UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places, cities, entire regions and monuments that have been declared as having a universal value for humanity and future generations. As a result of the uniqueness of each protected site, we are able to remember some of the greatest natural and man-made wonders of our time.
To meet the requirements of UNESCO, sites must have an outstanding universal value and meet at least one of the 10 selection criteria. Some of those are human creative genius; bears unique or at least exceptional evidence of cultural tradition; excellent natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty; to be direct or tangibly connected with events or living traditions.
In terms of the number of World Heritage Sites, Italy is the leading country in the world. A country that carries a long history has 55 world heritage sites including natural and cultural wonders protected by UNESCO. Out of these 55, some of the most unique sites are those that present the long-lasting wine heritage of Italy with its mesmerizing man-made vineyards landscapes.
Prosecco Hills in Conegliano Valdobbiadene
UNESCO wine heritage site from Veneto
Pre-Alpine hillsides are covered in vineyards, each one meticulously harvested by hand, here is a place where farmers' efforts are truly heroic. The Prosecco wine region of Conegliano–Valdobbiadene, where the wine is referred to as "handmade," is the subject of our discussion. In 2019, this exquisite landscape, created by nature and enriched by civilization, was recognized as Italy's 55th UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene zone is located in Veneto in the province of Treviso. It is the land of selfless viticulture, which takes special knowledge, and thanks to which the local lands, scattered with steep hills, have been adapted for vine growth. The terrain has an unusual geomorphic structure, with tiny ridges and extremely steep slopes. The Prosecco hills developed an exceptionally attractive shape and a unique pattern like a chessboard over the span of evolution. According to experts, UNESCO for the first time recognizes as a World Heritage site "a landscape formed over centuries due to the cultivation of the land by humans”.
History facts about Conegliano Valdobbiadene
- First mentions can be found engraved into Roman columns. By the end of the fifth century, the Bishop of Poitiers, a native of Valdobbiadene, recalled his native hills as "a region where vines bloom eternally.'
- White wine specialization has a long history, spanning over seven centuries. From the "Statutes of Conegliano" of 1282 to the time of the Republic of Venice, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and later eras, the white wines of the region have been noticed.
- In 1772, the white Prosecco grape (Glera), which eventually gave the wine its name, was first mentioned in this area.
- It was in Conegliano, in 1876, that the first Italian School of Viticulture and Winemaking was established, and it is still one of Italy's foremost oenological institutes.
- In 1969, the DOC Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene was created as a result of the implementation of controlled wine zones. DOCG Conegliano Valdobbiadene - Prosecco was born exactly 40 years later.
Prosecco wine, a UNESCO wine heritage of Italy
Prosecco isn't simply one of the Italian sparkling wines; it's one of the most popular. Prosecco, like many other high-quality wines, takes its name from the region in which it was first produced. The wines of the controlled and certified place of origin of Prosecco Superiore can only come from 15 Italian cities in the area between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in the east.
Conegliano-Valdobbiadene is an old wine region with rocky soils and refreshing Mediterranean winds. All wines from this region have a neck label with the DOCG certification and one or both cities' names on it.
Prosecco Wine Road - Routes of Enogastronomic Adventure
Conegliano Valdobbiadene's wine heritage is well-known not only for its expressive terrain, natural beauty, outstanding wine production, but it is known for the famed wine gourmet road that runs across it. Over 180 wineries and quaint ancient towns dot the hillsides of the Prosecco region, which is ringed by vineyards, monasteries, and fortified castles. In Italy, the first enogastronomic route was the Prosecco Wine Road. A 90-kilometer route that can be traveled by car or bike while enjoying a glass of wine and sampling the region's special cheeses and sausages!
Discover some of the top wineries in Conegliano Valdobbiadene
Perlage
Perlage Winery has been in the winemaking industry for more than 30 years.
De Riz Luca
"Territorio, amore...e Prosecco Superiore!" is the slogan that guides De Riz Luca Winery.
Discover more wineries in Conegliano-Valdobbiadene.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont - Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Piedmont vineyards with Langhe-Roero and Monferrato became the first "prize winners" in the UNESCO list, who received recognition for achievements related to winemaking.
The magnificent landscapes of the Italian wine zones of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato were recognized as a World Heritage Monument in 2014. They have been included in the UNESCO wine heritage list due to their natural harmony and effective balance between the aesthetic qualities of the rural landscape, ancient and true traditions of viticulture, as well as architecture and historical buildings.
UNESCO wine heritage Langhe-Roero and Monferrato in the sway of the ages
UNESCO recognition has undoubtedly increased the value of this land. In ancient times, the Celtic people who inhabited the local forests considered the area as sacred places of great nature, hills as symbols of its power and greatness, and culture - a reward in accordance with the contract between man and nature. These sites are the result of a coexisting process between humans and the environment. As a result of its heartfelt attitude to the environment, this wine region has preserved an incredible cultural heritage that has become a model for other wine districts throughout the world.
"The landscapes of the wine-growing areas of Lange, Roero and Monferrato are unique territories, thanks to their natural harmony and an effective balance between the aesthetic qualities of the rural landscape, architecture and historical buildings, as well as ancient and authentic traditions of viticulture."
UNESCO experts say in their conclusions.
The award-winning landscapes of Piedmont vineyards include three areas in Lange, two in Alto Monferrato, and one in Roero. The UNESCO Heritage List includes 6 regions of the Piedmont region: Langhe Barolo, the castle of Grinzane Cavour, the hills that give birth to noble wines of Barbaresco, Barbera and Nice, Canelli, where Asti is produced, and Monferrato. Territories belonging to three provinces with an area of 10,789 hectares in 29 municipalities.
This area, among other things, has many castles and the landscape and literary park of Lange, Monferrato and Roero. Tourists may also be attracted by the exciting gastro and wine route along the Langhe — "Piedmont wine route".
After all, in addition to noble wines, the hills of Lange and Monferrato are the land of truffles, other high-quality products and good cuisine, the birthplace of the “slow food” philosophy, and Michelin restaurant stars.
Wineries to visit in Piedmont wine heritage area
Tenuta Santa Caterina
The Italian-style gardens surround this beautiful and graceful estate.
Manfredi Aldo
At the top of the Bricco Rosso hill family farmhouse offers stunning views of Langhe.
Discover more wineries in Piedmont.
Pantelleria Wine Heritage in Italy - UNESCO protected agricultural practice
The vineyards of Pantelleria were the first agricultural practices to be recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage List. Southwestern Sicily's Pantelleria Island is well-known for its unique style of vineyard cultivation. Known as the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean, Pantelleria Island has a unique beauty that is enhanced by its vineyards. It's all about the Muscat of Alexandria there, which is called Zibibbo (in Arabic it means "raisins").
Zibibbo-based sweet wines from Pantelleria Island are widely regarded as some of the best sweet wines in Italy. Muscat of Alexandria is known for its vines, which appear to be low vines (alberello). Ad alberello, the vines grow in low bushes that are set apart from one another. The vines have been protected from the continuous wind by digging holes up to 50-60 cm deep, which also helps them withstand periods of dryness.
In 2014, the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List included this "traditional agricultural practice of viticulture ad alberello on Pantelleria."
Here, heroic viticulture is practiced in the face of extreme conditions and a heavy reliance on manual effort. It takes roughly 150 hours to process one hectare of a typical vineyard on the island of Pantelleria, whereas the same plot on the island requires around 1400 hours of processing.
