Venice, a cornerstone of tourism in Italy. As I wine lover and traveler, you like me, may be thinking “what wine will I be drinking”. No wine comes directly from Venice, but many do from Veneto. You’re certainly not going to Venice to go wine tasting, but you have an array of great wines available, particularly from the Veneto region to ensure you drink well, and locally. 

Venice, the city made of islands, where taxis and public transport are boats is really something other worldly. It remains one of the most touristy places, but in my opinion for very good reason. You will never find anywhere else like this. The tiny winding streets and confusing maps may not be for everyone, but I honestly think everyone should see the marvel that is Venice at some point in their Italian travels. Like many Italian cities, you find yourself there without a clear idea of what “local” wines and foods to try. I’ve compiled a list for you to help focus on what wines to drink while in Venice, Italy. During your trip to Venice you will have hundreds of options at your fingertips, so as a wine lover it is important to keep in mind these three wines:

Prosecco 

While the rest of the world seems to think quite highly of this type of wine, Italians give it a pretty nasty glare. With both a DOC and DOCG it can have a huge range in quality. Made from at least 85% Glera grapes, Prosecco DOC can come from anywhere in Veneto or Friuli Venezia Giulia and, while Prosecco DOCG must be grown on the now UNESCO area “Le Colline del Prosecco”, but both go through second fermentation (producing the bubbles) in steel tanks which is quite unique to Prosecco. 

Look for: Brut or Extra Brut, and I would recommend to go for the DOCG always, because of its low price point you might as well choose the less unpredictable “better” option. In a good Prosecco you may find notes of sweet and citrus fruits, light flowers and almonds. 

Suggestion: Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut Dirupo, Cantina Andreola di Farra di Soligo

Not interested in straight Prosecco? The Spritz is always there for you. Spritz, which was created not in Venice specifically but the Veneto region, can be found as an aperitivo beverage allover Italy, and will surely involve Prosecco. 

However, The Bellini was most certainly invented in Venice, at Harry’s Bar which is still there today, is a unique blend of Prosecco and fresh peach juice. A must have at least once in Venice! 

Soave 

White wine drinker? You can easily turn to a Soave, made from the volcanic soils near the neighbouring city (an hour away), Verona. It is typically fresh and very drinkable, a perfect pairing for many of the typical Venetian dishes, particularly seafood. Made of Garganega grapes, and up to 30% Verdicchio and Chardonnay. You can find both young or old, oaked or unoaked, but all which express salty and mineral notes. 

Suggestion: Soave Classico Calvarino, Leonildo Pieropan

Valpolicella 

Red wine for you? Choose Valpolicella, but it can be confusing as it is found in five styles. Quick overview: it is made of three grape varieties; Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella. 

Valpolicella Classico is light and widely produced, an everyday wine. 

Valpolicella Superiore is a bit of a bolder wine, kept at least a year in wood. 

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, a blend of Amarone (the next style of Valpolicella) pomace (the substance left when wine has been extracted after fermentation) with Classico added to it. Ripasso means to go through, which makes sense as that is exactly what they are doing in this wine style.

Amarone della Valpolicella (the top quality) grapes are dried for four months to concentrate sugar with then a minimum of two years of aging in the cellar. You might also notice a “Single Vineyard Amarone” as an even higher quality option. These wines are high in price.

Recioto della Valpolicella is your sweet wine made from Amarone but has had its fermentation stopped before it is finished leaving residual sugar. 

Keep in mind Amarone can be a hard wine to pair food with due to its high levels of alcohol and sugar content. Ripasso and Amarone are both “thinking wines” due to their unique method of winemaking, and heaviness on the palate. While these are definitely worth trying, you probably won’t be having a bottle of these with dinner. 

I would personally suggest the Valpolicella Superiore due to its versatility with dishes (compared to others) and drinkability. It is a great red wine! 

Look for: a nice deep red with tawny reflections, full body, complexity, notes of candied fruit and violet flowers.  

Suggestion: Valpolicella Classico Superiore Campo Casal Vegri, Ca’ La Bionda 

Of course, you won’t just be having a glass of wine in Venice without any food! Quickly, here are some typical foods to look for:

Starting with (and probably the most Ventian thing you can do) “Cicheti”- Venetian style “tapas”, small bites to have with your Prosecco as an aperitivo. As an option for your cicheti, you may have find these classic Venetian options: baccalà mantecato – lightly marinated white fish on crostini, and sarde in saor – sardines fried and then marinated. 

What is the Venetian pasta? Bigoli – a thick rich pasta resembling a thicker spaghetti. Typical plate of pasta? Pasta al nero di seppia – sauce made with black squid ink. 

Dessert? Fritole- sweet fried crunchy bread covered in powdered sugar. 

I could go on writing about so many beautiful things to do in this incredible city, but that would be for a whole different post. You’ll find yourself lost in the Venetian streets full of arts shops and bars. The churches, museums, architecture, history, art, and quaint bars with a glass of wine- simply enjoy your time and wine in this special place.