A culinary cycling tour through the Prosecco region

A treat on the go

Prosecco

Its name comes from a small village near Trieste, where the wine originated. For a sparkling wine to be called Prosecco, it must come from a clearly defined region and be made from at least 85 percent Glera grapes.

Culinary

Italian cuisine is always a delight, but if you’re craving even more, Venetian cooking offers the very best of fish, seafood, rice, and polenta. Here, irresistible dishes bursting with flavor are crafted from the simplest ingredients.

Landscape

The landscape surrounding the Prosecco region in northern Italy is straight out of a storybook: lush green hills, steep vineyard terraces, and gentle rolling waves create a magical setting that’s perfect for a cycling tour.

View through grape vine leaves of terraced vineyards on rolling hills in the Prosecco region under a clear blue sky.

Cycling through the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards

Between gentle hills, cycling vacationers in the Prosecco Hills are treated to breathtaking scenery, cultural discoveries, and authentic Italian charm. Historic towns like Vittorio Veneto, Bassano del Grappa, Asolo, Valdobbiadene, and Conegliano captivate with lively squares and remarkable architecture. Take in the landscape and it’s easy to see why UNESCO declared the region a World Heritage Site in 2019. The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are nestled in northeastern Italy, home to the renowned Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG. The area is famous for its small, distinctive plots with long rows of vines, drawing visitors from all over the world.

View of Asolo old town with terracotta roofs, prominent bell tower, and hilltop fortress. Traditional Italian buildings under clear blue sky.

Clusters of white wine grapes hanging from a vine with green leaves in the Prosecco region. The grapes are ripe and ready for harvest.

Village with terracotta-roofed houses on a hillside surrounded by green vineyards. Mountains visible in the background under blue sky.

Two women cyclists examining grapevines in a sunny vineyard. One wears a pink shirt and helmet, the other an orange shirt.

The most enjoyable stops

Conegliano

Conegliano enchants with its historic center, the vibrant Via XX Settembre, and the castle perched high above the city. Just about an hour from Venice, Conegliano is known as the birthplace of the celebrated painter Giambattista Cima, whose masterpieces still grace the cathedral. The town is also a culinary delight: alongside Prosecco, regional cured meats, artisan cheeses, and irresistible tiramisu are among the highlights.

You really should try this

For your aperitif, enjoy a glass of Prosecco Superiore DOCG or a classic Spritz, paired with authentic Cicchetti from Treviso—like crispy crostini topped with savory meatballs.

Here are 3 things you need to know about the Prosecco region

Strada del Prosecco

The historic wine route was established as early as 1966 and is Italy’s very first official wine route.

Cyclists riding on a gravel path through lush green vineyards in the Prosecco region. View from behind two cyclists watching others ahead.

UNESCO World Heritage

Since 2019, the hills of Prosecco di Conegliano and Valdobbiadene have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Terraced vineyards on rolling hills in the Prosecco region with scattered farmhouses and misty mountains in the background at dusk.

Handicrafts

Because of the steep slopes, it is often impossible to use large machines. That is why the grape harvest is still carried out by hand today.

Green harvest crates placed between lush vineyard rows in the Prosecco region, ready for grape collection during harvest season.

Valdobbiadene

Anyone cycling through here should appreciate good wine: Valdobbiadene, which lends its name to a well-known variety of Prosecco, lies right in the heart of the Prosecco hills. The lively Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the wine-steeped atmosphere make this an ideal spot for a leisurely break.

You really should try this

Ossocollo is a delicacy made from pork neck; it has a rich flavour and is ideal as a starter, served with fresh bread and a glass of wine.

Two hands holding wine glasses filled with red wine, toasting against a warm, blurred background in Tuscany.

The small but significant difference

DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, meaning ‘controlled designation of origin’. It designates wines whose grapes come from a clearly defined growing region.

DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, meaning ‘controlled and guaranteed designation of origin’. This designation confirms the geographical origin and is awarded only to wines of exceptional quality that have been classified as DOC for at least five years.

Between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, Prosecco achieves the highest quality level under Italian wine law: DOCG.

Bassano del Grappa

This lively town at the foot of the Alps captivates with its historic old town, medieval center, and the iconic wooden bridge, Ponte degli Alpini—a true photographer’s dream. Bassano is also a culinary hotspot: the region is famous for its white asparagus, grown in the fertile soils along the Brenta River and featured in many Venetian dishes.

You really should try this

The region has a long-standing tradition of distilling, and a small glass of grappa is almost a must on any cycling vacation here. If you want to dive deeper into this craft, the exclusive Grappa Museum is the perfect place to explore its history and artistry.

Two cyclists with bikes at an Italian market stall displaying colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. Sign reads 'Gusti Italiani'.

Wooden platter with Italian cold cuts, prosciutto, salami, and cheese at Hotel Relais Monaco. White wine glasses and table setting visible.

Slice of tiramisu topped with strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry on a white plate with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

Interior of grappa museum with copper-framed glass shelves displaying hundreds of bottles. Exposed wooden beams on ceiling, red carpet on floor.

Travelling through the Prosecco region

Culinary specialities in the region

Prosecco Superiore DOCG

The region’s most famous delicacy: the Glera grapes used to make the high-quality Prosecco Superiore grow in the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

Sopressa Veneta

This coarse, spicy salami from Veneto is one of the region’s typical antipasti. It is often served with bread, cheese and a glass of Prosecco – ideal for a leisurely break in an osteria or enoteca.

Radicchio Rosso di Treviso

Red radicchio is a regional speciality of the province of Treviso. Its slightly bitter flavour goes wonderfully with risotto, pasta or grilled as a side dish – particularly during the cooler months.

Polenta

Polenta is a classic dish of Venetian country cuisine. In the Prosecco region, it is often served with game, mushrooms, cheese or baccalà, and is synonymous with down-to-earth, hearty fare.