Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by jofitzsimons

How does the pick-up/transfer work?

The two most popular options for starting your tour are:

• Taking the train to a local station within the Prosecco region, and your driver will meet you at the station; and
• Book a transfer – your driver will pick you up. Extra charge applies.

Taking the train is cheaper and quicker.

How does taking the train work?

Once you book your tour, tell your driver where you are coming from and your driver will email details of the train you need to catch. This works best if you plan to travel from Venezia Santa Lucia (Venice Island) or Mestre (Venice airport) train stations. If you are travelling further, contact us for help planning your route.

There is a direct train line to the region terminating in Conegliano (where the Prosecco road starts). Your driver will advise the best station to travel to based on the time of your visit and wineries in your itinerary. This might include other, more local stations like Susegana or Cornuda. Don’t worry, your driver will give you the details. Remember: the closer you get to the vineyards, the more time you have for tasting.

Italy’s train system is exceptionally good – trains are clean, fast, have toilets and run on time. You can buy tickets on the day from machines at the station. There’s even an English language option.

We have a map if you want to see where the Prosecco region is relative to Venice.

You can check out train times and connections on The Trainline website.

How long does the train take?

The train takes under one hour to Conegliano (around 50 minutes). It may take a bit more or less depending where you’re meeting your driver. However, don’t forget to factor in getting to train station from your accommodation. Venice is a water city so getting around can be slow if you need to take a vaporetto (water bus). Rome2Rio is another great website for figuring out the best route. Otherwise, Google Maps and Maps.Me are good for downloading offline travel maps.

Tip: if you want to have a short walk to the station, book a room in the Cannaregio area. It’s also one of the most authentic areas of Venice. Check out my guide on where to stay in Venice if you’re not sure.

How does the paid transfer work?

If you do prefer your driver to collect you, we have several options for you to choose from when you book. Please make sure you add the transfer to your booking before you check-out. Popular options are one-way or return transfers to Venice, Venice Airport and Treviso. While our transfer rates are competitive, we know that they can be expensive for some. That’s why we suggest the train and will send you train times after you book.

Can my driver pick me up from my hotel in Venice?

Although your tour will typically depart from The Prosecco region, you can add a transfer from Venice. However, your driver probably can’t put you up at your hotel. The drivers aren’t being difficult. If you’re staying on Venice Island (where you’ll find St Mark’s Square), there are no roads, only canals. It’s part of what makes Venice magical. It also means you can’t get a hotel pick-up – not by car, anyway.

Your driver will typically meet you at Piazzale Roma or in Mestre to take you to the Prosecco region (for an additional fee). Otherwise, an airport pick-up is also available. See my Prosecco map to understand where things are located in Venice.

Booking

Can you save a tour date for me?

We do get lots of enquiries so I’m afraid we cannot hold a tour date open for you while you chat/email with your driver. Your preferred date will remain available for booking by other customers until you have booked and paid a deposit. We therefore recommend booking as soon as you have all of the information you need.

Do I need to book the wineries in advance?

Many Prosecco wineries don’t take ‘walk-ins’. However, your driver will make sure the wineries you visit are open and expecting you. All you need to do is meet your driver at the agreed time and place and pay your tasting fee when you get there.

Is there a cost for Prosecco tastings?   

Most wineries will charge a small fee for a tasting of 3-7 Prosecco. You can find more details about pricing on the tour pages, Unlike other wine regions in the world, you get a good size glass i.e. value for money, as well as an expert at the winery who will talk you through what you’re tasting.

Planning your visit

What’s the closest airport to the Prosecco region?

Treviso (TSF) is the closest airport (31.6 km | 19.6 miles).

Venice Marco Polo (VCE) is a close second (52.5 km | 32.6 miles)

What’s the best time of year to visit?

The Prosecco region is beautiful year round. However, speak to your driver if you’re visiting in August. Many of the wineries close for a quick break ahead of the harvest in September. Some wineries remain open and your driver will be in the know as to where is and isn’t open each day.

Personally, I prefer ‘low season’ which runs from November through to March. The area is blissfully quiet, there is more hotel availability and sometimes better prices and you will likely have the vineyards (almost) to yourselves.

And don’t forget to check out our Prosecco Calendar for key local events.

What’s the best day to visit?

You might think the weekend is the best time to go wine tasting (it’s certainly when I drink most of my wine) but actually many wineries close for some or all of the day on Saturday and Sunday. Again, there are some that will be open – you won’t face a dry trip – but if you have some flexibility, aim for a weekday visit. If you do only have the weekend available, Saturday is better than Sunday. And you’re advised to book as far ahead as possible.

