Cantina Del Vesuvio Winery

Wine from the Heart of a Volcano

Founded in 1948, Cantina del Vesuvio Winery is nestled on the picturesque slopes of Mount Vesuvius, between the historic sites of Pompeii and the volcano's crater. This stunning location, bordered by the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula, and the enchanting island of Capri, benefits from a unique microclimate and fertile soils that nurture aromatic grape varieties. Spanning over 16 hectares within the Vesuvius National Park, the winery is currently managed by Maurizio Russo, who upholds a family tradition of crafting limited quantities of high-quality wines, showcasing different varietals each year.

A Legacy of Wine and History

The Vesuvius slopes have been celebrated for their wines for over 2,000 years. Lacryma Christi, a wine still produced at the winery, has its origins in ancient Roman times. Historical records suggest that the winemaking tradition in this region dates back to before Christ. Aristotle noted that the Thessalians, an ancient people of Magna Graecia, planted the first vines on Vesuvius in the fifth century BC.

Timeless Varietals and Sustainable Practices

Five centuries later, the poet Martial remarked, “Bacchus loved these hills more than the native hills of Nisa.” Cantina del Vesuvio cultivates the Caprettone and Piedirosso grape varieties, some of the oldest cultivated grapes, predating the Romans. The Piedirosso vines are trained on Guyot trellises, while the Caprettone vines are grown in the traditional Pergola Vesuviana style to shield them from the sun. Since 1996, the winery has embraced organic and sustainable farming methods, earning organic certification. They utilize natural fertilizers, organic minerals, copper sulfate, and sulfur in their practices. In addition to wine, they produce limited batches of extra virgin olive oil, apricot distillate, and Lacryma Christi vinegar condiment.