FRIULI DOC

    
     
 

ini, vivande, vicende, vedute (“Wine, Food, History, Views”) is not the sign over the door of a new type of shop. It is a phrase that sums up the most interesting and popular of the events promoted in Udine by the Local Authority, with contributions from many other public and privately owned bodies, manufacturers’ consortia, professional associations, leisure groups and arts organizations. For in the first half of October each year, Udine is the scene for “Friuli doc: vini, vivande, vicende, vedute”. 
     At the end of summer, Friuli’s capital has to live up to the territory’s reputation. In autumn, the season of vintages and wines, Friuli is resplendent in the colours of the vineyards and offers its most fascinating panoramas, from gentle hillslopes to a countryside still dotted with picturesque hamlets. 
    The name “Friuli doc: vini, vivande, vicende, vedute” embraces all that is most genuinely Friulian, combining the quality of life with the quality of the environment and the quality of local products. This well-known fair presents Friuli to an international public that has always arrived in great numbers. 
    The whole of Udine contributes to dressing the town with flags and standards and to the organization of points of interest for any visitor curious to find out more. The historic centre of the town ­ in its widest sense ­ is closed to traffic. The streets fill with kiosks, tables, awnings and stalls displaying all the superb products from this land of farmers, artisans, scholars and artists. 

Udine’s long-established osterie vie with each other to present simple traditional cooking from the mountains of Carnia and the coast at special, low Friuli doc prices. Alternatively, you can tour the restaurants that take pride each year in creating ever-new “historical” menus. Friuli doc is also the occasion for prestigious shows and exhibitions that can be visited for longer than the event’s six-day duration. Concerts, stage shows, conferences and other meetings complete the agenda. 
    The historic Communes of Friuli are presented on the majestic embankment of Piazza Libertà, where the Loggia di San Giovanni provides a superb stage at the foot of the Castle. Each year, the display is themed according to the historic, cultural and artistic heritage of the participating Communes. Friuli doc is, then, a showcase for the region in all its manifestations as well as an opportunity to find out about non-Italian areas, especially in the neighbouring countries of Austria and Slovenia but also other towns or regions that maintain good relations with Udine, such as twinned cities. All take part in Friuli doc, bringing their products and produce to Udine, which for four days, is transformed into 
a huge market so that visitors can enjoy a journey through time and space. 

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    There are fine wines and grappas, air-cured ham from San Daniele, Montasio cheese, traditional gubana cakes, honey, bread and artistic confectionery. There are artistic ceramics and textiles, wood products, wrought iron, sophisticated jewellery, books, other publications and so the list goes on. 
    Characteristic local foods and wines delight the palate. The artistic creations of superb craft jewellers tempt the eye. Cultural events of all kinds entertain the spirit. 
    In the historic streets and squares, under the porticos that grace the edges of Udine’s more ancient thoroughfares, and in the town’s entrance halls, galleries, restaurants and bars, the public strolls back and forth, observing everything and enjoying the shows put on by folklore groups, bands, comedians and other attractions for young and old. 
    Friuli doc is also an excellent and very enjoyable opportunity to explore “osterie”, as the region’s characteristic bars are known.