If you're wondering what to do in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, this is the itinerary we recommend to anyone visiting the area: a few must-see stops, a couple of detours, and the most important tip of all: don't pack too much into your day.
Cividale del Friuli is the natural starting point. Founded by Julius Caesar, it was the capital of the first Lombard duchy in Italy and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Lombard Temple, the Cathedral, and the Devil’s Bridge spanning the Natisone River are worth the trip on their own.
From there, the road climbs towardthe Abbey of Rosazzo, a millennium-old complex that, in medieval times, was one of the few guardians of the local wine-growing heritage: on clear days, the view from its garden extends all the way to the lagoon. Not far away is Rocca Bernarda, a 16th-century castle surrounded by vineyards located in Ipplis di Premariacco, just a few minutes from our winery, and the scenic village of Poggiobello.
The Roman Bridge at Premariacco is also worth the detour; there, the Natisone River winds its way through the rocks. It’s just a few minutes away from us and is one of the river’s most beautiful spots. And if you have an extra afternoon, the Natisone Valleys and the sanctuary at Castelmonte will take you to a different side of Friuli—one that’s rougher and quieter.
The FVG3, Pedemontana, and Collio bike path runs through here: 180 kilometers from Sacile to Gorizia, with little elevation gain, passing through Cividale del Friuli and running along the Natisone River. Those who prefer a loop route can followthe Colli Orientali del Friuli loop, approximately 65 kilometers long, starting from Corno di Rosazzo.
On foot, the trails through vineyards and woods are everywhere and almost always marked. The Bosco Romagno, between Cividale del Friuli and Corno di Rosazzo, is the perfect spot for a break in the shade or a picnic lunch.
A trip here without a stop at a winery doesn’t make much sense: that’s why these hills exist just as you see them. There are many small, family-run wineries to visit in Friuli; we’ll tell you about ours.
We’re in Orsaria di Premariacco, with vineyards on the hills of Montsclapade, on that marl and sandstone soil they call “ponca” here—which we describe on the Terroir page. The tour begins in the vineyard and ends at the table, offering a no-frills journey from the soil to your glass: among the wines you’ll taste are native varieties you won’t find anywhere else, such as Pignolo and Picolit.
When dining out, look for the “frasche”: seasonal taverns run by farming families where you can eat whatever’s in season at fair prices—they offer the most authentic experience in the area. Alternatively, try the taverns in the center of Cividale del Friuli and the agritourism farms scattered throughout the hills. Must-try dishes include frico, cjarsons, Montasio cheese, San Daniele ham, and Gubana, the rolled dessert from the Natisone Valleys.
For lodging, there are three options depending on what you're looking for: Cividale del Friuli if you want to go for an evening walk and dine out without having to drive; a farmhouse in the hills if you'd rather wake up to a view of the vineyards; or a place along the bike path if you're arriving by bike. Be sure to book in advance in September and on fall weekends—availability is limited.
Once you've decided on the dates, choose your winery experience on the "Tours and Tastings" page and come visit us. Just let us know a day in advance: you can book online or by sending a message on WhatsApp.
