When it comes to wine tourism in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Colli Orientali region is often the first that comes to mind. This significant wine-producing area, which stretches to the Slovenian border, is known for its exceptional wine labels. However, there’s another area equally captivating for wine tourists, situated on the plains between Palmanova—a UNESCO World Heritage fortified city with a unique nine-pointed star shape—and the charming town of Grado, protected by a picturesque lagoon to the north and featuring a Venetian-style historic center filled with squares and narrow alleys close to the Adriatic Sea. This area also includes Cervignano del Friuli, the romantic Strassoldo Castle complex—a historical village surrounded by centuries-old gardens—and another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the magnificent Roman city of Aquileia. Aquileia, known for its early Christian mosaics and the extraordinary Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, is one of northern Italy’s most important archaeological sites.
Returning to the wine-growing region that houses this significant artistic and historical heritage, the area is also crossed by the famous Alpe Adria Cycle Path, which runs from Salzburg, Austria, to Grado. It offers a unique landscape, appreciated since ancient times. In the 3rd century AD, the Greek historian Herodian described the area as “trees planted at equal distances, vines intertwined, creating a joyful scene, as if the lands were adorned with leafy crowns.”
‘Made in Italy’ at its best
Within this territory, at the heart of the Aquileia DOC denomination, lies Ca’ Bolani, the largest vineyard area in northern Italy, with a total of 890 hectares, around 570 of which are planted with vines. Ca’ Bolani is one of Italy’s finest wine producers, often recognized in international competitions like the Decanter World Wine Awards, Berliner Wein Trophy, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and International Wine Challenge.
The Bolani Dynasty
This important estate, located in the countryside near Aquileia, was praised by Pliny the Elder for its wine quality and the lush beauty of its vineyards. The Bolani estate rose to fame around the 1500s, during the time of the Venetian Republic, when it belonged to the noble Bolani family. Its most notable member, Bishop Domenico, who lived between 1514 and 1579, served as an ambassador of the Republic of Venice to Edward VI of England. His legacy is still celebrated by a commemorative arch beside Piazza della Libertà in Udine, attributed to architect Andrea Palladio.
The Zonin Family
Since the 1970s, Ca’ Bolani has been owned by the Zonin family, who initiated an extensive revitalization effort to honor local winemaking traditions while maintaining the heritage passed down through generations. Today, Ca’ Bolani is a natural oasis; the estate, surrounded by a park of centuries-old trees, includes a pond fed by pure spring water, where age-old winemaking practices blend with modern technology in a successful combination of innovation and tradition.
Environmental Initiatives
Under the Zonin family, the estate has seen substantial agronomic reorganization, including denser vineyard spacing (up to 5,500 lines per hectare) and the adoption of the Guyot training system. The Zonin family also invested in upgrading the winemaking facilities, emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental respect. Nearly half of the winery’s energy comes from solar panels, and an underground water source cools the production process, underscoring Ca’ Bolani’s commitment to sustainability.
Sustainable Practices in Vineyards and Winery
Ca’ Bolani’s winemaking respects nature through practices that enhance biodiversity. These practices include cover cropping, low-impact pest control, and preservation of green areas to support local wildlife. Ca’ Bolani has also joined the “Carta del Mulino” project, a protocol to encourage pollinator-friendly environments. Director Roberto Marcolini emphasizes that sustainable practices have allowed the estate to open its doors to visitors, showcasing a flourishing natural environment.
Cypress Avenue
The estate is marked by an impressive avenue of 999 cypress trees within a vast park where flora and fauna thrive undisturbed. According to Domenico Zonin, president of the Zonin1821 Group, environmental care and respect for local winemaking traditions are essential to their business philosophy.
Wine Varieties
The estate’s vineyards, a tapestry of over 10 native and international grape varieties, include reds like Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, as well as whites such as Glera, Friulano, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Müller Thurgau, Traminer, and Sauvignon. The estate devotes around 20 hectares to Refosco, a celebrated native grape, while Sauvignon spans 40 hectares.
The Story of Sauvignon Aquilis
The Estate’s Sauvignon, called “Aquilis,” is the product of a long-term project initiated in collaboration with the late Denis Dubourdieu, a renowned French enologist. Marcolini and his team identified a unique Sauvignon clone on the estate, which they reproduced to create a distinctive wine that showcases the grape’s and the region’s best characteristics.
The New Wine Bar
Opened on May 30, the Ca’ Bolani Wine Bar is a welcoming space for wine lovers and tourists to explore the estate’s offerings. It provides tastings, expert discussions, and educational activities, reinforcing Ca’ Bolani’s commitment to sharing local wine culture with the public.
Unique Visitor Experiences
Among the immersive experiences offered, “The Vine Park Excellence” allows guests to tour the vineyards, visit the Enoteca, and taste wines like Prosecco Spumante Brut, Pinot Grigio Doc Friuli Aquileia, and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Doc Friuli Aquileia. Another experience, “The Treasures of the Vine Park,” features tastings of prestigious wines alongside regional dishes like Frico and Gubana, enriching guests’ understanding of Friuli’s wine and culinary heritage.
In another experience, called Treasures of the Vine Park: Our Crus, guests can enjoy tastings of Aquilis, Alturio, and Opimio, prestigious wines from the Friuli DOC Aquileia appellation, served with local products and dishes such as Frico—made with cheese, potatoes, and onions—and the sweet Gubana, traditionally paired with a good glass of grappa, like that made from Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso. This experience also includes a tour of the vineyards and cellar, along with insights into viticulture and winemaking.
Another delightful experience is Friuli in a Glass…and on the Plate, where the culinary traditions of this part of the region are explored and celebrated through its wine heritage. Wine tastings include Prosecco Spumante Brut DOC, Pinot Grigio DOC Friuli Aquileia, Sauvignon Blanc DOC Friuli, and Refosco DOC Friuli Aquileia.
During the appropriate season, the Biking through the Vineyards experience between Grado and Aquileia is not to be missed. Cyclists ride along the Alpe Adria bike route, starting from Aquileia, where they can visit historical sites such as the Roman Forum with its columns, the Via Sacra, the river port, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. The route concludes in Grado, a seaside town on an island at the edge of the lagoon, connected to the mainland by an artificial dike. Grado boasts artistic heritage sites, including historic center buildings, the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia with its beautiful mosaic floor, and the remains of the Basilica della Corte. After the bike tour, visitors return to Ca’ Bolani for a tasting of four wines from the estate (Prosecco Spumante DOC, Pinot Grigio DOC Friuli Aquileia, Sauvignon Blanc DOC Friuli, and Refosco DOC Friuli Aquileia) paired with local specialties.