Itinerary: Aquileia, Palmanova, Cervignano del Friuli, Strassoldo, Clauiano
The Aquileia Wine Road, a combination of history and wine
From Venice to Aquileia: Exploring Italy's Wine Roads, Ancient Ruins, and Cultural Heritage.
The Aquileia Wine Road is a hidden gem for those looking to experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Nestled in the heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia, this enchanting route offers an unforgettable Italian cultural tour, combining visits to ancient ruins from the Roman Age with tastings of the region’s finest wines.
Aquileia, a picturesque town in the province of Udine, was established as a Roman colony in 181 B.C. and has since been a cultural and historical landmark. The town is rich in artistic and architectural wonders, including archeological sites, ancient streets, and squares that transport visitors back in time.
A must-visit is the breathtaking Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, home to stunning Paleo-Christian mosaics (pic n°6). Don’t miss the Roman ruins scattered throughout the town or the magnificent castles perched on the hills around Strassoldo.
However, one of the main reasons to explore this region is to embark on an exceptional food and wine road journey through the renowned Aquileia Wine Road. This scenic route stretches across thirteen municipalities, including Cervignano del Friuli, Strassoldo, Palmanova, and Clauliano, immersing travelers in a landscape dotted with centuries-old vineyards (pic n°1).
Thanks to its proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the region’s fertile soil, viticulture has thrived here since the Roman Age. This tradition endures today, producing some of the most esteemed wines in Italy. Among the celebrated wines found along the Italy wine roads, the most notable varieties include Refosco, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malvasia Istriana, Riesling, Friulano, and Traminer (pic n°2).
For those eager to indulge in wine tours in Italy, the Aquileia Wine Road is lined with excellent wineries and restaurants that offer exquisite tastings of local wines.
Wineries to Visit:
Cantina Puntin – Located in Aquileia, this winery specializes in wines made from native grapes and offers guided tastings
Azienda Agricola Ca’ Tullio – A historic winery known for its exceptional wine production and immersive vineyard tours.
Restaurants to Experience:
Ristorante La Colombara – Situated in the heart of Aquileia, this restaurant serves traditional Friulian cuisine paired with the region’s best wines.
Trattoria Al Parco – A charming spot offering authentic regional dishes and an extensive local wine selection.
Embarking on this wine tour in Italy is not just about tasting wines—it’s about embracing the history, flavors, and cultural richness that define the Aquileia Wine Road. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a traveler seeking an authentic Italian cultural tour, this journey promises an unforgettable experience of history and indulgence.
Tour Details:
Departure: Venice Airport
Arrival: Venice Airport
Km 242
Some pics of this Wine Tour:
Vineyards pic n°1; Wines produced in this area pic n°2; Archeological site pic n°3; In Aquileia: The Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia pic n°4 linked by a portico to the so-called Church of the Pagans pic n°5 with mosaics dating back to the 4th century pic n°6;