THE HILLS - GENTLE HILLS, FINE BUBBLES
The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. A photographic exhibition by Georg Tappeiner, created in collaboration with the local municipalities and with National Geographic Germany as media partner, now showcases the extraordinary beauty of this region. Beyond its unique cultural landscape, the area offers not only world‑famous sparkling wine but also culinary highlights and a wide range of outdoor activities.
When people hear “Prosecco,” they first think of - Prosecco. In fact, the sparkling or semi‑sparkling wine made from the Glera grape is the best‑known export product of the Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene. Viticulture in this part of the Veneto region has ancient roots: the earliest written document linked to Prosecco dates back to 1772.
In 2019, the region - located about an hour’s drive northwest of Venice - was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The designation recognizes the landscape’s natural, cultural, and agricultural features: the hilly terrain extending from Valdobbiadene to Vittorio Veneto and Conegliano covers a significant portion of the production zone of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the controlled and guaranteed designation of origin.
UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURES
The hills are characterized by a distinctive geomorphological formation known as hogbacks: a series of steep, rugged ridges running east to west and intersected by parallel valleys. To cultivate the steep slopes, local inhabitants developed the ciglioni - a special type of terracing reinforced with grassy strips rather than stone. These green terraces are still used today on the steepest slopes. The work of thousands of small winegrowers has created a richly varied agricultural landscape - diverse both in form and in use. The mosaic‑like terrain is divided into countless small vineyard plots, often bordered by hedges or rows of trees. These natural borders help stabilize the soil, promote biodiversity, and contribute significantly to the scenic beauty of the region.
PROSECCO SUPERIORE DOCG
Visitors can taste the area’s sparkling wine in numerous wineries. The options are varied: open‑air tastings, candle‑lit cellars, or pairings with local delicacies such as soppressa (pork sausage), pancetta (cured pork), and Morlacco (a cow’s milk cheese).
The region is ideal for exploring by bicycle. Along the Strada del Prosecco, cyclists travel through winding hills — with many operators offering guided tours as well as bike and e‑bike rentals. More ambitious riders can challenge the steep climbs that also feature in the Giro d’Italia.
Another highlight is the Cammino delle Colline del Prosecco, a hiking route from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene that stretches across four stages from Vidor to Vittorio Veneto. Over 51 kilometers, hikers traverse the Treviso Pre‑Alps with their steep slopes and water‑rich valleys. The area is rich in villages, castles, monasteries, churches, as well as local traditions and crafts, offering deep cultural insight. The route ranges from easy to moderately challenging, and an optional northern variant allows hikers of all fitness levels to find a suitable path