Friuli + Slovenia
Wine + Culture tour
Next Tours in Friuli + Slovenia
Welcome to Friuli
Italy’s most northeastern region famous for white and orange wines
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, or simply Friuli, is a tiny region in northeastern Italy, located at the foot of the Alps, and bordering Veneto, Slovenia, Austria, and the Adriatic Sea. The region’s main viticultural areas, Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli, are found close to the Friuli-Slovenian border. Thanks to the special climate, with both Mediterranean and Alpine influences, and the mineral rich soils, these areas are particularly ideal for white grape varieties: native varieties like Ribolla Gialla and Friulano reign supreme, but so do the Slovenian Vitovska and varieties such as Malvasia, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay.
Red wine lovers, have no fear: Friuli also makes fabulous red wines, such as Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Pignolo, Schioppettino, and Tazzelenghe to name a few. And, we can not forget the area’s famed orange wines! Macerated white wines (aka orange wines), some of which are refined in amphora, create well-structured, versatile wines with golden to rosy hues.
The Friuli Wine + Culture Tour introduces you to all of the wines through a carefully curated itinerary of family-run and historic wineries. We’ll also enjoy the area’s traditional cuisine, visit a historic grappa producer, see a couple of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hike through vineyards, and relax at our country estate.
Friuli Tour Highlights
Each of our tours is designed to offer an authentic experience, where local traditions meet the pleasure of fine wine and rich heritage. From renowned wineries to charming villages, we’ll guide you through the people, places, and flavors that make every destination truly unique.
Taste the acclaimed and diverse wines of Friuli’s Collio and Colli Orientali through visits to top wineries
Explore wineries in Slovenia on a day excursion
Visit a historic grappa producer
Explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Roman towns of Cividale del Friuli and Aquileia
Visit to an artisanal vinegar maker
Unesco World Heritage Sites in Veneto
(Starred Sites are on the Veneto wine tour)
Cuisine of Friuli
Friulian cuisine is influenced by the two empires that controlled it for over a thousand years (the Venetian Republic and the Austro-Hungarian Empire) as well as its geography: from fresh Adriatic seafood and river trout to hearty Alpine stewed meat and sausage dishes.
Horseradish, aka cren, is prevalent throughout the region, as are Alpine cheeses such as Montasio and Malga, and cured meats like San Daniele prosciutto and speck from Sauris. Polenta and gnocchi are more common than pasta, but stuffed or spätzle-like pastas can be found too. White asparagus, mushrooms, legumes, turnips, and onions are frequently featured in dishes.
The parts that border Slovenia have more of a Germanic and Slavic twist. Beef, pork and venison appear quite a bit, as do bitter greens, cabbage (also in sauerkraut form), chestnuts and berries. Typical desserts are apple strudel and sweet spiced breads.
Your Extraordinary Accommodations in Friuli
For the duration of the tour, we will stay in a charming and well-loved country hotel in Friuli near the Slovenian border. We will get to enjoy two meals at their acclaimed restaurant, one of the best in the region. (Please note: wifi is found only in communal areas.)
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Friuli and Slovenia Tour Details
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The journey begins with a guided tour of Miramare Castle, a stunning 19th-century residence overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. From there, we head to a top winery for a tasting and light lunch featuring elegant Friulian wines. In the afternoon, we check into La Subida Country Resort, a charming retreat in the heart of Collio. The evening concludes with a Michelin-starred dining experience at their trattoria, known for its refined take on local flavors.
After breakfast, we visit a pioneer of amphora-aged wines and natural winemaking. Lunch follows in the town of Gorizia. In the afternoon, we explore another top producer, a family affair known for its minimal-intervention wines. After some free time at the hotel, we enjoy a relaxed dinner at featuring rustic, seasonal dishes.
The morning takes us to a family-run winery dedicated to indigenous Friulian varieties. Lunch is at a local favorite, where they serve frico (a dish made from melted cheese and potato). After a short break at the hotel, we take a scenic walk through Cividale del Friuli, a charming town with medieval and Lombard heritage, followed by an aperitivo and dinner.
