A Flavorful Journey Through the Venetian Lagoon
Let yourself be guided on an exclusive journey through the
hidden vineyards of the Venetian lagoon, where nature, history, and wine culture come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. Our
Wine Tasting Tour takes you to the most authentic and fascinating islands of the lagoon, far from the usual tourist routes, to uncover centuries-old winemaking traditions still alive today.
Sant’Erasmo Island: The Vegetable Garden of Venice
Known as
“the vegetable garden of Venice”,
Sant’Erasmo is the largest island in the lagoon and one of the most peaceful and least touristy. This stretch of fertile land surrounded by water has long been the agricultural heart of the Serenissima. Here, locals grow vegetables, fruit, purple artichokes, and—of course—fine grapes, thanks to a unique microclimate influenced by sea salt and the lagoon breeze.
Walking among the vineyard rows, immersed in silence and the scents of nature, offers an authentic experience that reveals the most rural and genuine side of the Venetian lagoon. During the tour, you’ll visit two
family-run wineries, where passionate producers will welcome you and share the history of their land, native grape varieties, and traditional winemaking methods passed down through generations.
Every
glass of wine you taste captures the essence of the territory and the dedication of those who cultivate it with care. The mineral aromas, salty notes, and fresh flavors of the grapes express the lagoon’s identity in a truly distinctive way. It’s a sensory journey where taste meets storytelling and landscape meets tradition.
Venissa: The Pearl of Mazzorbo
The tour continues to
Mazzorbo Island, connected to Burano by a charming wooden footbridge, where you'll find one of the most captivating estates in the lagoon:
Venissa. A place suspended between tradition and innovation, where winemaking, gastronomy, and hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
Here, within the walls of an ancient
enclosed vineyard lovingly restored, the
Dorona di Venezia grape has come back to life. Nearly lost after the great flood of 1966, this native varietal was revived thanks to a recovery project by the Bisol family, renowned Prosecco producers. Today, Dorona yields a rare and refined wine, made in extremely limited quantities and celebrated as one of Italy’s most exceptional viticultural treasures.
Venissa has become a symbol of Venice’s quiet resilience and elegance. Its internationally acclaimed
Osteria Venissa offers a refined interpretation of lagoon cuisine, with a strong focus on seasonality and ingredients sourced from the surrounding islands.
Each dish in the
tasting menu is crafted from what grows in the gardens that surround the estate’s walled vineyard: vegetables, aromatic herbs, and seasonal produce flourish in harmony with the vines,
following sustainable and biodiverse farming practices. All ingredients are grown, harvested, and prepared by the Venissa team, who oversee every step of the journey from soil to table.
The result is a cuisine that is both sincere and deeply connected to its territory, served in an
elegant yet relaxed setting with views of the vineyard and the bell tower of Burano—a dining experience that celebrates the harmony between nature, wine, and culinary creativity.
Many renowned personalities have chosen Venissa for a unique and meaningful experience—among them Michelin-starred chefs like Massimo Bottura and René Redzepi, as well as artists, writers, and international celebrities in search of authenticity and understated beauty. The project has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes, and Travel & Leisure, establishing Venissa as one of Europe’s most exclusive gourmet destinations.
MAZZORBO - PHOTO GALLERY
Grand Canal Cruise: A Magical Finale
Your experience concludes in the most enchanting way—with a private
cruise along the Grand Canal. As you glide past historic palaces reflecting in the golden waters, you’ll feel the timeless magic of Venice from an unforgettable perspective. A moment of pure wonder to end a day filled with flavor, beauty, and authenticity.