“It’s interesting how there’s still so much to tell, even to professionals. The UNESCO-protected agricultural heritage of Conegliano Valdobbiadene is unique within the world of Prosecco, and it’s still a revelation to many.”
That’s how Sarah Abbott MW describes the opportunity - and the challenge - there is to push Prosecco’s premium credentials even further by elevating the role, profile and future sales of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
The stunning landscape of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
It is a mission she is very much happy to take on through her Swirl Wine Group PR strategic marketing agency that represents the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG in the UK.
She was, for example, centre stage at Fizzy Fest, a two-day celebration of Conegliano Valdobbiadene for wine lovers held in Buckinghamshire’s Marlow this July, where she not only hosted five masterclasses over the weekend to trade, consumers and industry professionals, but helped curate a table of 12 award-winning benchmark wines from the IWSC.
Fizzy Fest was organised by Kristyna Weston, founder of La Dolce Bolla, another driving force for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG in the UK through her wine importing business and dedicated Marlow based wine bar.
Weston has carved out a niche by championing the fine wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG. Her mission is simple: to elevate perceptions of Prosecco by showing its most refined expressions.
Celebrating premium Prosecco Superiore
The inaugural Fizzy Fest in Marlow. Photo by Kathryn Fells
Weston organised Fizzy Fest in collaboration with the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG to be a festival that combined education, music and celebration in equal measure.
A drizzly start did little to dampen spirits on the second day with seven producers pouring their wines to over 500 guests. Brut styles dominated, reflecting the global move toward drier sparkling wines, while single vineyard Rive and the prestigious Cartizze showcased the category’s true potential.
Attending the festival, it was clear to see that this was a passionate crowd in attendance. The result was an atmosphere both lively and thoughtful, with consumers and trade alike asking probing questions, comparing notes, and—crucially—rethinking what Prosecco could be.
Leading the way
By curating selections of Rive wines and Cartizze, specialists like Kristyna Weston are reframing Prosecco Superiore as a fine wine category, with all the hallmarks of terroir, prestige, and craftsmanship.
Fizzy Fest was held over two days this summer in Marlow
Reflecting on consumer responses at Fizzy Fest, she says: “At first, there were two groups – those who already loved Prosecco and quickly switched to Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, and those who considered themselves Champagne drinkers. The latter were often surprised to discover that Prosecco, when chosen well can be an exceptional sparkling wine.”
The market opportunity
The numbers underline both the challenge and the opportunity. Around 7 million bottles of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG were imported into the UK in 2024, a modest rise of 2.2%* from the previous year. In contrast, Prosecco DOC accounted for over 124 million bottles.**
For producers and importers, the task is clear: expand availability so that consumers who discover Conegliano Valdobbiadene at events like Fizzy Fest can actually find it on shelves and wine lists.
As Kevin Evans of Honley Wine Bar, in West Yorkshire puts it: “Outreach & education events do really help raise perceptions – but to see that trickle out into the market, availability has to improve so we can bring the knowledge home and share it.”
Expert endorsements
Sarah Abbott MW was at Fizzy Fest to share her knowledge and expertise in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
The festival also drew strong support from leading figures in the trade from content creators to industry professionals. Wine consultant and former Naked Wines’ head buyer, Ray O’Connor MW stopped by to try some of the wines.
Also enjoying the event was consultant and educator Alistair Cooper MW. He said: “I thought it was a wonderful event, in a beautiful setting with just the right balance of education and fun…I thought as a professional there was much to be gained. I was impressed with the quality of the wines and how many there were.”
With such endorsements, it’s clear that Prosecco Superiore DOCG is not merely consumer-friendly but a category increasingly recognised as deserving professional respect.
Looking Ahead
Events like Fizzy Fest want to promote the fine wine potential of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
If Prosecco DOC has conquered the mainstream, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG represents the next frontier. Its UNESCO-protected hills, artisanal production, and terroir-driven identity offer authenticity and cultural depth at a time when both consumers and trade are seeking wines with real stories to tell.
Events like Fizzy Fest show that, given the right balance of education and celebration, the message resonates. The challenge now lies in sustaining advocacy, improving availability, and ensuring that these wines take their rightful place in the market. Once people taste and understand Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, its premium potential is undeniable.
*Figures according to Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
**Figures according to Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco
Participating Producers
Adami - https://www.adamiprosecco.it/en/
Biancavigna - https://www.biancavigna.it/?lang=en
Bival - https://www.bivalvaldobbiadene.it/en/
Cantine Vedova - https://www.cantinevedova.com/en/vedova/
Le Manzane - https://www.lemanzane.com/en/the-winery
Rivaluce - https://rivaluce.it/en/
Villa Sandi - https://www.villasandi.it/en/
