Mazzorbo island
Mazzorbo
Home of the Doge’s Grape
Laid-back island famous for its rare Dorona golden grapes and furry residents.
What makes it special
The Dorona grape
Once favored by the Doges for its golden hue and the exceptional quality of its wine, this prized grape, native to the Venetian lagoon, has recently been revived from centuries-old vines on the island.
Local wine tasting
The estate's osteria offers wine-tasting experiences where you can sample wines produced in this unique terroir, with several options to choose from.
Tranquil atmosphere
Only a short stroll across a wooden bridge from Burano, Mazzorbo offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. You'll be surrounded by plenty of greenery and have the chance to walk through vineyards.
Island of cats
The island is known for its many furry residents, who freely roam the alleys and vineyards. The cats are usually curious and approachable, adding charm and a whimsical touch to the surroundings.
Discover more about Mazzorbo through 10 photos with explanations.
Open galleryTips for the perfect visit
- Plan your visit around midday, when Burano is at its busiest, and take the opportunity to shift gears and enjoy a break from the crowds in Mazzorbo.
- If you need to return to Venice, consider boarding vaporetto line 12 at the Mazzorbo stop instead of Burano, where the dock can get quite crowded; boats usually reserve enough space for passengers at subsequent stops.
- Consider visiting from late summer to early autumn to witness the vendemmia (grape harvest), when the rare Dorona vines turn a deep gold before shifting into a mosaic of russet and amber.
Getting to Mazzorbo
Mazzorbo is the stop just before Burano on vaporetto line 12 from Venice.
If you're visiting both, consider using the Mazzorbo stop for one leg of your journey and the Burano stop for the other - you can walk between the two islands via the wooden bridge in about 10 minutes.
As a reminder, for your return to Venice, consider departing from Mazzorbo to avoid the queues that build up in Burano, especially from noon onward.
Taste the unique Dorona wine
Venetian winemaking has a long history. In fact, until 1100, there was even a vineyard in Piazza San Marco.
Despite the challenges of growing vines on islands prone to flooding, where saltwater lies just a few feet below the surface, the effort paid off: stressed vines often produce the best wines, as was certainly the case for Venice's indigenous Dorona grape.
However, as interest in local agriculture declined and imported wines became more popular, the vineyards suffered. After the devastating floods of 1966, many believed the Dorona grape was lost forever.
Rediscovered by chance in 2002 on the nearby island of Torcello and later planted on Mazorbo, it has since brought the historic flavor of the Doges' wine back to life.
Something you can experience on a wine tour and tasting at the island's estate.
Your questions, answered
We've answered some of the most common questions about Mazzorbo to help you plan your visit:
Can I visit the vineyards without booking a tour?
Yes. The Venissa estate is open to the public, so you can walk the paths, wander through the rows of Dorona grapes, and explore the community vegetable gardens for free. Informative panels are placed along the way. Book a tour if you’d like a guided explanation of the winemaking process or a formal wine tasting in their shop.
Is there anything else to see besides the vineyards?
The island offers quiet walks along a long, straight waterfront with distant views of Venice, Torcello, and the nearer Burano. There's also a shaded playground, two fine dining restaurants, and a small, peaceful church at the southern end.
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