Vino in Villa 2015

Hi friends,

I wanted to tell you all about my most recent adventure spent exploring a castle built in the 12th century all while enjoying Prosecco Superiore DOCG.

Castle San Salvatore was begun in 1323 by Rambaldo III and finished by his successor Schenella V.

Usually, you can drive up the hill and see the outside of the castle as Royalty still live there so it’s closed to the public. You can, however, make an apt for a private tour or even a wedding. I didn’t find this out until 3 years after living in Italy.

I’ve been to the castle on numerous occasions but not once have I had the opportunity to go inside the medieval walls, that is until last weekend.

Every year on the third Sunday in May Vino in Villa is held in Susegana ( 28 miles North of Venice) within the castle walls of San Salvatore.

I can’t possibly think of anything more interesting and magical than being invited to attend such an event such as Vino in Villa.

What is Vino in Villa?

Vino in Villa is a three day festival about the culture of the two Northern Italian cities that produce Prosecco~ Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Each day the festival is held in a different location. The final day which happened to be Sunday, May 17th was held at the ever beautiful Castello San Salvatore in Palazzo Odoardo. It is a special day dedicated to tasting the Prosecco from over 300 producers from the Conegaliano/Valdobbiadene area. They also had four or five different stands of typical food from Conegaliano/Valdobbiadene to try outside of the Palazzo Odoardo.

I had such a lovely day. The weather couldn’t have been any more perfect. And the staff were so very friendly and helpful.

Facts about Prosecco

Prosecco is made from Glera grapes.

It is a sparkling white wine produced in the rolling hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in the Province of Treviso.

It comes in many different types including dry, extra dry and brut.

Brut being the driest style
Extra Dry being the most traditional version
Dry with a higher level of residual sugar.
It has been around since 1876 in Italy.

Last year, despite the terrible weather, 70 million bottles of Prosecco was produced and sold.

Tips that I learned while at Vino in Villa

The bottles of Prosecco should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.

Serve it at a temperature of between 6-8 C preferable in a large. tulip shaped glass. Flute glasses are not recommend.

The people of Pieve di soligo, a sunny city in the heart of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene still remember what a local pharmacist said about Prosecco. He gave advice and would recommend to his clients to drink the local spumante to combat illness such as hypertension and high cholesterol. “ It cures people better than thermal waters” he would declare. “it should be provided on prescription. I thought that was funny as my husband often says
“oh, you have a headache, drink prosecco” “everything passes with Prosecco”

A few of the cantinas or wineries at Vino in Villa included Andreola, Bortolotti, La Marco, Follador, Villa Sandi, Colesel, Bellussi and many more.

If you will be in the area next year, you won’t want to miss it. At 15 euros a ticket, 5 euros for the glass fee ( once you return the glass, youll get 5 euros back) You can sample over 300 different types of Prosecco, enjoy this castle and the views of the Venetian Landscape.

Please enjoy my photos that I took.