Gradisca d'Isonzo, is an enchanting village, full of Renaissance palaces and public institutions. Here In 1500, Leonardo da Vinci was able to experience new techniques of defense, ensuring to the village protection and safety. Besides the architectural beauty, here are numerous culinary delights such as salami and cheeses, and the prized DOC wines produced by the many vines nestled in the rolling hills of the Collio, as Sauvignon, Merlot, Refosco and Pinot.
On top of the namesake hill, Ruttars is known for its wines and for its excellent trattorias (tuypical Italian restaurant). In the ancient part of the town, lies the Tower of Marquard (sec. XII), while on the slopes of the hill looms the mediaeval outline of the Castle Trussio (sec. XIII), which now houses an elegant restaurant.
Cormons is the main center of the enchanting hilly area called Collio, a beautiful Hapsburg town; it is surrounded by small and picturesque villages on the border with Slovenia, such as Dolegna del Collio, San Floriano del Collio, Savogna d'Isonzo, where the Slav is spoken. Here the distance from the mountains and the sea is very short: the microclimate, unique for ventilation and temperature range, fits perfectly with the "ponka", the typical terrain of the Collio, ideal for growing grapes.