What’s the best time of day to visit?

Most wineries are open in the morning from 9am – 12pm, close for lunch, and re-open from 2pm – 6pm. Keep this in mind if you are booking a half-day trip, especially in the morning – the last hour of your tour will fall during the time when the wineries are closed. Don’t worry, your driver will keep you busy with sightseeing or maybe even a visit to the famous Prosecco vending machine.

What’s the ideal wine tasting itinerary?

When my friends visit, I recommend booking a full day tour. You can read more about the full day tour here.

If you don’t have a whole day to spare, the half day afternoon tour is your next best option. You can also book a morning tour if that fits best with your schedule (or driver availability).

Ideally, you’ll spend the night in the region and your driver will drop you at your accommodation – I have a list of recommended places to stay here. Otherwise, you’ll be taken back to the train station to return to Venice.

Can I pay by card or do I need cash?

For your tour, please check with your driver whether they accept payment by bank card or want payment in euros. Almost all of the wineries we visit accept payment by card for the wine tastings and any wine you decide to buy.

Are children allowed on your Prosecco tours?

Our tours are family-friendly so if you want to bring your children along, that is fine. However, we want to keep you and your children safe (while complying with the law). Children who are 12 years or below 1.5 metres need to sit in a car seat. We have several sizes of car seat available at no cost but you must arrange this in advance with your driver so that the car seat can be fitted before your tour. If you turn up with children who require a car seat and you have not notified your driver in advance, we cannot, by law, conduct the tour.

The legal age for drinking alcohol in Italy is 18 years old.

Can I bring my dog?

Generally, we’re pet friendly but please confirm in advance with your driver. If your allocated driver is unable to accommodate your furry-friend, please contact us and we will try to find a driver who can.

If I stay in Prosecco without a car, how will I get around?

Speak to your driver. They are usually able to take you back to the train station after your stay. You’ll pay a small fee but it’s usually cheaper than a local taxi.

Is there Uber in the area?

Nope. Even if Venice had roads, there are currently only one or two cities in all of Italy that have Uber.

And there’s certainly no Uber in the Prosecco region.

Packing & Shipping Wine

What should I pack?

I’m working on creating a packing list. In the meantime, don’t forget:

• a warm layer if you’re staying overnight (there is some altitude in some areas adding a bit of chill after sundown);
• flat walking shoes in case you go for a wander in the vineyards or visit the Prosecco vending machine. I usually wear my open-toe Birkenstocks in dry weather and my Converse if it’s wet;
• hayfever medication – this may sounds silly but if you suffer like I do, make sure your nose doesn’t get stuffed up (you won’t be able to taste a thing – food or wine);
• enough space in your case – I guarantee you’ll be taking some Prosecco home.

How can I take wine home with me?

We have an article about how to get your wine home. The best way to do it depends on how much wine you plan to buy. Many of the vineyards sell by the half case (6 bottles) so unless you’re splitting boxes between you, you may end up buying more than you plan. Also, it tastes far better than what you can get back home so you may want to ship wine home.

The good news is, we work with shipping company that can send you wine home for you. The shipping prices are competitive and include packing, insurance and duties/taxes. Speak to your driver on the day so they’ll arrange it for you. Note, most wineries sell wines by the case of 6 bottles.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations policy

You only need to pay a 20% deposit to secure your booking

Cancellation 48 hours before: 100% of balance.

Cancellation 1 week before: 50% of balance.

Deposit is not refundable.

Coronavirus cancellations policy

If you have to cancel your tour as a direct result of coronavirus, you can amend your booking without charge. Your deposit can be used towards a future booking and is valid for 1 year from the date of your original tour. Please contact us to inform us. Third-party proof of cancellation for coronavirus(e.g. certified test result or airline confirmation) will be required.

Deposit is not refundable.

Bookings Before 1 March 2020 – Re-booking

If you booked your trip before 1 March 2020 and had to cancel it due to coronavirus, we have extended your re-booking period to two years (up from 12 months) from the date of your original tour. Just get in touch to book your new tour dates.

Coronavirus: Updated Summer 2022

As much of the world, including Italy, is now open for travel, with few restrictions for vaccinated travellers, we’re slowly removing this guidance section for Coronavirus. Here are some useful remaining points.

• All of our tours are full back to normal. You can book online here.
• As always, our tours are private and our drivers and partners comply with local health and sanitation requirements.
• Our coronavirus cancellation policy is set out above.
• You can check Italy’s up to date coronavirus travel rules here (in English).

We will continue to keep this section under review.

Got any more questions? Contact us.