Crossing north through the Adige Valley and into Trentino-Alto Adige takes the visitor from Veneto's appassimento zone into the Alpine wine landscape of Teroldego, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. The Rottaliano plain near Mezzocorona is Teroldego's exclusive zone; the Alto Adige Wine Road (Strada del Vino) runs from Bolzano south through the apple orchards and vineyard villages of the Bassa Atesina.
Pours: Teroldego Rotaliano DOC, Alto Adige Gewurztraminer DOC, Trentino Marzemino DOC
Tip: Foradori in Mezzocorona is the undisputed benchmark for Teroldego Rotaliano; Elena Walch and Tramin are the Alto Adige reference points for Gewurztraminer.
Friuli Venezia Giulia to the east of Veneto is Italy's other great white-wine territory. The Collio hillsides on the Slovenian border produce Ribolla Gialla, Friulano (Tocai), Malvasia Istriana and complex Collio Bianco blends. The Grave plain is the industrial heartland of Pinot Grigio. Producers Jermann, Schiopetto and Radikon (the latter famous for extended maceration orange wines) define the Collio range.
Pours: Collio Bianco DOC, Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio DOC, Ribolla Gialla, Friulano (Tocai)
Tip: If making the trip, include Radikon in Oslavia for the benchmark orange wine experience; Stanko Radikon's sons continue the multi-month skin-contact tradition.
Franciacorta on the shores of Lake Iseo in Lombardy produces Italy's most prestigious Metodo Classico sparkling wine from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco. The bottle-fermented wines require extended lees ageing and provide a direct stylistic comparison to Prosecco's Charmat-method freshness. Ca' del Bosco and Bellavista are the international benchmarks.
Pours: Franciacorta DOCG Brut, Franciacorta DOCG Saten, Franciacorta DOCG Blanc de Blancs
Tip: A Franciacorta day-trip pairs naturally with a lunch at a Michelin-recognised restaurant in Brescia city; the 90-minute drive from Verona west is easy on the A4.
The Lugana DOC covers the southern tip of Lake Garda between Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano, straddling the Veneto-Lombardy border. Turbiana on the distinctive clay-moraine soils produces wines with a distinctive floral, slightly saline character. Zenato, Ca' dei Frati and Ottella are the major producers, all offering visits.
Pours: Lugana DOC, Lugana Superiore DOC, Lugana Riserva DOC
Tip: Lugana Riserva from top estates ages surprisingly well for a northern Italian white; compare a current vintage to a three-year-old Riserva at Zenato for a compelling demonstration.
The eastern shore of Lake Garda between Lazise and Garda town is lined with the Corvina-based vineyards of the Bardolino Classico zone. The light-bodied red and the celebrated pale Chiaretto rose are the dominant styles. The Consorzio del Bardolino has a visitor centre in Bardolino town; lakeside enoteche offer tastings alongside Lake Garda olive oil and freshwater fish.
Pours: Bardolino DOC Classico, Bardolino Chiaretto DOC, Custoza DOC
Tip: Combine the Bardolino Classico zone with a swim stop at Punta San Vigilio, the prettiest headland on the lake, within the Bardolino DOC boundary.
The 30-kilometre Strada del Prosecco between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene passes through the UNESCO World Heritage Prosecco Hills landscape: steep ciglioni terraces, bellussera-trained Glera vines and medieval village hilltops. The Rive single-vineyard programme covers 43 named sites along the route, each with distinct soil character.
Pours: Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry, Cartizze DOCG Dry, Rive single-vineyard Prosecco
Tip: Drive the Strada from Valdobbiadene south toward Conegliano to end at the historic enological school; stop at Ruggeri, Bisol and Nino Franco along the way.