La Befana, Venice Regatta & Venissa: Epiphany Travel Notes
In Italy, the winter holidays don’t fade out quietly—they end with a witchy flourish. Epiphany week brings La Befana, a folklore figure who doles out candy to the good, coal to the naughty, and a firm reminder that it’s back-to-work time. Susannah of Avvinare captures the mood perfectly:
“January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany.” — Susannah, Avvinare
Venice celebrates in true Venetian fashion—with a regatta of athletes dressed as witches racing under the Rialto. It’s delightfully bonkers, and exactly the kind of pageant that makes you want to hop a vaporetto and lean hard into lagoon life. And if you’re making that trip, there’s one place you should not miss: Venissa.
Style Snapshot: Dorona di Venezia at Venissa
Ask any Italy-loving wine nerd about Venice and they’ll eventually whisper “Dorona.” It’s the rare native white grape revived on the island of Mazzorbo by Venissa—a microcosm of the Venetian Lagoon where salt, sun, and sea breeze shape the vines. Widely noted for producing dry, structured whites with a golden hue, Dorona typically leans mineral and saline—more island breeze than orchard bomb, with a calm confidence that pairs beautifully with the city’s seafood-first table. Think of it as Venice in a glass: bright, savory, quietly complex.
- Grape variety: Dorona di Venezia
- Region/appellation: Venetian Lagoon (Mazzorbo, Veneto)
- Style descriptors: Dry white, medium body, mineral/saline character (commonly cited)
- Best occasion: That post-holiday reset when you want something thoughtful, not fussy
- Best pairing direction: Simple lagoon seafood (shellfish, grilled fish), Venetian cicchetti, and salty snacks that love minerality
Context: From Befana’s broom to a lagoon-side glass
Susannah’s piece is less tasting note, more vibe check: Epiphany as a cultural turning point, with Venice throwing a playful regatta while the rest of us steel ourselves for inbox triage. She adds a travel nudge too:
“Do not miss out on a visit to the winery on your next trip to that amazing city.” — Susannah, Avvinare
That recommendation tracks. Venissa isn’t just a winery; it’s an ecosystem—gardens, vines, and a kitchen that speaks fluent Veneto. It sits on Mazzorbo, linked by footbridge to color-soaked Burano, which makes for a perfect slow day: wander, sip, snack, repeat. If you’ve only known Venice for canals and spritzes, Dorona rounds out the picture—showing how the lagoon’s unique environment shapes a wine that’s not trying to be the next big thing, just itself.
In the broader Italian calendar, La Befana closes the door on the holiday season and the Magi bring gifts on what many communities call Three Kings Day. Spain does it big; Venice does it theatrical. Either way, Epiphany is a great moment to pencil in plans: an off-season visit offers softer crowds, moodier light, and space to actually hear yourself think—preferably with a glass that mirrors the sea air.
Planning your Venissa moment
Keep expectations realistic (this isn’t Napa), and that’s the charm. Venissa’s Dorona is limited by nature—tiny plantings, island bottlings, and a pace that favors craft over quantity. Book ahead if you’re eyeing a visit, and give yourself time to wander. If you’re collecting, look for Dorona’s hallmark lagoon identity rather than chasing vintages or scores. You’re drinking place, not hype.
From a pairing angle, channel Venice’s culinary simplicity. Dorona’s savory, mineral profile loves what Venice loves: briny shellfish, grilled fish, polenta, and anything that nods to the Adriatic. If you’re stateside, go for clean, seafood-forward plates and minimal sauce drama. Sometimes the best pairing is no overthinking—just a good glass and salty snack while you tell yourself your resolutions start tomorrow.
Closing takeaway
Epiphany isn’t just a date; it’s a reset. Befana sweeps the holidays under the rug, Venice throws a witch regatta, and we all promise to write more, do more, be better. If your version of better includes a lagoon-side afternoon and a Dorona that tastes like sea air and sunlight filtered through fog, Venissa belongs on your map. It’s one of those places that reminds you wine is more than flavor—it’s context, culture, and a sense of place you can actually taste.
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Venice, La Befana, Epiphany—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
