Wine Tours Colli Orientali

The wine area of Colli Orientali (Eastern Hills of Friuli) is located along the hills of the province of Udine, with its heart in Cividale del Friuli, close to the border with Slovenia. In this destination, characterized by gentle hills and terraced lands in the natural backdrop of the Julian Pre-Alps, you will find picturesque villages, scenic hiking trails and many wineries that you can visit for a wine tasting.

During your wine tastings in the area of Colli Orientali, you will learn how this has always been a land of wines, as good quality wines were produced on these hills already during ancient Roman times. Nowadays, the wines produced in this area are also called the “super whites” of Friuli. In fact, the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC appellation includes twelve types of white wines made with different grapes. In addition to them, the appellation includes eleven types of red wines.

Your wine tastings in Colli Orientali will often be paired with a selection of local products such as cheeses and cold cuts. While here, we also recommend trying the interesting cuisine of Friuli, which is very particular thanks to the influence of the neighboring cultures. Make sure to try frico (a sort of cheese and potato pie), cjarsons (dumplings with ricotta, raisins and spices), jota (a sour kraut and potato soup) and gubana (dough filled with raisins, walnuts, pine nuts and grappa).

When visiting the wineries in the surroundings of Colli Orientali you will find a good balance between white and black grape varieties, as well as between international and local varieties. The white grape types included in the disciplinary of Colli Orientali DOC are Malvasia Istriana, Ribolla Gialla, Tocai Friuliano, Verduzzo Friuliano, Riesling, Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay. The black grape types used in this DOC are instead Tazzelenghe, Schioppettino, Refosco nostrano, Refosco dal peduncolo rosso, Pignolo, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Carmènere, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The best period to organise wine tastings and winery visits in the area of Colli Orientali is between April and September, when the temperatures are mild and the rains are less frequent.

In the area of Colli Orientali you will surely find wine tastings and wine tours that suit you amongst the various options offered. During your stay in this area, we recommend visiting at least a few of its highlights, such as the city of Udine and its museums, San Daniele del Friuli, where the iconic Prosciutto di San Daniele is made, Fusine’s Lakes, Cividade del Friuli, Aquileia. The area of Colli Orientali is also perfect for a bike tour across its rolling hills.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in Colli Orientali is around €35. Depending on the experience, prices range from €20 to €50. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Colli Orientali:

• Azienda Agricola Marina Danieli
• Vigne del Malina
• BUTUSSI
• Isola Augusta
• NADALUTTI FRANCO
• Cantina Bastianich
• Colutta
• Azienda Cantarutti Alfieri

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Colli Orientali:

• Tasting of 5 wines, Vermouth and local delicacies at Gori Agricola in Colli del Friuli
• Tasting of 5 wines at the Micossi Winery
• Nadalutti Wine Tasting experience
• Wine and honey: a surprising wine experience at Vigne del Malina
• Wine Tasting and Tour at Colutta Farm in Colli Orientali
• Superior Wine Tasting at the Bastianich Winery in Colli Orientali
• Tour and Classic Wine Tasting at Valentino Butussi Winery
• Winery Tour & Advanced Wine Tasting with Pečâl Selection at Valentino Butussi