Venissa: wine, sustainability, and culinary excellence

Imagine a place where fine wine, Michelin-starred dining, and the serene beauty of the Venetian Lagoon come together.

Welcome to Venissa, an enchanting destination on the peaceful island of Mazzorbo, just a short bridge away from the colorful streets of Burano.

Here, you’ll not only discover unforgettable flavors and experiences but also feel a deep connection to Venice’s rich history and its delicate environment.

So, are you ready to dive into a world of wine, sustainability, and unparalleled culinary excellence?

The story behind Venissa

A history rooted in tradition

Venice has a viticultural history dating back over 2,500 years.

In fact, until the 1100s, Piazza San Marco housed a vineyard.

The islands of the lagoon, with their fertile soil, were always cultivated to ensure self-sufficiency in a region where 92% of the surface is water.
Even the city’s squares are called “campi” (fields) because they were once farmland!

Venissa’s journey began in 2002, when Gianluca Bisol, a renowned winemaker, stumbled upon a small vineyard on the island of Torcello, near Venice’s oldest church, the Santa Maria Assunta Basilica.

This discovery led him to unearth a forgotten grape: the Dorona di Venezia, a variety uniquely suited to the saline soils of the lagoon.

Doesn’t the idea of wine flourishing in such challenging conditions intrigue you?

The revival of the Dorona grape

With the help of agronomists, Bisol tracked down the last 88 surviving Dorona vines, scattered across the lagoon’s islands.

He also met Gastone, a local farmer who kept winemaking traditions alive, using long maceration techniques that gave the Dorona grape its longevity and rich flavor.

In 2010, Gianluca replanted the Dorona vines on Mazzorbo Island, within a historic vineyard surrounded by medieval walls.

The first harvest yielded 4,880 bottles, bringing this ancient grape back to life.

The Dorona grape, famous for its golden hue, is perfectly adapted to the saline soils of the lagoon.

What makes the wine so special?
Its unique minerality and a flavor profile that captures the essence of the Venetian Lagoon.

The location: Mazzorbo and Burano islands

Mazzorbo: a peaceful retreat

When you step onto Mazzorbo, you leave behind the noise and crowds of Venice.

This tranquil island feels like a secret retreat, with its lush vineyards, peaceful canals, and centuries-old agricultural traditions.

Strolling through Venissa’s estate, you’ll notice vegetable gardens cultivated with ancient seeds, preserving biodiversity and offering ingredients for the restaurant.

The blend of natural beauty and sustainability makes Mazzorbo a true oasis.

Burano: the colorful neighbor

Cross a small wooden bridge from Mazzorbo, and you’ll find yourself in Burano, an explosion of color and charm.

Famous for its brightly painted houses and lace-making tradition, Burano is also home to some of the best Burano restaurants, including Trattoria da Romano, where Anthony Bourdain famously enjoyed a plate of risotto.

Venissa restaurant and osteria

A Michelin-starred dining experience

At the core of Venissa’s allure is its Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Chefs Chiara Pavan and Francesco Brutto.

The duo’s groundbreaking concept of environmental cuisine is more than a culinary philosophy—it’s a call to action.

Since 2018, Pavan and Brutto have made it their mission to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Northern Venetian Lagoon, which is increasingly threatened by global warming, eutrophication, rising sea levels, and the invasion of alien species.

Their kitchen practices reflect this dedication to sustainability:

• They grow their own vegetables from ancient seeds, preserving biodiversity.
• They have eliminated single-use plastics and meat from their menu.
• They source animal proteins almost exclusively from invasive species, addressing the ecological imbalance directly.

Every dish you taste is a reflection of the Venetian Lagoon, highlighting local ingredients and raising awareness about issues like rising sea levels, eutrophication, and the invasion of alien species.

You can choose a 7 or 10-course menu with or without wine pairing.

If you could eat a meal that protects the planet while offering unforgettable flavors, wouldn’t you?

A more casual option: Venissa’s Osteria

Looking for something more relaxed?
Venissa also offers an osteria, where you can enjoy simpler yet equally flavorful dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you’re indulging in a multi-course tasting menu or a casual meal, every bite tells the story of the lagoon.

Experiencing Venissa: a stay at the wine resort

Boutique accommodations

For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Venissa experience, the estate offers boutique accommodations that blend rustic charm with modern comfort.

Imagine waking up to views of lush greenery, ancient walls, and peaceful canals, with the tranquil sounds of the lagoon in the background.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel a deep connection to the land and the lagoon.

The rooms are a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, offering the perfect retreat for couples, solo travelers, or anyone looking to disconnect and recharge.

Practical information for visitors

Planning your visit?
Here’s what you need to know:

• How to get to Venissa: Take a vaporetto (water bus) from Venice. The journey takes about 40 minutes and offers stunning views of the lagoon. Venissa also offers a taxi boat service.
• Best time to visit: spring and autumn are ideal, with mild weather and beautiful vineyard scenery.
• Booking recommendations: reservations for both the restaurant and accommodations are highly recommended, as Venissa is a popular destination with limited availability.

See you at Venissa?

Venissa is a shining example of what makes the Venetian Lagoon so special.

From its Michelin-starred dining to its commitment to sustainability and its revival of the Dorona grape, Venissa offers an experience that is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning to explore the vibrant streets of Burano, indulge in world-class cuisine, or savor the unique flavors of Venetian wine, Venissa promises to leave a lasting impression.

If you’re wondering, “Does Venice make wine?” the answer is a resounding yes—and Venissa is proof that the tradition is alive and thriving.

Plan your trip, cross the lagoon, and let Venissa show you a side of Venice you’ll never forget.