Italy, the property includes part of the winegrowing landscape of the Prosecco wine production area. The landscape is characterized by ‘hogback’ hills, ciglioni – small plots of vines on narrow grassy terraces – forests, small villages and farmland. For centuries, this rugged terrain has been shaped and adapted by man. Since the 17th century, the use of ciglioni has created a particular chequerboard landscape consisting of rows of vines parallel and vertical to the slopes. In the 19th century, the bellussera technique of training the vines contributed to the aesthetic characteristics of the landscape.”
UNESCO Wold Heritage Center
For the Best Views of Valdobbiadene Visit Osteria Senz’Oste
If you’re looking for the best views in Valdobbiadene or a spot for a Prosecco picnic between the vines, head to Osteria Senz’Oste. Aka l’Oste che non c’é translates to the host isn’t here. As the name implies you will not find a host. In fact, chances are good, no one will be working.
Imagine if you will, an unassuming 19th century farmhouse perched on the top of a hill named Cartizze. As words spread that the farmhouse held the most epic views in Valdobbiandene, friends and friends of friends began stopping by. All with the hopes of finding a glass of Cartizze or Prosecco and a view.
In time, the owner of this private property simply put out a kitchen table with 3 bottles, 6 glasses and a note. “Value of 10€, help yourself and have a good tasting.” The goal was to prevent friends or passers-by from feeling like freeloaders. From there, the word spread like wildfire and soon friends started coming by from Germany, France and Japan.
The owner started working with the local tourism office to create an honor system that included small bites of cured meats, cheeses and local sweets. The result? The legendary location grew in popularity. Today, the popularity of the location means this hostless Osteria, really could use a host. Instead the honor system has been replaced by vending machines and an open door policy till 10PM.
Our visit was in August, 2020. During Italian summers, parking is tricky to say the least.
We had to wait briefly and jockey for a spot with a view. Worth the wait for pretty memorable family photos!
If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there’s a secret. Look up!
Join me for Monday’s Italy Pic of the Day to find out where the lesser known path up at L’Osteria senz’Oste leads to.
This is such a beautiful place! Looks a bit like the terraced rice paddies in Asia 🙂 But I would take prosecco over rice any day!
Me too… unless the rice was made into sake! Well no still Prosecco. Cheers to either!
Hi I found your site via a post from Emer Downing and am looking forward to see lots more fabulous photos and reading good common sense about wine and tasting.
Hi Francis! Thank you for stopping by and for such a high compliment! I’m pleased to meet a wine and cheese (saw your blog!) lover.
Your posts makes me daydream..maybe someday I can move there as well…until then…. daydreaming 💞🤔ðŸ’
Welcome to ALOR! Happy to have you along for the daydreaming. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I’d definitely be someplace in the Mediterranean region…Capri, Tuscany, Mykonos 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Fun! Beautiful areas, Mykonos is still on my bucket list.
So pretty. I’d love a prosecco picnic!
Just wait till you see the hike up! The views and charm of Prosecco are magical. Not nearly as long as your hikes though!
Sounds nice! Can’t wait!
Home to some of my favourite wines
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. You have spectacular taste my friend! PS As an American who lived in Canada – I adore a favourite with an “ou”!
😎
Sounds nice!!!
It’s really a lovely corner of Italy and those elevated views are epic!
I can just imagine😇😇
I do appreciate the smaller unexplored places in other countries.. I had a similar experience in African countries too.. The local places are soo much better than the bigger cities.
We definitely prefer them. It’s amazing how usually you don’t even have to go that far to get away from the crowds. It’s like Priano vs Positano. Right next door but far less crowded and way cheaper! Where we you in Africa? If you wrote about it, please feel free to share the post link here!
No .. I havnt written anything about it yet.. Well we went to knysna and George town.. Its in the vicinity of Cape Town.. But is beautiful..
I’ve heard amazing things about Cape Town. Will be looking Knysna up!
Ya.. The area bay area is beautiful.. There is a small beach called Petersberg.. Thats awesome too