Venice: Prosecco Hills Wineries Tour with Tastings and Lunch

A Deep Dive into the Prosecco Hills Wineries Tour with Tastings and Lunch

If you’re heading to Venice but want a break from the crowded canals and historic streets, a day trip into the rolling Prosecco Hills offers a refreshing change of scenery. This tour, organized by Yellowboot, promises a full day of wine tasting, traditional Italian cuisine, and scenic views, all led by knowledgeable local guides. Based on glowing reviews, it’s clear this experience is highly rated, with a perfect 5-star score from 80 travelers.

What I particularly like about this tour is how it combines educational wine tastings with authentic local food in a small-group setting. Guides like Carlo and Julia are praised for their passion and humor, making the day both informative and fun. And the chance to visit two different wineries—one organic and one family-owned—means you get a real sense of the area’s diversity in wine production.

One thing to consider is the travel logistics. The experience starts at Conegliano train station (train tickets from Venice are included), with a 50-minute train ride. While this makes the experience more flexible and economical, it does mean you’ll need to make your own way to Venice’s Santa Lucia station and catch the train at 9 am. For some, this is a small hassle, but the scenic train ride and the subsequent drive through hills are part of the charm.

What could be a drawback? For travelers who prefer a more relaxed, all-in-one experience without the need for train logistics, this might feel a bit busy. But for those who love a bit of adventure and local flavor, the journey itself becomes part of the fun.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Small Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience and plenty of interaction with guides.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Carlo and Julia are praised for their knowledge, humor, and local insight, making the day engaging.
• Authentic Food and Wine: The tour combines tastings at two wineries with a hearty four-course lunch at a family-owned Osteria, offering high-quality traditional dishes.
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect sweeping views of the hills, vineyards, and countryside, which are frequently highlighted as a major highlight.
• Flexible and Convenient: Includes roundtrip train tickets from Venice and private van transport, making logistics smoother.
• Educational Focus: Learn about the Prosecco wine-making process and the different styles and regions, which many reviews say deepens appreciation for the wine.

Exploring the Heart of the Prosecco Hills

If you’re a lover of good wine and authentic local experiences, this tour hits the mark. The day begins early, with a 50-minute train ride from Venice’s Santa Lucia station to Conegliano, the heart of the Prosecco region. Once there, a private van whisks you through lush vineyards and rolling hills, a landscape that’s both beautiful and brimming with tradition.

The first winery is often lauded for its spectacular views and in-depth process explanation. As a guest, I love the way guides like Carlo make wine-making accessible, explaining the secrets behind Prosecco’s characteristic bubbles and flavor profiles. And of course, sampling the wines—often four tastings per winery—lets you appreciate the differences in style and quality firsthand.

The Charm of a Family-Owned Osteria

One of the standout moments is a traditional four-course lunch in a family-run Osteria. Reviews rave about the quality and home-cooked feel of the dishes—using grandma’s recipes is a common theme. Expect slow-cooked “spiedo” meat near the fire, homemade desserts, and generous pours of local red wine and Prosecco.

This authentic meal isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing the local culture. The Osteria’s setting amidst vineyards, with an aperitivo in front of the vines, makes for a memorable break from the busy city. Many reviewers say the lunch alone makes the tour worth the price.

Visiting a Second Winery: A Different Perspective

After lunch, a short drive takes you to a second, high-quality DOCG Prosecco winery. This family-owned operation specializes in ancient vines and organic practices, producing wines that many say are among the best in the region. Meeting the passionate producers, tasting multiple versions of their Prosecco, and learning about their craft rounds out the experience.

Several reviews note that this winery offers a contrasting style to the first, broadening your understanding of what Prosecco can be. Plus, the opportunity to purchase bottles directly at the wineries adds a practical bonus—many reviewers mention shipping options, making it easy to bring a taste of Italy home.

The Value of the Experience

While $202.78 might seem steep, the value becomes clear when considering what’s included: train tickets, private transportation, two winery visits with tastings, a full four-course lunch, and expert guides. Many guests remark that the quality of food, wine, scenery, and personal attention surpasses expectations, giving the experience a strong value proposition.

The small group size and the depth of information shared by guides make this more than just a tasting; it’s an educational journey that enhances your appreciation of Prosecco’s cultural roots.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits lovers of wine, food, and authentic countryside scenery who appreciate a structured yet intimate tour. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with some logistics—like taking a train from Venice—and looking for a day that combines education, deliciousness, and picturesque views. It’s also perfect for those who value quality over quantity, as the smaller group size and curated visits promise a more personal experience.

If you prefer a more relaxed, all-in-one-tour without train travel, this may feel a bit busy. But for travelers eager to see more of Italy’s wine country and learn about Prosecco directly from passionate producers, this is a top choice.

