Vigna Murata di Venissa

The Venissa walled vineyard on Mazzorbo brings winegrowing into the landscape of the northern Venetian lagoon. Its Dorona vines connect a contemporary agricultural project with the older tradition of cultivating the lagoon islands.

Why it matters

Vineyards once formed part of an island economy of gardens, orchards and monastic estates. The recovery of Dorona di Venezia gives this history a living expression, centred on the challenges of growing vines in low-lying ground exposed to salt and high water.

What to notice

Perimeter walls enclose the cultivated rows, setting the vineyard apart from the surrounding gardens. Dorona is a white grape; the estate's use of extended skin contact reflects a particular approach to the making of its wine. The enclosure's relationship with water, soil and neighbouring cultivation is central to the site's character.

Context and history

The project developed after Gianluca Bisol identified surviving Dorona vines on Torcello. Replanting on Mazzorbo connected the recovery of the variety with the renewal of a walled agricultural plot. The vineyard preserves this connection between viticultural heritage and present-day cultivation without separating it from the wider island landscape.