Visit a winery or two

Campania is a wine-growing region since at least the 12th century BC. Lovers of food and wine have identified Campania and especially the wider region of Naples as their Shangri-la since the Roman times. The wine was mostly exported both then and now. Many of the best vineyards in Italy can be found around Naples.

What’s especially alluring in the case of Campanian wines is that a great part of them is produced by indigenous varieties that are most famous among connoisseurs but are unknown to lay people. Aglianico, Piedirosso, Pallagrello Nero and Casavecchia for reds and Coda di Volpe, Greco di Tufo and Falanghina for whites. No? No bells? Well, when in Naples you can make it your task to find the ones that will stick with you well after the journey back home.

To conquer the knowledge of the terroir, and the distinctive taste of this place because that is what an indigenous grape variety is in reality. The taste of a place. So how do you succeed? You could have a wine tour with a local guide who will escort you and your entourage on your journey or you can venture on a tour on your own. However, if you decide to delve into the world of Campanian wines the tour can only be complete if you combine the tasting with a visit to a local winery. Two if you want to play like a pro. Which two then?

If you follow our lead then Sorrentino Vini would be the first. This winery located in Boscotrecase has its roots in the nineteenth century that produces quality Vesuvian wines awarded and appreciated on European and worldwide markets. Authentic and invigorating the winery is nestled inside the Vesuvius National Park, surrounded by vineyards, olives trees, and fruit- trees. The surrounding Sorrento Peninsula is ideal for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Napoli. More

On the other hand, there’s Le Vigne di Raito, located in the town of Raito, in Vietri sul Mare, next door to Salerno. The vineyard, which has been certified biologic/biodynamic, is immersed in the typical Mediterranean vegetation, characterized by the presence of lemons, ancient olive trees, strawberry trees, viburnum, oaks, myrtles, laurel, pomegranates, and more. It is rich in local microfauna.

The grapevines are cultivated on terraces, a planting method typical to the Amalfi Coast, which is bordered by “mature” – a term used to refer to the vertical retaining walls, built to allow the full use of the underlying ground. These strips of land, torn from the rock over time, are difficult to access and require manual work processes only. On the property, some old rural buildings are being renovated. The vineyard belongs to the “Costa d’Amalfi” DOC region and is cultivated using the Guyot method. The grapes are from Aglianico and Piedirosso varieties with a density of approximately 3500 plants per hectare. More