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.

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

Primary grape variety: Piedirosso, Aglianico (reds); Coda di Volpe, Falanghina (whites)
Flavor notes (white wine): Crisp acidity, floral aromas, citrusy notes, volcanic minerality
Flavor notes (red wine): Deep color, robust body, dark fruits, spices, volcanic minerality
Best pairing: Grilled fish, shellfish, octopus, and light vegetable dishes like zucchini or eggplant

Lacryma Christi of Vesuvius

Primary grape variety: Piedirosso, Sciascinoso (Olivella), Aglianico (reds)
Flavor notes (white wine): Dry, fruity aromas, zesty acidity, volcanic minerality
Flavor notes (red wine): Medium-bodied, cherry, spice, volcanic minerality
Best pairing: Linguine alle Vongole, spaghetti with lemon & shrimp, Caprese salad

Pompeiano IGP

Primary grape variety: Aglianico, Piedirosso, plus other local & international grapes
Flavor notes (white wine): Crisp, aromatic, fresh, citrusy
Flavor notes (red wine): Full-bodied, fruity
Flavor notes (rosé): Refreshing, berry notes
Best pairing: Grilled fish (sea bass, snapper), goat cheese, Mediterranean fare

Falanghina

Primary grape variety: Falanghina
Flavor notes (white wine): Floral, citrus, refreshing acidity, volcanic minerality
Best pairing: Octopus salad with olive oil, lemon & parsley; grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, asparagus) with herbs

Aglianico

Primary grape variety: Aglianico
Flavor notes (red wine): Bold tannins, deep fruit, spice, earthy notes
Best pairing: Grilled ribeye or sirloin steak, Osso Buco, slow-cooked beef stew