At the heart of the lovely Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Italy’s extreme northeast, Udine is a handsome, authentic city with eye-catching architecture that’s a reminder of more than 350 years of Venetian rule.
The small region, framed by the Alps and the Adriatic sea, and bordering Slovenia and Austria, is home to some of Italy’s best-known wine producing areas. Udine’s many historic wine bars are wonderful places to enjoy the superb local wines.
Places to visit
Piazza della Libertà, with its striking loggias, winged lions and clocktower, is a prime example of Udine’s Venetian legacy. From here, a slope leads up to grassy Piazzale Castello, which has sweeping panoramic views.
Opposite the ‘castle’ – actually a Renaissance palazzo with some of the city’s many works by Giambattista Tiepolo – is Casa della Contadinanza, a scenic spot serving regional wines and traditional specialities including cjarsons: potato pasta with an intriguing filling of greens, herbs, ricotta, cocoa and spices.
Cividale del Friuli. Credit: Sarah Lane / Decanter
Cividale del Friuli, which has a glorious riverside location and rich heritage dating back to Roman times, is central to Colli Orientali. Nearby, Rosazzo Abbey, which has always played a major role in the region’s wine scene, is the focus of the tiny Rosazzo DOCG, where some of the region’s great white blends are made (minimum 50% Friulano, plus Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco and/or Chardonnay, and Ribolla Gialla).
Nowadays the abbey’s historic vineyards are managed by leading
