Mount Vesuvius Winery | Cheers to new wines

Winery

Tucked away beneath the brooding gaze of Mount Vesuvius is a wide spectrum of wineries making wine from grapes grown on volcanic soil. You won't find Vesuvius wines in your local supermarket or even at the fanciest restaurant in town. To get your hands on their prized bottles, you've got to make the pilgrimage straight to the cozy wine cellar.

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Why go on a Mount Vesuvius wine tour?

Sample exclusive wines: Get a taste of wines made from grapes grown in the special volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius. It’s the soil which gives the wine their unique flavors and mineral richness. The tour offers you the opportunity to taste Lacryma Christi, a unique wine made from native grapes grown in the region.
Immerse in cultural heritage: Dive into the rich history of winemaking in the Vesuvius region. You'll learn about traditions that go back thousands of years and get a real feel for how wine is deeply woven into the local culture.
Learn from expert guides: Benefit from friendly guides who know everything about the wine production here. They'll share cool facts about the different grapes, how they grow in volcanic soil, and why this area is so special for wine lovers.

What makes Vesuvius a special ground for wine making?

The Vesuvio wine region is known for volcanic soil packed with nutrients like dark volcanic sand, pumice, and lapillus. These give the wine its smoky, mineral flavors and a touch of sweetness from all that potassium. Perched at 700 meters above sea level, the vineyards soak up just the right amount of sunshine. With hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters typical of the Mediterranean, plus breezy mountain and sea air, it's the perfect recipe for grapes to thrive and wine to shine.

The soil fosters the growth of multiple grape varieties

The main grapes used are Piedirosso, Aglianico, and Coda di Volpe, with other blends permitted up to 25% of total production. This is why Vesuvio wines are celebrated for their wide range of styles and flavors. They come in red, white, rosé, sparkling, and Liquoroso (a sweet dessert wine). The richness of the soil also ensures that the wines get better with time. In terms of aromas and aging, the rosé and white wines are bursting with lively notes of almonds, peaches, pineapple, and citrus, perfect for immediate enjoyment. Their red wines, aged to perfection, develop distinctive mineral and smoky nuances from volcanic soils, alongside flavors of raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and plums that deepen over time, giving a true taste of their unique terroir.

Popular Mount Vesuvius wineries

Sorrentino Vesuvio

This fifth generation wineyard is known for its unique wines like Caprettone and Aglianico, giving a taste of authentic Campanian flavors.

Cantine Villa Dora

This organic winery stands out for its unique volcanic terroir within Vesuvius National Park, and includes Gelsonero and Vesuvio Rosso reds, Forgiato (limited edition), Gelsoros rosé, Vesuvio Bianco and Vigna del Vulcano whites.

Azienda Agricola Fuocomuorto

Grapes in this farm are processed onsite, aging in a natural cave carved into volcanic rock since 1780. It also offers a cozy Bed & Breakfast for six, with bedrooms, bathrooms, and a tasting room for sampling their distinctive wines.

Cantine Villa Dora

Founded in 1997 by Vincenzo Ambrosio, the winery focuses on producing top-notch wines like Gelsonero, Vesuvio Rosso, and the exclusive Forgiato.

Tenuta Le Lune del Vesuvio

Tenuta Le Lune del Vesuvio, located in the Vesuvius National Park near Terzigno, is just a stone's throw from Pompeii. Since 1940, the Forno family has cultivated their vineyards with meticulous care, producing their renowned Lacryma Christi.

Casa Setaro

Casa Setaro Winery's blend of tradition and innovation yields a diverse wine selection, including Munazei White and Aryete Red, complemented by exceptional extra virgin olive oils.

Popular wines of Vesuvius

Vesuvio DOP

Vesuvio DOP wines are crafted primarily from local grapes like Piedirosso and Aglianico. The reds boast deep colors, robust bodies, and intense flavors of dark fruits and spices. Meanwhile, the whites are known for their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and citrusy notes, often made from Coda di Volpe and Falanghina grapes. Thanks to the volcanic soils, these wines have a unique minerality that adds complexity. Red Vesuvio DOP wines are perfect with hearty dishes like roasted meats and aged cheeses, while the whites beautifully complement seafood and light pasta dishes.