A relaxed morning begins with breakfast, followed by a guided hike through the picturesque countryside. A picnic lunch offers a taste of local flavors in nature. In the afternoon, we cross into Slovenia for a visit to a winery known for its expressive white wines. The day ends with dinner at in Slovenia at one a restaurant and winery renowned for its rich, traditional dishes and extended maceration wines.
We start the day with a visit to one of Slovenia’s most prestigious producers. A light lunch follows, offering a casual yet refined take on regional cuisine. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for a vinegar-making visit at their acetaia, learning about their unique aged vinegar. Dinner will be in a nearby town.
The morning begins with a brief visit to a historic winery in the area, known for its bold Friulian wines. Lunch is at their trattoria, a countryside spot showcasing seasonal ingredients. In the afternoon, we explore a famous grappa producer. After some time to unwind at the hotel, we gather for our farewell Michelin-starred dinner, celebrating the flavors and experiences of the past week.
Before we go our separate ways, we will drive to the old Roman town of Aquileia and have a guided tour of the impressive mosaic complex in the Basilica. A drop off will be made at the Venice Mestre Train Station. You can take the train into Venice or grab a taxi for the airport.
The journey begins with a guided tour of Miramare Castle, a stunning 19th-century residence overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. From there, we head to a top winery for a tasting and light lunch featuring elegant Friulian wines. In the afternoon, we check into La Subida Country Resort, a charming retreat in the heart of Collio. The evening concludes with a Michelin-starred dining experience at their trattoria, known for its refined take on local flavors.
After breakfast, we visit a pioneer of amphora-aged wines and natural winemaking. Lunch follows in the town of Gorizia. In the afternoon, we explore another top producer, a family affair known for its minimal-intervention wines. After some free time at the hotel, we enjoy a relaxed dinner at featuring rustic, seasonal dishes.
The morning takes us to a family-run winery dedicated to indigenous Friulian varieties. Lunch is at a local favorite, where they serve frico (a dish made from melted cheese and potato). After a short break at the hotel, we take a scenic walk through Cividale del Friuli, a charming town with medieval and Lombard heritage, followed by an aperitivo and dinner.
A relaxed morning begins with breakfast, followed by a guided hike through the picturesque countryside. A picnic lunch offers a taste of local flavors in nature. In the afternoon, we cross into Slovenia for a visit to a winery known for its expressive white wines. The day ends with dinner at in Slovenia at one a restaurant and winery renowned for its rich, traditional dishes and extended maceration wines.
We start the day with a visit to one of Slovenia’s most prestigious producers. A light lunch follows, offering a casual yet refined take on regional cuisine. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for a vinegar-making visit at their acetaia, learning about their unique aged vinegar. Dinner will be in a nearby town.
The morning begins with a brief visit to a historic winery in the area, known for its bold Friulian wines. Lunch is at their trattoria, a countryside spot showcasing seasonal ingredients. In the afternoon, we explore a famous grappa producer. After some time to unwind at the hotel, we gather for our farewell Michelin-starred dinner, celebrating the flavors and experiences of the past week.
Before we go our separate ways, we will drive to the old Roman town of Aquileia and have a guided tour of the impressive mosaic complex in the Basilica. A drop off will be made at the Venice Mestre Train Station. You can take the train into Venice or grab a taxi for the airport.
Double Occupancy
$ 5,800 / Person
Single Supplement
$ 1,400
Special Notes:
1) Friuli’s cuisine is very much based on meat (pork included), butter, and cheese. While the tour can accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, please note this might seriously limit your ability to enjoy local specialties.
2) Wifi at the hotel is limited to common areas and cellphone service is not always the best. Please keep this in mind should you have to be in frequent online contact with others.
Inclusions
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Accompanying sommelier guide for the entire tour
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Comfortable Transportation + Driver from our meeting point to our farewell for all group activities
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6 Nights accommodations at hotel with Breakfast
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All meals (except possibly one) with sommelier-selected wine at top restaurants in the region
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All wine tastings + guided activities (special events, private tours, guest experts, entrance fees, etc.)
