Veneto, Italy – Day 2: The Bottega Experience Continues Through Glass, Wine, Grappa & Culinary Traditions
A New Day in the Prosecco Hills
Day 2 of Anthony’s journey through the Prosecco region begins with sunshine, fresh air, and a warm good morning to Veneto. The plan for the day is packed, and the excitement is real. With the support of EBA, Bottega’s trusted partner in Lebanon, Anthony continues exploring the region’s craftsmanship—from ancient traditions to modern production—and experiencing firsthand the beauty behind one of Italy’s most iconic sparkling wines.
Blown Glass & Italian Artisanship
The morning starts at a hand-blown glass factory, a place where fire, air, experience, and creativity blend into a craft that has defined this region for centuries. Watching the artisans work feels almost magical. Every twist, every breath, every movement shapes glass into something alive. It’s an unexpected yet perfect beginning to the day, showing how deeply Veneto’s culture is rooted in art and tradition.
The World of Bottega: History, Fermentation & the Making of Prosecco
From there, Anthony heads to Bottega’s headquarters, continuing the official itinerary arranged for the EBA delegation. Inside the winery, the story of Bottega unfolds even deeper than Day 1. The team shares the rich heritage of the company—centuries of winemaking knowledge that have shaped Bottega into a global name.
Anthony gets a close-up look at the steel tanks where the second fermentation takes place, and the winery team explains how each step—from must to bubbles—brings Prosecco to life. What makes this visit special is the tasting experience: sampling the wine at different stages, discovering how sugar decreases, aromas develop, and clarity appears before bottling. It’s a rare opportunity to taste Prosecco in its purest form.
Prosecco as the Wine of Everyday Italy
At lunch, the focus shifts to how Prosecco fits into Italian culture. Light, fun, affordable, and food-friendly—Prosecco is not just a sparkling wine here, it’s part of the lifestyle. Anthony learns the differences between Prosecco styles and how each pairs beautifully with dishes like pasta, risotto, seafood, or desserts. A special blend is even prepared, to be tasted the next day—a hint of what’s coming in Day 3.
Art in Grappa: A Museum of Stories & Emotion
One of the most emotional stops of the day is the visit to Bottega’s Art in Grappa museum. Here, Anthony discovers the artistic side of distillation, including the iconic blue leaf bottle and several sculptural pieces blending history, craftsmanship, and remembrance. One artwork stands out—the Spirit of Peace, created in honor of Hiroshima, reminding visitors that art and spirits can carry powerful messages.
Inside the Distillery: Grappa, Whiskey & Limoncello
The afternoon dives into the heart of Bottega’s distillation processes. The team explains the journey of pumice—the grape skins left after winemaking—collected in September, fermented with yeast, and distilled using steam-powered de-alcoholators. It’s a mix of tradition and technology.
Anthony then steps into the whiskey room, where the barley meets hot water to produce the sugary wort—whiskey in its earliest form.
And of course, no visit is complete without learning how Bottega produces its famous limoncello. Millions of bottles are made each year, with lemon peels infused for at least three weeks to extract every drop of essential oil. The grappa cellar highlights the aging process, featuring American and French oak barrels that shape the spirit’s final personality.
A Sparkling Culture, A Sparkling People
The day concludes with a deeper appreciation of what Prosecco represents here. It’s more than wine—it’s a symbol of friendship, celebration, and everyday joy. It’s part of the local economy, part of the cuisine, and part of the community. Veneto is also the birthplace of tiramisu, and yes—Anthony confirms—it pairs beautifully with Prosecco.
Day 2 ends with the same energy it began with: curiosity, discovery, passion, and a sense of connection to this region and its people.
About NoGarlicNoOnions
NoGarlicNoOnions is a platform dedicated to discovering genuine food, unforgettable places, and stories worth sharing. Through Anthony’s travels and daily adventures, NGNO highlights authentic experiences, local traditions, and the people who make each destination special.
Website: https://nogarlicnoonions.com
About Bottega
Bottega SpA is a historic Italian winery and distillery producing Prosecco, wines, grappas, and liqueurs. With over 400 years of heritage, Bottega has earned more than 450 awards and is present in over 160 countries. Its signature Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC is a global favorite and the top-selling sparkling wine in travel retail.
Website: https://www.bottegaspa.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bottegaspa
About EBA (Ets. Bahige Abdelnour)
EBA, founded in 1964, is one of Lebanon’s most experienced beverage distributors, originally known for its Arak production before expanding into the HORECA sector. For decades, EBA has built trusted partnerships with international brands—most notably Bottega—bringing premium wines, spirits, and experiences to the Lebanese market. EBA also coordinated the official Bottega itinerary (26–30 November) that Anthony followed during his Veneto experience.
Website: https://www.ebaleb.com
