How to visit the Prosecco Vending Machine
When we were figuring out our Northern Italian itinerary of course I had to include the Prosecco Hills. After all Prosecco is my drink of choice. When I learned that there is a very special place in the UNESCO hills of Valdobbiadene that actually dispenses bottles of the bubbly from a vending machine, say no more.
Honestly, this is my first trip to this glorious country. It has been on my bucket list for years. Our first stop was in Venice which was spectacular. Valdobbiadene and the Prosecco hills in the Veneto region was better than my best dreams of Italy.
Verdant rolling hills with rows and rows of Glera grape vines, staked in the shape of a heart. Glera is the grape they use to make Prosecco which is a lovely sparkling white wine for those who do not know.
In-between the long vineyard rows are bright little yellow flowers. If this wasn’t enough eye candy, add in a perfectly blue sky with white fluffy clouds and I felt like I found heaven. I think I did.
If your itinerary doesn't make time for a stay in the Prosecco region of Italy, it is only about an hour drive north of Venice and could easily be done as a day trip. It is a famous wine region with wine tasting mostly of their famous sparkling wine.
To find the famous Prosecco vending machine is not difficult but there are a few things you should know ahead of time.
Where to find the Prosecco Vending Machines and Parking
Google maps works great to locate it. Just put in Osteria Senz’Oste Valdobbiadene, Italy. Just know that it will take you right to the location of the Osteria where there is no parking. There is parking about 200 to 400 meters away in both directions just off the main Road SP36 aka Prosecco Road.
There are signs to direct you although we missed them and ended up right at the bottom of the Osteria. The road ends at Col Vetoraz which is a great place for Prosecco tasting with great views and parking for them, not for the Osteria. Tip: find the parking off the SP36 first, then walk to the Osteria.
First stop is the Stone Farmhouse
Once you arrive, there is the cutest stone farmhouse with a curtain.
You will enter into a little room where you can buy your bread, meats, cheese and hardboiled eggs to enjoy with your Prosecco. This is a no host osteria (tavern), so it is on the honor system. You ring up your goods and leave the euro in little box next to the register.
They even provide you with a knife that you can take with you and return on the windowsill when you leave. They also have a little disposable cardboard like cutting board which comes in handy to cut up your charcuterie goods.
Before you head up the short but steep hill to the Prosecco machine there is a vending machine right in front of the Osteria to purchase a glass . They are just a couple of euro and make a cute keepsake of your visit as they are imprinted with the name. I had heard they provide plastic cups for free but I didn't see any when I was there.
You will immediately see lots of little picnic tables and places to sit and enjoy the spectacular views in the vineyard. They even have standing height places to cut your charcuterie and take beautiful photos. You will also find some places in the vineyard that look like a picture frame made from wood to the amazing views of the verdant hills.
When you reach the machines
There are signs to direct you to a steep short narrow path to the vending machines themselves. It will cost you 15-25 euro depending on the bottle that you choose. They have full size bottles and mini bottles, and you will also need an ITALIAN ID. Okay, so I was not aware of this at the time and it was incredibly frustrating trying to purchase the bottle. The machine takes credit cards, but they also require this ID. The machines also speak to you in Italian so if you don’t understand the language, well it can be a bit challenging.
Thankfully after trying a few times, I asked a worker who happened to be nearby planting seedlings for help. Sure enough, he took out his ID and just like that, with a push of a button, my Prosecco was dispensed.
I am pretty certain you will be able find an Italian there for help as it is a popular place for locals too. Of course, if you are on a tour, a local driver would certainly have the proper ID.
Once you have your perfectly chilled bottle, find a place to enjoy it and take in the beauty of the surroundings. That glass of Prosecco is a cherished memory for a lifetime.
A few more tidbits on how to visit the Prosecco Vending Machine
You are not allowed to bring in any of your own food, beverages or containers. Obviously, they want you to buy what they offer, and you should.
Make sure upon your return to the Osteria to drop off the knife. Then, leave a note or a card and sign the guestbook as the room is filled with wonderful sentiments about the joy this place brings.
I hope you get the opportunity to see the idyllic views of Italy firsthand and visit Prosecco Italy. It was a good time, one of the best places to enjoy Prosecco and we had the best visit.
So there you have it, now you know how to visit the Prosecco Vending machine in the Prosecco Hills of Italy.
Until next time,
Dolce Vita
Chin chin (Cheers in Italian)
Darlene
