Campania

Campania: A Wine Lover’s Paradise in Southern Italy

Campania, nestled in southern Italy, offers a unique blend of ancient history, stunning coastlines, and world-class wines. This region, home to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, boasts a rich viticultural heritage dating back to Roman times.

Towns and Villages

Explore charming towns that showcase Campania’s wine culture:

• Avellino: The heart of Taurasi wine production
• Benevento: Known for Aglianico del Taburno
• Caserta: Home to the Falerno del Massico DOC
• Tramonti: A hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast with terraced vineyards

Wine Producers

Visit these renowned wineries for unforgettable tasting experiences:

• Mastroberardino: Pioneers in preserving indigenous grape varieties
• Feudi di San Gregorio: Modern winery with a focus on Aglianico and Fiano
• Villa Matilde: Producers of the historic Falerno wine
• Marisa Cuomo: Stunning coastal vineyards in Furore

Accommodations

Stay at these wine-focused lodgings:

• Feudi di San Gregorio Wine Resort: Luxury rooms surrounded by vineyards
• Borgo La Pietraia: Agriturismo with vineyard views near Avellino
• Hotel Palma: Boutique hotel in Pompeii with a wine cellar
• Tenuta Cavalier Pepe: Winery accommodation in Irpinia

Dining

Savor local cuisine paired with Campanian wines at these restaurants:

• Osteria Arbustico (Paestum): Michelin-starred restaurant with an extensive wine list
• Ristorante Re Maurì (Vietri sul Mare): Panoramic views and excellent wine pairings
• Il Faro di Capo d’Orso (Maiori): Seafood specialties with local wine selections
• Taverna del Capitano (Nerano): Family-run restaurant with a focus on regional wines

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore Campania’s wine scene at these local establishments:

• Enoteca Belledonne (Naples): Extensive selection of regional wines
• La Cantina del Gallo (Amalfi): Charming wine bar with coastal views
• Vino Vero (Procida): Cozy wine shop featuring artisanal producers
• L’Alchimista (Salerno): Wine bar offering tastings and small plates

Other Shops

Complement your wine experience with local specialties:

• Antica Salumeria Internazionale (Naples): Gourmet meats and cheeses
• Ceramica Artistica Solimene (Vietri sul Mare): Handcrafted ceramics
• Limonoro (Amalfi): Limoncello and lemon-themed products
• Fiore 1938 (Sorrento): Traditional inlaid wood crafts

Attractions

Discover Campania’s cultural treasures between wine tastings:

• Pompeii Archaeological Park: Ancient Roman city preserved by volcanic ash
• Royal Palace of Caserta: UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning gardens
• Amalfi Cathedral: Impressive 9th-century church with Arab-Norman architecture
• Paestum: Well-preserved Greek temples and archaeological museum

Events

Time your visit with these wine-focused events:

• Cantine Aperte (May): Wineries open their doors for tastings and tours
• Napoli Wine Festival (June): Showcasing Campanian wines in Naples
• Vendemmia Festival (September): Grape harvest celebrations in various towns
• Festa del Vino (October): Annual wine festival in Tufo, Avellino

Appellations

Campania boasts several prestigious wine appellations:

• Taurasi DOCG: Known as the “Barolo of the South,” made from Aglianico grapes
• Fiano di Avellino DOCG: Elegant white wine with ancient origins
• Greco di Tufo DOCG: Crisp white wine from volcanic soils
• Lacryma Christi DOC: Reds and whites from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius

Grape Varieties

Campania boasts a rich diversity of indigenous grape varieties. Aglianico reigns supreme among red grapes, producing full-bodied, tannic wines with aging potential.

For white wines, Falanghina, Fiano, and Greco are the stars. These ancient varieties offer unique flavors and aromas, from crisp apple to honeyed notes.

Main Wine Styles

Campania’s wines range from light and refreshing to bold and complex. Taurasi DOCG, made from Aglianico, is often called the “Barolo of the South” for its power and longevity.

Greco di Tufo DOCG and Fiano di Avellino DOCG produce elegant white wines with mineral complexity. The coastal Lacryma Christi DOC offers both red and white wines with volcanic influences.

Food Specialties

Campania’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines. Pizza Napoletana, with its thin crust and fresh toppings, pairs wonderfully with local reds.

Mozzarella di Bufala and Provolone del Monaco cheeses shine alongside white wines. For dessert, try sfogliatella pastries or limoncello from the Amalfi Coast.

Drives & Walks

The Amalfi Coast Drive offers breathtaking views and access to charming coastal towns. Stop at vineyards along the way for tastings and stunning vistas.

For a scenic walk, explore the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) between Positano and Agerola. This trail provides panoramic views of the coastline and terraced vineyards.

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

• Day 1: Naples – Visit city center and Enoteca Belledonne
• Day 2: Irpinia – Tour Feudi di San Gregorio and Mastroberardino wineries
• Day 3: Amalfi Coast – Explore Ravello and Marisa Cuomo winery

Week-Long Exploration

• Days 1-2: Naples and Pompeii
• Days 3-4: Irpinia wine region
• Days 5-7: Amalfi Coast, including Positano and Capri

Getting There & Around

Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP) for easy access to Campania. Rent a car to explore vineyards and coastal towns freely.

Use the Circumvesuviana train to reach Pompeii and Sorrento. For the Amalfi Coast, take SITA buses or hire a private driver for a more comfortable experience.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine tasting and sightseeing. These seasons also coincide with harvest activities in many vineyards.

Avoid August, when crowds peak and many local businesses close for holidays.

Sustainability Efforts

Many Campanian wineries are embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Look for certifications like ICEA or Demeter on wine labels.

Feudi di San Gregorio leads in sustainability with solar power and water recycling. Mastroberardino focuses on preserving native grape varieties.

Language Tips

Learn basic Italian wine terms: “Vino rosso” (red wine), “Vino bianco” (white wine), “Salute!” (Cheers!).

In tasting rooms, use “Posso assaggiare?” (May I taste?) to politely request samples.

Further Resources

• Campania Wines – Official regional wine guide
• Visit Campania – Tourism information
• Wine Traveler: Campania – In-depth wine tourism guide

Download the “Campania Wine Map” app for offline navigation to wineries and tasting rooms.