Vines, wine, harvest: traditions and curiosities of Friuli Venezia Giulia

Wine and grapes are typical products of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the grape harvest is a deep-rooted tradition that enlivens the entire region with festivals, music, and games, featuring parades and traditional costumes that symbolize a vibrant connection between the people and the land. It is no coincidence that 39 municipalities in the region hold the title of City of Wine, which certifies their winemaking vocation and the presence of at least one DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) or IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) in their territory. These include Aquileia, Bertiolo, Buttrio, Camino al Tagliamento, Capriva del Friuli, Casarsa della Delizia, Cividale del Friuli, Cervignano del Friuli, Codroipo, Cormòns, Corno di Rosazzo, Dolegna del Collio, Duino Aurisina – Devin Nabrežina, Gorizia, Gradisca d’Isonzo, Latisana, Manzano, Mariano del Friuli, Moraro, Nimis, Monrupino – Repentabor, Muggia, Palazzolo dello Stella, Povoletto, Pocenia, Premariacco, Prepotto, Ronchi dei Legionari, San Dorligo della Valle-Dolina, San Floriano del Collio – Števerjan, San Giorgio della Richinvelda, San Giovanni al Natisone, San Quirino, San Vito al Tagliamento, Sequals, Sesto al Reghena, Sgonico – Zgonik, and Torreano. Additionally, six Pro Loco associations are active in as many municipalities that are already Cities of Wine: Casarsa della Delizia, Buri Buttrio, Mitreo Duino Aurisina, Risorgive Medio Friuli Bertiolo, Manzano, and Latisana.

In a relatively small territory like Friuli Venezia Giulia, there are many native grape varieties—among the most well-known are Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Malvasia—as well as different production areas. In the southeast, Collio, Colli Orientali del Friuli, and the Karst, with their clayey soils influenced by sea breezes and temperature fluctuations, produce unique and fine wines; in the center-west, the gravelly and calcareous soils of the Grave are home to Friulano white wine.

While it is true that whites are the most famous wines of the region and include many esteemed denominations, the reds should not be overlooked, including notable varieties like Tazzelenghe, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, and Schioppettino. To celebrate these local products and the traditions that accompany their production, events take place mainly between September and October, from the famous Friuli DOC (September 12-15) to the Grape Festival in Cormòns (September 20-22), along with the Vigneti Aperti events, which continue until October 20.

The Generali Convention Center Trieste will host “Degustiamo insieme” on September 10, an event organized by Proposta Vini in collaboration with the Trieste Cocktail Week, dedicated to training professionals in the wine, food, and hospitality sectors. For more information, please visit the event’s dedicated page.