This past spring, I had the pleasure of attending a virtual tasting with the historic Collavini Winery—and while it’s taken me a minute to work through all the bottles (a tough job, I know), with summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to finally share these beauties with you.

Collavini is nestled in the heart of Corno di Rosazzo, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region known for producing some of Italy’s most refined white wines. The story of Collavini dates back to 1896, when Eugenio Collavini began supplying wines to noble families. In the 1960s, his grandson Manlio took the helm and became one of the pioneers of bottled wine in the region, working tirelessly to promote Friulian varietals and elevate winemaking techniques.

Today, the winery remains in the hands of the Collavini family and is led by a passionate team of winemakers who blend tradition with innovation. Their approach focuses on preserving the distinct terroir of Friuli through sustainable vineyard practices and a deep respect for local varietals.

Meet the Wines: My Tasting Experience

This lineup was a dream to sip through, and I’m thrilled to share some highlights and personal notes from the tasting.

Il Grigio Spumante

Ok—I’m saving the best for last here. I still have to officially taste this one (don’t worry, it’s chilling as we speak), but as someone who lives for Italian sparkling wines, I am beyond excited. Il Grigio is a Charmat-method spumante made from Pinot Grigio, and I already know I’ll be pairing this with prosciutto-wrapped melon, fried zucchini blossoms, or simply a gorgeous sunset.

VILLA CANLUNGO Pinot Grigio

Let’s be honest: Pinot Grigio isn’t always the grape I gravitate toward—unless I’m physically in Italy. But Collavini’s Villa Canlungo Pinot Grigio might just change that narrative. It’s elegant, crisp, and layered with citrus blossom, green pear, and a slight almond note that makes it stand out from the crowd. Clean, mineral-driven, and perfect with grilled vegetables or summer seafood.

T- Friulano

This wine blew me away. Turian Friulano is one of those bottles that makes you want to gather friends around a table, open some oysters or grilled prawns, and enjoy the sunshine. It’s beautifully balanced, with notes of wildflower, apricot, and almond. So food-friendly—it was a showstopper with my seafood feast and would work just as well with soft cheeses, white meats, or herb-forward dishes.

Turian Ribolla Gialla

Floral, fresh, and full of personality. Turian Ribolla Gialla is a summer stunner with white peach, chamomile, and lemon zest vibes. I paired it with a summer salad dressed with my Somm In The Grove Coratina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and it was an absolute hit. The acidity cut through the richness of the oil beautifully, while the floral aromatics played so nicely with fresh greens and herbs.

Broy Bianco

This is the flagship white blend of the estate, and it’s luxurious. Made from Friulano, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, Broy is a fuller-bodied white with structure and complexity. Expect notes of ripe tropical fruit, honey, and a savory minerality that lingers on the finish. This wine is elegant enough to stand on its own or shine alongside more decadent dishes like lobster risotto or truffle pasta.

If you’ve seen Collavini’s labels, you might have noticed the charming silhouette of a dachshund—and yes, there’s a story behind it! The winery has long embraced these loyal, clever dogs as part of their identity, and it adds such a heartwarming, personal touch to every bottle. Whether or not you’re a dog person, it’s impossible not to smile when pouring a glass.

Collavini wines embody the very best of Friuli: crisp alpine freshness, layered minerality, and a sense of place that transports you to northern Italy with every sip. Whether you’re looking for a go-to Pinot Grigio that defies the stereotype, or a complex white for your next dinner party, this winery deserves a place on your summer table.

Cheers to sun-drenched days, seafood feasts, and wines that surprise and delight. Grazie, Collavini—I’ll be sipping with you all season long.