Fiona Sims shares her address book of top hotels, restaurants and shops in Prosecco and Venice.
Hotels
Villa Barberina
This handsome 18th-century villa in the heart of Valdobbiadene is owned by well-regarded
Villa Barberina
Prosecco producer Nino Franco. It offers five huge, palazzo-style bedrooms, plus a swimming pool set among the vines. Don’t skip the splendid breakfasts. www.villabarberina.it
Hotel Villa Abbazzia
It’s very much a family affair at this plush Relais & Châteaux inn in Follina. It acts as a hub for locals, who hang out in the bar at the front, and a draw for food and wine lovers, who enjoy the Michelin starred finery in the courtyard restaurant. www.hotelabbazia.it
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
A world apart from other luxury hotels, the Cipriani is a five-minute boat ride from St Mark’s Square on Giudecca Island. Yes, it’s a celebrity haunt (headed by George Clooney), but the staff will treat you like family whoever you are. Chef Davide Bisetto cooks in its two Michelin-starred restaurant Oro (top image.) www.belmond.com
Hotel Palazzo Abadessa
The 15-room Venetian palazzo may be a fair hike from Venice’s main attractions but it offers frescoed ceilings, polished antiques and a lush garden in the quiet Cannaregio area of the city, where you can hang out (and eat) with the locals.www.abadessa.com
Restaurants
Trattoria Alla Cima
Set in the DOCG Prosecco hills near Valdobbiadene with views out to the sea, this local favourite was opened by Antonio Rebuli in 1969. Now his son Isidoro is at the helm, overseeing the impressive wood-fired grill that takes centre stage. www.trattoriacima.it
Salis
A slick affair in the heart of the Cartizze vineyard. It boasts a wine shop and swimming pool, in addition to an innovative restaurant that offers a strong listing of DOCG Prosecco, complete with pictures of winemakers and, helpfully, full winery addresses and opening times. www.salisristorante.it
Osteria Borgoluce
It’s best to approach this buzzy eatery after a 45-minute walk up through Borgoluce’s 600-hectare Susegana estate chestnut forest, which winds up from its farmhouse B&B. Feast on steamed fat white asparagus (when in season), followed by Veneto Cabernet braised buffalo. www.borgoluce.it
Venissa
Venice proper seems a world away from the convent-like calm of the Bisol-owned Venissa wine resort on surprisingly rural Mazzorbo island, the Vaporetto stop before the much-visited, multi-coloured Burano. The (pricey) wine made from grapes grown here is smart, sure, but the Michelin-starred food is the real winner – cooked by four head chefs. www.venissa.it
Shops
Bar Alpina
A winemaker hangout, and a great place to slake your thirst with Prosecco after climbing through the vineyards to the San Floriano church above. Choose bottles to take away from its enoteca or eat in, feasting on polpette and prosciutto. www.baralpino.it
Salumi de Stefani
It’s sausage heaven at this Guia-based salumeria that supplies Valdobbiadene and beyond. Highlights include the mild ossocollo, the garlic-infused salado trevisan and soft, intense sopressa trevigiana. www.salumidestefani.it
Perenzin Latteria
There is cheese galore to enjoy from the region, among them bastardo, which mixes milk from sheep, goat and cow; aromatic inbriago, which matures in Prosecco grape pomace; and fresh, delicate castatella trevigiana, available at this San Pietro di Feletto cheese shop. www.perenzin.com
