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It may not feel like it now, but there will come a time when we can travel again and anyone pre-planning a romantic mini-break in Italy is going to get serious brownie points when we're finally able to get on a plane once more. For loved-up foodies, the Prosecco DOC growing area in North Eastern Italy is an easy choice for a holiday. Not only does it cover some of the most beautiful cities and countryside in the country, but the food and drink is amazing.
We asked the folk at The Consorzio di Tutela Prosecco DOC for their tips on how best to enjoy the area. They suggested picking Treviso as a base. So we've come up with a travel guide that allows you to do just that and tour the amazing wineries and vineyards.
Vineyards and wineries
Left to right: Villa Sandi, the tastings at Ca’ di Rajo and the restaurant at Borgoluce
If discovering, tasting and drinking Prosecco is the priority - here's where you'll want to visit first:
Villa Sandi: One of the most beautiful wineries in the area, the main part is set in a 17th-century villa. You can stay over, enjoy a meal in their restaurant and enjoy tastings in the wine cellars.
Astoria Wines: Choose between the gorgeous old estate for a vineyard tour or head to the ultra modernist shop and tasting room at this winery.
Ca’ di Rajo: Enjoy guided tastings in a spectacular setting at this vineyard, accompanied by cicchetti. Tables are laid outdoors in amongst the vines which are trained here to resemble what they describe as a "green cathedral".
Borgoluce: At this vineyard, you can stay on-site in their farmhouse B&B or apartments and there are two restaurants for you to enjoy the charcuterie and buffalo mozzarella they produce on the estate along with their Prosecco.
BiancaVigna is run by siblings Elena and Enrico Moschetta. For the fully immersive experience, stay over at their guesthouse and enjoy alfresco lunches and dinners.
Alternatively - if you don't want to drive yourself around the vineyards, you could always book a guided tour. One good option is through travel blogger Jo Fitzsimons whose blog Visit Prosecco Italy is a really useful guide to the area.
Where to stay
Left to right: Maison Matilda, Il Focolare and Locanda San Tomaso
In addition to the various vineyards which offer agriturismo accommodation, there are plenty of good places in Treviso itself worth booking.
Maison Matilda in Treviso is a lovely boutique hotel just a cobblestone stroll away from the city's great restaurants and bars. And it does an excellent breakfast.
Locanda Ponte Dante is, as the name suggests, right on the river. Rooms are austerely minimalist and there's a bar and restaurant with loads of room for alfresco dining.
Il Focolare with its 14 rooms in Treviso offers a handy concierge service to book the city's restaurants and excursions.
Locanda San Tomaso has six bedrooms, all named after local wines. Obviously, you'll be wanting to stay in the Prosecco one.
Where to eat
Left to right: La Beccherie, Osteria Arman and Stefano Dassie
Le Beccherie - This wine bar and restaurant is famous for being the place that invented modern-day tiramisu. Its position overlooking the Buranelli Canal makes it a great date spot.
Acquasalsa - this waterfront restaurant specialises in seafood and is also a great spot for early evening ciccheti.
Osteria Arman opened way back in 1872. Food is super seasonal and local - enjoy dishes like artisanal gnocchi topped with Treviso sausage ragout or rabbit cooked with rosemary.
Etto is a newish fresh pasta joint serving everything from paccheri with spinach and tuna to spaghetti with an intense San Manzano tomato sauce.
Hosteria Moderna - This modern burger joint meets wine bar serves up gourmet burgers alongside a wide variety of interesting wines and - of course - Prosecco.
Stefano Dassie - For ice-cream, you'll want to head to this award-winning parlour where flavours include Sant'Agostino with almonds and pistachio and ricotta with figs.
Where to drink
Left to right: Hosteria dai Naneti and Cloakroom
Hostaria dai Naneti - more of a wine shop and deli, this teeny bar is a standing-only bar for you to squeeze in (in non socially distanced times) and enjoy a glass of the local wines.
Osteria Muscoli - This traditional wine bar is on the canal near the fish market. Grab a seat on the terrace and enjoy a wide selection of wines and cicchetti.
Cloakroom: This cocktail bar turns out incredibly inventive drinks - Prosecco-based drinks are a speciality - and they also serve an extensive list of gins.
How to get there
You can fly direct to Treviso with Ryanair or use Venice airport which is only a 30 minute transfer from Treviso. Alternatively, you can go by train - it takes about a day and you'll go via Brussels and Frankfurt. (There is a sleeper train, but that's currently indefinitely suspended due to Covid travel restrictions)..
Prosecco DOC Rosé has arrived in the UK, making this the first Valentine's Day when you can enjoy your favourite sparkling wine in a romantic pink hue with notes of cherry blossom, wild berries, strawberries and roses. Find out more.
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