Exclusions
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Flight to Italy
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Travel expenses before and after the tour period
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Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
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Anything not specified as being included (If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!)
Requirements
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You must be 21+ years of age
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You must be in good physical condition as your trip will involve walking, hiking, and other physical activities
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You must sign La Dolce Vigna’s travel agreement
Wine Tour Details
A couple of months before the wine tour, you’ll receive a confirmed itinerary for the tour. Throughout the year, you will also receive helpful info such as tips on what to pack, a reading list, and articles related to Friuli.
Deposit + Cancellation Policy
A deposit of $1500 per person is required at the time of booking to guarantee your space. Balance of the full amount is due 90 days prior the tour start date. If there are still spots available less than 90 days prior to the tour start date, the full sum will be due upon booking.
All cancellations must be received in writing. If made 90 days or more prior to the tour start date, a refund less the deposit will be made. If made between 89-31 days prior to the start date, you will be issued a credit in the amount of 50% of the total cost already paid, less the deposit and any and all costs/fees that La Dolce Vigna, LLC has already paid third party vendors, such as room reservations, etc., towards future trips or services. No refunds will be made for cancellations made 30 days or less prior to the tour start date, nor for a cancellation made during the tour.
We urge all clients to book travel insurance for their trip as we unfortunately cannot make exceptions for inclement weather or personal emergencies.
La Dolce Vigna reserves the right to cancel a tour. In this unlikely situation, you would receive a complete refund of your tour fees. La Dolce Vigna will not assume any other liability and is not responsible for any personal expenses as a result of a tour cancellation, such as airline tickets or personal hotel reservations.
Meet Your Guide: Leslie Rosa
Meet Your Guide: Leslie Rosa
Sommelier + Owner of La Dolce Vigna
After a decade of working in the art world for eminent institutions and artists in New York and London, I moved to Italy, fell in love with the diversity of Italian wine and became a certified sommelier with the Associazione Italiana Sommelier. As an art-curator-turned-sommelier, I founded my company to offer trips that give an in-depth look at the history and culture of a particular region through the lens of local wine, spirits, and food. Over the years, my portfolio of trips has grown from Italy and California to include other places I love: Mendoza, Argentina and Oaxaca, Mexico and now Somerset, England. When not leading tours, you can find me doing pop-up wine tastings, writing for the Slow Wine Guide, or getting lost someplace beautiful with my watercolor set.
La Dolce Vigna Difference
Our tours are always limited to a maximum of 12 people to assure you an intimate experience.
You will always have a certified sommelier guide to answer all of your wine-related questions on the road.
Our tours are centered around small, eco-conscious, family-run wineries that make truly outstanding wine, and are packed with cultural insights.
Be prepared to eat. A lot. We've picked out amazing spots for you, from the small, loved-by-locals osteria to the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Depending on the season and local events, we will custom organize the best and most insider experience for each group.
Rest assured that your tour price includes all meals (except one), activities, hotels, transportation from the moment we meet until our fond farewell.
For those of you who have been on other group tours, you know what we're talking about. Part of living la dolce vigna is taking the time to truly savor your experiences and surroundings. We've built in time for you to do just that at your own pace and on your own terms. Long live slow travel!
Besides helping local, artisanal economies through visiting small wine and food producers, eating at traditional trattorie and staying at boutique hotels, a donation on behalf of each individual that takes one of our tours will be made to 10,000 Gardens in Africa, a Slow Food initiative aimed at cultivating sustainable and healthy communities throughout Africa.
Any Other Questions?
Looking for a Private Wine Tour of Italy?
Look no further! In addition to our intimate group tours, La Dolce Vigna curates private wine tours—with or without a guide—based on your dates, travel style and interests. We will open the doors to authentic experiences complete with exceptional food and wine, colorful personalities, warm hospitality, not-to-be-missed cultural sites and many, many photo-worthy moments. (Trust us.)
La Dolce Vigna's Adventures Abroad