Best pairing: Grilled fish, shellfish, and octopus are excellent choices. The wine's acidity and mineral notes complement the brininess of seafood. Light vegetable dishes, like grilled zucchini or eggplant, work well with the crispness of the wine as well.

Lacryma Christi of Vesuvius

Ever heard of Lacryma Christi, the "tears of Christ" wine? Legend has it that these vines sprang from where Christ shed tears—talk about a divine origin story! Made from local grapes like Piedirosso, Sciascinoso (Olivella), and occasionally Aglianico, the reds offer medium-bodied bliss with hints of cherry and spice. On the other hand, the whites are delightfully dry, boasting fruity aromas and a zesty acidity. Thanks to Vesuvius' volcanic slopes, these wines strike a perfect balance between fruitiness and a hint of minerality.

Best pairing: Dishes like Linguine alle Vongole (linguine with clams) or Spaghetti with lemon and shrimp are perfect. Caprese salad, with the combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and buffalo mozzarella is a classic pairing as well.

Pompeiano IGP

Pompeiano IGP wines cover a wide swath around Mount Vesuvius, embracing Naples and Pompeii. They're a showcase of local and international grapes, like Aglianico and Piedirosso. You'll find them in red, white, and rosé styles, each highlighting the region's grape diversity. Think full-bodied reds bursting with fruit, crisp aromatic whites, and refreshing rosés tinged with berry goodness. Their versatility makes them perfect partners for a variety of dishes: reds rock with grilled meats and aged cheeses, whites shine with seafood and light bites, and rosés are spot-on with Mediterranean fare.

Best pairing: A simple grilled fish like sea bass or snapper, dressed with lemon and olive oil, complements the wine’s fresh and citrusy notes. The tangy and creamy characteristics of goat cheese also enhance the crispness of the wine.

Falanghina

Falanghina, a beloved white wine grape indigenous to Campania, thrives in the vicinity of Vesuvius. Its charm lies in delicate floral and citrus aromas, complemented by a refreshing acidity and a hint of minerality from the volcanic soils. This combination makes Falanghina a delightful match for seafood delicacies, fresh salads, and light appetizers—perfect for those who relish Mediterranean cuisine. Whether sipped seaside or enjoyed at a sunny terrace, Falanghina embodies the essence of leisurely dining and coastal bliss. Cheers to the taste of Campania in every glass!

Best pairing: Have the wine with the classic octopus salad. The wine’s minerality complements the briny and tender flavors of octopus salad with olive oil, lemon, and parsley. The wine also pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and asparagus, especially when they are seasoned with herbs.

Aglianico

Although typically linked with regions such as Irpinia, Aglianico grapes also find a home near Vesuvius. Known for their robust character, Aglianico wines boast bold tannins, deep fruit flavors, and a touch of spice. They're the perfect match for rich, flavorful dishes like grilled meats and game, providing a hearty complement to robust flavors. Whether enjoyed fireside or at a rustic trattoria, Aglianico wines from the Vesuvius area embody a tradition of boldness and depth in every sip.

Best pairing: The strong tannins and bold structure of Aglianico are a perfect match for a juicy, grilled ribeye or sirloin steak. The wine’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the meat. Slow-cooked beef dishes like Osso Buco or beef stew work well with Aglianico's depth and earthiness, enhancing the dish's savory flavors.

Caprettone

Meet Caprettone, the lively white grape from Campania, bursting with citrus zing and floral charm. It is a minor blending grape used in the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wine of Lacryma Christi Bianco. The name "Caprettone" translates to "big goat," inspired by the grape bunch's resemblance to a goat's beard. Its versatility shines bright, effortlessly complementing seafood feasts, creamy pasta delights, and delicate poultry dishes.

Best pairing: A light pasta dish with a lemon and herb sauce, perhaps with a touch of Parmesan, pairs well with Caprettone’s citrusy and slightly saline notes. Alternatively, you can also try Ricotta and fresh Mozzarella with it.