Archive for 'Friuli Venezia Giulia'

In the last post, we discussed the history and characteristics of Prosecco, trying to provide a greater base of information on the famous beverage that is both affordable and tasty. It is something that many of us consume on a regular basis without thinking on too deeply but, like any other wine, there is a lot more to learn about it and the best way is to visit a vineyard and taste some delicious wines for yourself! Just find a vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia or a luxury villa in Veneto and then plan a trip to one of these incredible vineyards so you can get to trying some amazing wines.

1. Azienda Agricola Vettori

Azienda Agricola Vettori is a vineyard run by Arturo Vettori and produces two types of Prosecco and two kinds of white wine. Located in a sunny valley around 8km from the town of Conegliano in Veneto. It is a beautiful and historic estate that was re-established by the Vettori family in 1990 and its methods, grapes and wines were greatly increased at this time.

This week we are talking about all things Prosecco from learning more about the history and nature of the wine to talking about some of the best vineyards, which are the best places to taste and understand Prosecco. Just find a vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia or a luxury villa in Veneto and then plan a trip to one of these incredible vineyards so that you can get to trying some amazing wines first hand, while relaxing on vacation.

3. Sorelle Bronca

Sorelle Bronca is another excellent choice. It is a slick operation, owned by sisters, after whom the estate is named. They produce a range of organically grown wines; five of which are Proseccos, as well as some reds, a white and olive oil. The sisters have worked to create a “wide-reaching and innovative organic concept” which they see as a “fundamental part of conserving biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems and natural habitats.”

Prosecco: it's affordable and tasty and something that is a part of many of our lives. Unlike other wines, however, it is often consumed a little less consciously. Yet, it is a celebrated and storied beverage that is worth much more consideration. Why not learn a little more about this famous wine? Then you can find a vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia or a luxury villa in Veneto so you can enjoy it in situ, while armed with more knowledge about what you're actually tasting!

Prosecco is actually a 16th century recreation of a wine that dates back to antiquity and is named after the supposed place of production of that ancient drink. The wine has been made since then but production methods were refined and improved in the 1960s. This has greatly increased the quality of the wine and allowed it to become so popular and famous globally today.

Though Italy is famous for a great many of things, one famous attribute that you are less likely to have heard of or associate with the country is its incredible number of caves. In fact, it is one of the countries that has the most caves in the entire world – more than 35,000 in number – and, among them, the largest tourist cave on Earth: the Grotta Gigante. Officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, the main underground chamber of the Grotta Gigante measures 98.5m in height, 76.30m in width and is 167.6m long.

Located near Borgo Grotta Gigante, in the municipality of Sgonico in the lesser-known Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, it has been a popular tourist attraction since it opened to the public in 1908. Seeming like something plucked from the beautifully illustrated pages of a fantasy novel, it makes for an extraordinary sight. Just find a vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia and set a day aside to go explore this underworld kingdom.

In our previous article, we discussed the legend of Krampus, the scary anti-Santa that originated in Germany and mentioned that there are festivals dedicated to him each year during the festive season all over Europe. Such celebrations take place in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic and involve drunken men dressed as devils, who take over the streets for a Krampuslauf, chasing people around. However, there are also many in Italy specifically.

Krampus's frightening presence was suppressed for many years as the Catholic Church forbade the raucous celebrations and fascists in World War II Europe found Krampus thought him a deplorable creation of the Social Democrats. Nowadays, however, he is appearing in popular culture more and more often – there was even a feature-length movie about the legend released in theatres in 2015 – and Krampus festivals are also increasingly popular. In fact, it has come to the stage where these events are even being labelled as commercialised and selling out!

Around December 5th, several municipalities and towns in the Tarvisio area, namely such as Tarvisio, Fusine, Coccau, Malborghetto, Camporosso, Rutte, Cave del Predil and Pontebba all have Krampus celebrations. At dusk, a rite takes place that is an allegory of the eternal fight between good and evil. The Krampus figures wear monstrous masks with big red, white or naturally coloured horns, long red tongues and fangs and holding their walking stick and bundles of sticks and wearing big bells and chains to announce their arrival. They appear on the streets, accompanying St. Nicholas, passing through the main road of the town carrying torches and bundles of canes, and dragging a cart housing the Saint.

The figures make guttural sounds and move with aggressive attitudes and chase children, and sometimes the adults, to whip them, make them kneel down and recite prayers. In Pontebba, the Krampus are called Spitz Parkli but the rite is essentially the same as in other towns. In some towns, at the end, a bonfire is lit and the Krampus dance around it. Back in ancient times, the pagan festival did not have the figure of St. Nicholas. It was not until medieval times that he was introduced as a positive moderator.

Silly, raucous and vibrant, the festival is a fun event that takes place in the run up to Christmas. If you are curious about Krampus, just find a vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia and indulge a creepier festive tradition this or next Christmas.