Starting Point and Logistics

Your day begins at Venice’s Santa Lucia train station, where the experience provider, Yellowboot, arranges your train tickets to Conegliano. The train ride is about 50 minutes—an easy, scenic journey that gets you into the heart of Prosecco territory without hassle. Remember, the train tickets are included, which adds convenience and value.

Once in Conegliano, a private van awaits to take you through the hills. This part of the trip is where you really start to feel the charm of the region: picturesque vineyards, sweeping vistas, and small villages that look like they’re straight out of a painting.

First Winery: Learning and Tasting

The initial stop is usually a winery located in a scenic area, often praised for its views and informative tours. You’ll learn about Prosecco’s production methods, including the traditional Charmat process and the specific grape varieties used. Guides like Carlo or Julia are repeatedly praised for their passion and humor, making technical explanations lively and understandable.

Tastings typically include four glasses of sparkling wine, giving you a good sense of the different styles and nuances. Guests mention the quality of wines—some organic, others traditional—and the chance to compare styles directly enriches your appreciation.

Lunch in a Family-Owned Osteria

The highlight for many is the lunch. Situated in a cozy, family-run Osteria, it’s a chance to indulge in hearty, home-style Italian dishes prepared with love and recipes passed down through generations. Expect slow-cooked meats, homemade desserts, and generous pours.

Guests like Wendy and Martha rave about this meal being one of the best they’ve had, with a focus on authentic flavors and a warm atmosphere. The Osteria’s setting among vineyards, with views of the hills and vineyards, makes it more than just a meal—it’s a glimpse into local life.

Second Winery and Final Tasting

After lunch, the van takes you to a second winery, often a producer of organic or ancient-varietal Prosecco. This winery produces wines using traditional vines and passionate craftsmanship, often in a more boutique setting. Tasting here usually involves multiple glasses, with a chance to speak directly with the family or winemakers.

Many reviews highlight the different styles between the two wineries, giving a well-rounded view of the region’s diversity. The opportunity to buy wine directly and arrange shipping is a practical bonus many travelers appreciate.

Returning to Venice

The day concludes with a return train from Conegliano around 5 pm. From there, you’re back in Venice by early evening, having experienced a well-rounded, authentic side of Italy’s wine country.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, culture, and excellent wine tasting. The inclusion of train tickets and private transport makes logistics straightforward, and guides like Carlo are praised for their warmth and knowledge. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it feel more like a visit to friends’ homes than a commercial tour.

While the price might seem high, the amount of quality food, wine, and insider access makes it a good value for those eager to deepen their appreciation of Prosecco and Italian culture. If you seek a hands-on, authentic experience with expert guides in a stunning setting, this tour delivers.

Ideal for wine enthusiasts and food lovers who want a genuine taste of the Prosecco Hills. Perfect for those comfortable with train travel and small-group tours. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy learning about local production methods and prefer intimate, curated experiences over large tourist groups.

Travelers with a curiosity for Italy’s regional diversity and a desire to enjoy authentic meals in a countryside setting will find this tour a highlight of their trip.

What is included in the price?
The price covers roundtrip train tickets from Venice to Conegliano, private van transport, visits and tastings at two wineries, and a four-course lunch at a family-owned Osteria.

How early do I need to arrive in Venice?
You should catch the train around 9 am from Santa Lucia station. The train tickets are included and will be emailed to you a day before.

Can I join if I don’t want to take the train myself?
The experience starts at Conegliano station, but travelers can plan their own journey to Venice and meet the group there. The included train tickets make it easier for those arriving in Venice.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

What does the lunch consist of?
A traditional four-course meal prepared with grandma’s recipes, including slow-cooked “spiedo” meat, homemade desserts, and local wines.

Are the wineries family-run?
Yes, both wineries are family-owned, with one specializing in organic practices and the other producing wines with ancient vines.

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Most likely, but it’s best to specify dietary preferences when booking to ensure suitable options are available.

How much wine will I taste?
You’ll enjoy four tastings at each winery, totaling eight glasses of Prosecco and possibly some red wine during lunch.

Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes, many wineries have options for purchasing bottles, and they often offer shipping services directly.

Is this a good value for the price?
Absolutely. Considering all inclusions—transport, tastings, a hearty meal, and expert guides—the experience offers a lot for the cost.

This tour is an inviting, well-organized way to experience Italy’s Prosecco Hills beyond just sightseeing. It combines scenic beauty, delicious food, and authentic wine traditions in a way that’s accessible and thoroughly enjoyable. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or simply looking for a memorable day in Italy’s countryside, it’s an experience worth considering.