Prosecco outsells Champagne worldwide. 600 million bottles/year vs 300 million. The reason: it's lighter, fresher, cheaper (€6-15 vs €30-80), and designed for drinking NOW — not cellaring. The hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene (50km northwest of Venice) became UNESCO World Heritage in 2019 — steep vineyard terraces called ciglioni, medieval hill villages, and 200+ cantinas offering tastings for €10-20. The most accessible and affordable wine region in Italy. Wine guide → · Aperitivo guide →
Valdobbiadene — the capital of Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Cartizze (the grand cru — a single 107-hectare hillside producing the finest Prosecco, €15-25/bottle at source vs €30-50 exported). Conegliano — the wine school town (Italy's oldest oenological school, 1876). Start of the Strada del Prosecco (42km scenic road through vineyard hills — Italy's oldest wine road, since 1966). Key villages along the route: Farra di Soligo (medieval church on vineyard hilltop), San Pietro di Barbozza (Cartizze viewpoint), Col San Martino (panoramic village).
Most cantinas welcome walk-ins (call ahead in winter). Tasting: €10-20 for 3-5 wines + snacks. Top producers: Bisol (since 1542, premium Cartizze), Nino Franco (iconic Primo Franco cuvée), Col Vetoraz (small, family-run, exceptional), Ruggeri (the benchmark Giustino B. brut). Buy at source: €6-15/bottle (vs €12-25 in shops). Types: Brut (dry — most popular internationally), Extra Dry (slightly sweeter — the Italian preference), Dry (sweet — rare, dessert pairing).
From Venice: 1h by car or train to Conegliano (€5-8). From Treviso airport (Ryanair hub): 30 min. Car recommended for the Strada del Prosecco (the scenic road IS the experience). Rent from Venice/Treviso → Day trip from Venice works but overnight is better (stay in a vineyard agriturismo, €60-100). Combine with: Venice + Prosecco Hills + Dolomites = the ultimate Veneto route.