Veneto

Both quality and quantity are a feature of the wines from Veneto. After Sicily and Apulia, the Veneto ranks third in wine volume production--but this fruitfulness has little effect on quality. From dry white wines like the famous Soave to bubbly Prosecco, Veneto offers a taste for all palates. The unique and characteristic red wine Amarone, for instance, is a treat for those who appreciate concentrated flavors and depth of both taste and texture.

Wine Trail-From north to south
* In Maser, the Villa di Maser (tel. 0423923002) is one of Palladio's finest villas and has a winery with vaulted cellars.
* In Bardolino, the Enoteca del Bardolino at Via Verdi 4 (tel. 0457210028) offers wine tastings for groups of at least four people.
* Maculan in Breganze (at Via Castelletto 3, tel. 0445873733) is known for its wines made from Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Cabernet.
* Vicenza is the home of Cooperativa Elica, owned by Maestrello Luigi, located at Via Tormeno 35.
* In Longare, visit the Azienda Agricola Basso Graziano at Via Casoni, 2. * Le Vigne di San Pietro (tel. 045510016) offers tastings of Refola and Sud, a dessert wine, for visitors to Sommacampagna.
* Dominio di Bagnoli (tel. 0495380008) in Bagnoli di Sopra produces the Friularo grape and has 14th century cellars.
* Head to the Enoteca Regional del Veneto on Via Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto in Pramaggiore for tastes of the best Amarone and grappa in the Veneto.
* Don't miss Vinitaly 2004, the annual exposition of Italian and international wines and spirits that takes place in Verona from April 1-5th. Go and browse amongst hundreds of producers who come to show off the best of their production.
* Also in April is the Palio del Ricioto, a wine festival dedicated to promotion of the Valpolicella DOC that takes place in the town of Negrar. * Take a trip down the Prosecco Wine Road through the province of Treviso to experience wine tasting and sightseeing at the same time. A 45-kilometer route that was established in 1966, this tour takes you through the towns of Conegliano, Feletto, Quartier del Piave, and Valdobbiadene, where you can enjoy splendid architecture whilst sipping bubbly Prosecco at one of the many estates along the way.
* Don't forget to sample some local delicacies, like the Monte Veronese DOP cheese which is produced in the northern part of the province of Verona. It pairs especially well with a Classico Superiore bottle of Valpolicella.

Festivals and Culinary Events
* April: Pramaggiore-National Wine Show
* May: Nanto-Mostra dei Vini DOC dei Colli Berici, Bardolino-Festival of Chiaretto
* September: Barbarano-Festa dell'Uva e del Vino, Bardolino-Grape Harvest and Bardolino Classico Festival, Sommacampagna-Festival of the Bianco di Custoza