Conegliano Valdobbiadene: the hills that have gained global recognition

In the heart of Veneto, a unique landscape

In the heart of the province of Treviso, the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene reflect a long history of work and dedication to viticulture. Generation after generation, winegrowers have shaped an extraordinary landscape, recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape.

In this area, characterised by complex ridges, vineyards, woodland and small villages, traditional agricultural practices – such as grassed terraces and historic vine-training systems – have transformed the steepest slopes into orderly rows of vines, creating the distinctive chequerboard pattern that underpins its uniqueness. This balance between nature and culture, together with the ongoing commitment to protecting the soil, biodiversity and local agricultural heritage, is what has given the site its outstanding universal value.

The steep slopes, specific sun exposure and soil composition create the ideal habitat for Glera, the native grape from which Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is produced. It is a form of “heroic viticulture”, which still today requires manual work and a high level of technical expertise.

A territory driven by research and expertise

Over time, the area has built an identity founded on research and innovation. The Conegliano School of Oenology, established in 1876, was the first in Italy and remains a key reference point for training in the sector.

In 2003, the territory was recognised as Italy’s first sparkling wine district. In the same year, through collaboration between the Consorzio di Tutela and C.I.R.V.E. – the Interdepartmental Centre for Research in Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Padua – the District Study Centre was created in Conegliano, supporting companies in market analysis and in the development of sustainable and competitive strategies.

The excellence of Prosecco Superiore DOCG     

The granting of Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status in 2009 consolidated the quality and reputation of the territory. Production is distinguished by the focus on every stage of the process, from the selection of the grape clusters to the control of fermentation times, resulting in a wine that combines technical precision with a strong territorial identity.

A forward-looking district

According to the OpportunItaly Industrial District Map, the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area dedicated to Prosecco production brings together more than one hundred companies and over two thousand employees, generating a turnover of around EUR 1.8 billion.

In 2024, export value reached EUR 238.2 million, with Germany, the United Kingdom and Austria among the main destination markets. The total value of bottles sold in the same year amounted to EUR 555.2 million, confirming the vitality of a district that combines production excellence with a strong international focus.

The global success of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG demonstrates how the link between local identity and openness to international markets can be turned into a growth strategy.

For agri-food companies interested in new business opportunities with Italian partners, OpportunItaly offers tools such as the Map of Italian Industrial Districts, providing insight into centres of excellence like the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco area. Join the Programme and gain access to exclusive content.

Sources:

Prosecco.it
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG: Rapporto Flash sui risultati 2024  
Colineconeglianovaldobbiadene.it
Ministero dell’Agricoltura, della Sovranità alimentare e delle Foreste
Mappa dei Distretti Industriali di OpportunItaly