Terroir Treasures: Exploring the Rich Legacy of Col Paré Winery in Arfanta
Just a quick 15-minute drive from Conegliano or Vittorio Veneto will bring you to Arfanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a breathtaking panorama of the Conegliano Hills, best known for its ideal terroir for the Glera grapes that give life to Prosecco.
Arfanta, with its population of approximately 200, is a quaint village perched on hilly lands within the Municipality of Tarzo, part of the province of Treviso. It is the birthplace of our host, Andrea De Marchi, and it’s where their family winery Col Paré operates.
The De Marchi family, with roots deeply embedded in the wine industry, transitioned from supplying cooperatives in the mid-80s to embarking on their winemaking journey in 1995. It marked the birth of Azienda Agricola Col Paré, a company founded by Domenico De Marchi, and then later on the baton was handed over to his son, Aldo De Marchi.
Andrea, the third generation of the De Marchi family in Arfanta, serves as the agronomist for the business. Holding a diploma from the Professional Institute of Agriculture at the Conegliano School of Enology, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to their winemaking process.
Their diverse portfolio features Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry DOCG, and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Vino Frizzante DOCG. Col Paré’s vibrant line also includes Verdiso, Chardonnay, and Principe, with the latter being a standout vino bianco frizzante crafted from 100% Glera grapes using the ancestral winemaking method.
During our tour of the vineyards, Andrea made us feel how much pride and love he has for their territory in Arfanta. “We closely attend to our terroir, adapting to the times and diversifying based on the land’s needs,” he emphasized. Col Paré’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by its certification from Biodiversity Friend, a global organization recognizing agricultural practices that prioritize environmental preservation.
Beyond grape cultivation, Col Paré excels in producing a variety of goods, including corn, honey, chestnuts, and olives. They also have their own animal farm which includes cows, chickens, and rabbits (Coniglio), among others. What amazed us the most was the Coniglio Bianco Gigante Veneto, a local breed of cotton-white rabbits weighing up to almost 5 kilograms.
In addition to their traditional offerings, Col Paré introduces a modern look on their Muscaris, Monello, and their inaugural bottle of Passito di Glera. We were able to sample these bottles during a delightful meal with the De Marchi family. We had large slabs of grilled beef from their own farm. Aldo De Marchi shared, “We grow our own food, and we seldom go to the supermarket.”
Aside from retail sales of their exquisite wines, the Cantina extends an invitation to explore the magic behind the scenes with vineyard tours and cellar visits. For those seeking a collective tasting experience, there’s a dedicated room available for group wine tastings, ensuring a tailored arrangement when booked in advance. Beyond the vine, they proudly offer small-batch productions of premium olive oil and honey.
Exploring Arfanta with Andrea was an enriching experience. His willingness to answer our questions and share insights about the wines and the territory added a personal touch to our knowledge and exploration. Azienda Agricola Col Paré seamlessly integrates traditional and innovative winemaking techniques, and what resonates most is the simplicity and authenticity evident from production up to the final product.
Azienda Agricola Col Paré
Via Chiesa 26/b 31020 Arfanta, Tarzo, Treviso
Contact: +39 0438587134; info@col-pare.it
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