Design

Cantina La Viarte

In Prepotto, the Polegato family is setting a new course for the historic winery, combining tradition and innovation

by Lavinia Colonna Preti
Cantina La Viarte (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

In Prepotto, in the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, La Viarte winery has been given a new lease of life, combining art, culture, and design with the centuries-old tradition of one of the world's most renowned winegrowing regions.

A new “spring” for the La Viarte winery, which in Friulian means “primavera (spring in Italian), a historic business that in 2023, after 50 years of noble history, was acquired by the Polegato family, founders of the Astoria brand, a leading company in the world of Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG.

Riccardo Polegato, a son of winemakers who grew up among the vineyards, alongside his sisters Giorgia and Luana, is now at the helm. He has infused the winery’s production with a strong international flair and energy, focusing on the quality of the supply chain and its strong local roots.

Cantina La Viarte (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets
Cantina La Viarte (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

Every day, we imagine new ways to tell the story of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, a generous and austere borderland, beautiful and precious.

(Riccardo Polegato)

The estate extends across 24 hectares, surrounded by 13 hectares of forest, dedicated to biodiversity and favored by a unique terroir, a perfect temperature range, and cool winds from the Balkans that give rise to extraordinary products.

The La Viarte vineyards are over 40 years old, and the Polegato family celebrates the tradition and ancient knowledge of those who inhabit these lands, while continuing to innovate in every aspect of production and hospitality.

Cantina La Viarte (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

The winery’s beautiful interior design project embodies the Polegato family’s vision, perfectly blending tradition and the future. The tasting rooms still feature the ancient “fogher” (fireplace), the hearth of Friulian social life, complemented by large windows and wood and Corten design elements that create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior.

Production focuses on native grape varieties from the Prepotto area, such as the white wines Friulano, Sauvignon, and Malvasia, and the red wines Refosco and Schioppettino.

Cantina La Viarte (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets
Cantina La Viarte (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

Its flagship is the Liende line (which means “legend” in Friulian), produced only in the finest vintages and including a Friulano, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, and a Pinot Bianco.

And the Polegato family, as is their tradition, offers wonderful hospitality and numerous events, which you can stay up to date on the winery’s social media pages. Various experiences can be booked, including a winery tour with a stroll through the vineyards and a tasting or lunch in the beautiful tasting room.

Cantina La Viarte (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets
Cantina La Viarte (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

Viarte is undoubtedly one of the finest and most beautiful wineries in Friuli Venezia Giulia, today brimming with vibrant energy thanks to the third generation of the Polegato family.

The Secret

Prepotto, today one of the wine “capitals” of Friuli Venezia Giulia, boasts an ancient winemaking tradition, already documented in writings dating back to 1282 that refer to Schioppettino.

Useful Info

La Viarte
Via Novacuzzo 51
33040 Prepotto, Udine
Tel. +39 0432 759458
laviarte@laviarte.it

Tastings with a winery tour: from €20, 3 wines
Tastings with a winery tour and charcuterie/cheese platters: from €35, 3 wines

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