Yesterday I left Cortina d’Ampezzo and drove part of the Grande Strada della Dolomiti (Great Dolomite Road) heading east through more of the beautiful mountains, past the highest peak in the region (Marmolada) and over another fairly high pass (Passo Pordoi, 2239m, 33 tornato!). And then drove south out of the mountains. The day, while not quite as spectacular as the previous, was also quite beautiful.
As I crossed the final southern part of the mountains, I went over the Passo San Boldo (only 706m). This road was built in the last stages of WWI by the local women (pressed into service) in just 100 days, including blasting five tunnels into the rock and building six bridges. Pretty amazing (and pretty amazing driving, too).
I reached my next accommodation in the small town of Falze di Piave at about 5pm and was greeted by my host, Ivan and his adult son and the son’s partner. They invited me into their living room where they had prepared a welcome with prosecco and red wine and cheese and bread and etc. It was lovely. Then they took me to the next house which is where I am staying.
This morning I was picked up by Oriana who is a private tour operator. She took me on the Strada di Prosecco (Prosecco Road). We went to two wineries: Marchiori and Col Vetoraz. Both were fairly amazing – the wines were yummy, yummy, the prices incredibly reasonable and the views were amazing, too. What a sad thing that I can only bring a couple home. Fortunately I got the details of their Australian distributors.
(at the first winery, three glasses at once!)
(at the second winery I met three other Australian women – from Brisbane, never mind – pictured here with the lady from the winery in the middle)
Only three sleeps left in Italy.