From poverty to UNESCO. Up to 50 years ago, prosecco area was so poor that the farmers used cement poles to hold the grapes. Today less than 10.000 ha produces 90 million bottles per year, 2 out of 3 are sold in the UK.
Just a few days ago the UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognizes Prosecco hills in Veneto as World Heritage. This a goal Regione Veneto achieved in this hot month of July 2019. The UNESCO motivation for Prosecco territory is self-explanatory: “the area embeds a hill chain from east to west from the valley up to the Alps with positive effects on climate and countrysides. Valdobbiadone city is the productive hearth of the area. The steep slopes of the territory constraints the use of mechanic equipment, therefore small farmers are the guardians for this landscape”.
This is the reason why, from September onwards WalkItaly Tours will focus walking activities in the Prosecco area by offering waking and cultural programs around Valdobbiadone and Conegliano, headquarter of the first oenology professional school opened in 1876. We will underline the value added of Prosecco area with respect to other sparkling wines, how local farmers apply a pesticide-free farming model and secure meeting with local producers. According to a University of Padova research, Prosecco monoculture has been “accused” as responsible for 74% of soil erosion We will see how Prosecco producers managed soil fertility with attention for people health and respect for the cultural environment. It goes without saying, that you may taste and buy Prosecco wines directly from the producers. More info will follow soon.
By the way, are you interested for the October tours in South Tuscany? Few places are still available. Look at the blog for the dates. October will be in the middle of the olive harvest seasons and leafage! Superb.
Are you curious? Contact us by using this form. No payments need at this stage. We will get back to you as soon as the minimum number of participants has been reached.
Best from Roberto
