Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
WINE-TASTING TIPS
Friulians are proud, hard-working, tight-knit people - they often describe themselves as cold but I dis-
agree. They love to socialise, especially with visitors. Friuli isn't touristy, so getting attention from the
outside world is a pleasure. Prepare to stop and chat and have a glass of wine or an espresso.
World-Class Whites
There's no other place in the world where the combination of soil, climate and the interplay between
sea and mountain comes together to create whites like these. Local grape Friulano is fresh and aromat-
ic. The sauvignon blancs are special too, and don't overlook the outstanding white blends (
uvaggi
).
Reds to try: Refosco, merlot and the interesting Schioppettino.
Tasting Tips
Look for wines from Ronchi di Cialla, Moschioni, Venica & Venica and Vie di Romans. And Basti-
anich, of course!
Stomach Liners
Frico
! It's a melted Montasio cheese pancake made with potatoes and, sometimes, bacon and
onions…
awesome
.
Night Out
Udine is a great little city and deserves respect. There's a fantastic old bar called Caffè Caucigh: go
for wine, coffee or live jazz. Or head to the countryside, to upscale La Frasca for
salumi
(cured meats)
and prosciutto.
Wayne Young: communications and marketing (and former cellar-hand), Bastianich Wines
Information
0432 55 21; Piazza Santa Maria della Misericordia 15)
About 2km north of the centre.
Hospital
(
Tourist office
(
0432 29 59 72; Piazza I Maggio 7;
9am-7pm Mon-Sat, to 1pm Sun)
Getting There & Away
SAF (
Click here
) operates buses to and from Trieste (€7, 1¼ hours, hourly), Aquileia (€3,
one to 1¼ hours, up to eight daily), Lignano Sabbiadoro (€5, 1½ hours, eight to 11 daily)
and Grado (€4.50, 1¼ hours, 12 daily).
APT (
Click here
) buses link Udine and Friuli Venezia Giulia airport (€3.55, one hour,
hourly).
Bus Station
(
0432 50 69 41; Viale Europa Unita 31)
