Distillery tours
Distillery Tours in Veneto
Plan a distillery tour in Veneto: 4 distilleries to visit, with tastings and experiences you can book directly. Expect Craft Spirits, Gin and more. Highlights include Poli Distillerie, Distilleria Nardini, Bottega SPA.
4distilleries
About distillery tours in Veneto
Veneto is grappa country at its most storied. This is the region where the Italian art of distilling grape pomace was first refined and where some of the oldest names in the trade still operate, many of them clustered around the handsome riverside town of Bassano del Grappa and the prosecco hills of the Treviso province. A trail through Veneto threads together a remarkable density of family distilleries: Nardini, founded in 1779 and reckoned to be Italy's oldest; the much-loved Poli Distillerie with its grappa museum opposite the Ponte Vecchio; Bottega SPA near Conegliano, equally known for prosecco and theatrical hand-blown bottles; and Distilleria Bonaventura Maschio in Gaiarine, a five-generation house celebrated for its Prime Uve grape distillates. Distances are short and the landscapes are a pleasure in their own right, from the Brenta river and the Alpine foothills behind Bassano to the rolling, vine-striped slopes of the prosecco superstrada. It is a trail that rewards a slow pace, with long aperitivo hours, characterful grapperie and plenty of food to soak up the spirit.
Following the Veneto grappa trail
The natural anchor for any Veneto itinerary is Bassano del Grappa, where Nardini's historic Grapperia sul Ponte sits right on the wooden Ponte degli Alpini over the Brenta. Begin here, where locals still gather for an evening aperitivo, then walk a few minutes to the Poli grappa museum for a self-guided look at how copper-still distillation works. From Bassano the trail drifts east and north into the Treviso countryside towards the prosecco hills. Bottega SPA, headquartered near Conegliano, pairs grappa heritage with its own vineyards and an artisan glassworks, while Distilleria Bonaventura Maschio in Gaiarine offers a quieter, deeply traditional family experience. Tackle Bassano on day one and the Treviso houses on day two, and you have an unhurried weekend with time for the towns in between.
Distilleries worth prioritising
If time is tight, Nardini is the essential stop for its sheer history and its iconic bridge-side bar. Poli is the companion visit, especially for anyone wanting to understand how grappa is actually made, thanks to its accessible museum displays. In the east, Bottega is the showpiece choice, blending grappa, prosecco and design under one roof, while Bonaventura Maschio appeals to purists drawn to its Prime Uve grape distillates and century-old family approach. A well-balanced trail mixes one or two of the grand Bassano names with one Treviso house, leaving room to actually taste rather than rush.
Where to stay & eat nearby
Bassano del Grappa makes the most atmospheric base, compact enough to explore on foot and full of trattorie serving Veneto staples such as bigoli pasta and white asparagus in season. The town's bars take aperitivo seriously, so an early evening grappa or a mezzo e mezzo at Nardini is part of the ritual. For the eastern leg, Conegliano and Treviso both offer good places to stay among the prosecco hills, with countless osterie pouring local sparkling wine alongside cicchetti. Booking a meal near each distillery helps pace the day and keeps the tastings enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
Getting there & around
Venice and its airports are the usual gateway, with Bassano del Grappa reachable by train or road in around an hour. A car gives the most freedom for linking Bassano with the more rural Treviso distilleries such as Gaiarine, which are not all well served by public transport. If you would rather not drive, base yourself in Bassano, do the in-town distilleries on foot, and use a taxi or a guided day trip for the prosecco-country houses. Always check opening times and book tours in advance, particularly around the autumn Grapperie Aperte open-day weekend when distilleries across the region welcome visitors.
Frequently asked
- What is grappa and why is Veneto known for it?
- Grappa is an Italian spirit distilled from grape pomace, the skins, seeds and stalks left after winemaking. Veneto, and Bassano del Grappa in particular, is one of its historic heartlands, home to long-established houses such as Nardini and Poli.
- Which is the oldest distillery on the trail?
- Nardini, founded in 1779, is widely regarded as Italy's oldest grappa distillery. Its original Grapperia still operates on the Ponte degli Alpini in Bassano del Grappa.
- Can I visit these distilleries without a car?
- The Bassano distilleries, including Nardini and the Poli museum, are easily walkable from the town centre. The Treviso-province houses such as Bonaventura Maschio in Gaiarine are more rural, so a car or a guided tour is the most practical option.
- Do the distilleries make anything besides grappa?
- Yes. Bottega is also a respected prosecco producer, and several houses make grape distillates, liqueurs and other spirits. The region's prosecco hills mean wine and grappa often go hand in hand.
- When is the best time to visit?
- Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather and seasonal food. Early October often brings Grapperie Aperte, a national open-day weekend when many Veneto distilleries offer guided tours and tastings.
- How many distilleries can I realistically see in a day?
- Two is a comfortable maximum if you want to enjoy the tastings and the towns. Trying to fit in more usually means rushing, and grappa is best appreciated slowly.
- Are tours suitable for non-drinkers or families?
- Tours focus on history and production, so there is plenty to enjoy beyond the tasting itself, including the Poli grappa museum. Tasting portions are optional, and you should always have a designated driver if travelling by car.