The town of Cison di Valmarino– which has recently been inducted into the exclusive “club” of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”– is not only quaint but also happens to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful vineyards in Italy. We’re talking about the land of the sparkling white Prosecco produced in the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene hills of Italy’s northern Veneto region. 

About Cison di Valmarino

The entire territory merits a holiday of at least a few days. Cison di Valmarino is located in Valmareno, a valley dominated by the fortifications of the XII century Brandolini Castle which has been converted into a luxury hotel.

The Brandolini Counts were men of arms in feudal times and later became gentlemen dedicated to the economy, leaving an indelible imprint throughout the village.

The heart of the historic center is Piazza Roma which is dominated by Palazzo Marcello. It was the historic villa of the Venetian doges Marcello, famous winners of the battle of Lepanto and the Loggia.

You will notice while walking through Cison that almost all the old houses have red or maroon shutters; a red that in these parts is called Rosso Brandolini.

Another example of the restoration of feudal buildings is the Antiche Cantine Brandolini. The building already appeared as a basic structure in fifteenth-century maps. It has always been a particularly important place in the village: built by the Brandolini family, it was initially used as a stable and then adapted to wine production and conservation of agricultural products. It’s proof that the viticulture industry was already present in this area in distant times due to the high demand from Venice and the entire Veneto region.

As early as 1440, Valmareno already specialized in the cultivation of vines … and even today the area’s entire economy is based on its prized Prosecco.

Needless to say, this is an area where food and wine tastings are among the top tourist attractions. Every spring, the area hosts a glorious event for foodies and wine buffs called the Primavera del Prosecco Festival. Details here.

Rolle of Cison di Valmarino

You can not go to Cison di Valmarino without going to Rolle, a very small town surrounded by Prosecco vineyards. The poet Andrea Zanzotto defined it as “a postcard sent by the gods”. Beautiful all year through, the most fascinating season to visit Rolle is undoubtedly in autumn when the hills glow red.

Article by Carla La Rocca