The Colli Orientali wine growing zone east of Udine stretches from Tarcento in the north to Corno di Rosazzo in the south.

It is a narrow strip of land designated as the 'Parco della Vite e del Vino' or 'Park of Vine and Wine'.

Autumn is a great time to visit the area thanks to the harvests and the spectacular golden browns and oranges of the slopes.

Julius Caesar laid the first vines here around 53 BC near Cividale and the town was subsequently named after him. It derives from 'Forum Julii'.

The climate is ideal for wine cultivation, a combination of the Giulie Alps and the Adriatic Sea. The former protect the slopes from the biting winter winds while the latter blows fresh air from the south.

Yet, even within the Colli Orientali, different microclimates produce wines with distinct local character.

In the photo above, Elda Felluga, President of the Movimento Turismo del Vino of Friuli Venezia Giulia, holds a 'brindisi' in Gorizia with a little help from her friends.

further travel suggestions

Coastal wines of Friuli
White wines of Il Collio
Cantine Aperte in Friuli