Discovering Greco di Tufo in Campania, Italy
Nestled in the hills of Campania, the Greco di Tufo wine region offers a blend of ancient winemaking traditions and stunning landscapes. This area, known for its mineral-rich volcanic soils, produces some of Italy’s finest white wines.
Towns and Villages
The heart of Greco di Tufo production lies in eight picturesque communes:
- Tufo: The namesake village, famous for its sulfur mines
- Altavilla Irpina: Known for its historic center and panoramic views
- Chianche: Home to charming stone houses and narrow alleys
- Montefusco: Offers stunning vistas of the Sabato Valley
- Prata di Principato Ultra: Features a well-preserved medieval castle
- Santa Paolina: Renowned for its annual wine festival
- Torrioni: A tiny hamlet with a rich viticultural heritage
- Petruro Irpino: Boasts ancient Roman ruins and lush vineyards
Wine Producers
Several esteemed wineries offer tours and tastings in the region:
- Feudi di San Gregorio: A modern winery with a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Mastroberardino: Pioneers in preserving indigenous grape varieties
- Villa Raiano: Offers guided tours through their underground cellar
- Cantine Di Marzo: The oldest winery in the area, dating back to 1647
- Terredora Di Paolo: Known for their sustainable viticulture practices
Accommodations
Choose from a range of lodging options to suit your preferences:
- Agriturismo La Vecchia Quercia: A farmhouse stay surrounded by vineyards
- Hotel de la Ville: A 4-star hotel in nearby Avellino with modern amenities
- B&B Villa Adriano: A cozy bed and breakfast in Tufo with vineyard views
- Tenuta Cavalier Pepe: Luxury rooms on a working winery estate
Dining
Savor local cuisine paired with Greco di Tufo wines at these establishments:
- Marennà: Michelin-starred restaurant at Feudi di San Gregorio winery
- Osteria Nonna Rosina: Traditional Irpinian dishes in a rustic setting
- Ristorante Il Forno Antico: Wood-fired pizzas and regional specialties
- Locanda di Bu: Farm-to-table restaurant focusing on local ingredients
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these local wine shops and bars to taste and purchase Greco di Tufo:
- Enoteca Palazzo: Extensive selection of regional wines in Avellino
- Vineria Hitch: Cozy wine bar in Tufo offering tastings and light bites
- La Cantina di Enza: Family-run shop in Altavilla Irpina with local specialties
- Wine Bar Donnachiara: Modern tasting room featuring Greco di Tufo and other Campanian wines
Other Shops
Pick up local products and souvenirs at these unique stores:
- Caseificio La Molara: Artisanal cheese shop in Montefusco
- Salumeria Festa: Traditional deli in Santa Paolina offering cured meats
- Ceramiche D’Arte: Handmade pottery and ceramics in Altavilla Irpina
- Mercato del Contadino: Weekly farmers’ market in Avellino for fresh produce
Attractions
Complement your wine experiences with these local attractions:
- Parco Regionale del Partenio: Scenic hiking trails and panoramic views
- Castello di Montefusco: 15th-century fortress with guided tours
- Museo Archeologico di Avellino: Exhibits on local history and viticulture
- Le Miniere di Zolfo: Former sulfur mines in Tufo offering underground tours
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-related events:
- Greco di Tufo Wine Festival: Annual celebration in September featuring tastings and local cuisine
- Cantine Aperte: Open cellars event in May, allowing visitors to tour wineries
- Irpinia Wine Forum: Professional wine tasting event held in November
- Feast of San Marciano: Traditional festival in Tufo with local wine and food in July
Appellations
Understand the wine classifications of the region:
- Greco di Tufo DOCG: The highest quality designation for white wines from this area
- Fiano di Avellino DOCG: Another prestigious white wine appellation nearby
- Taurasi DOCG: The region’s renowned red wine made from Aglianico grapes
- Irpinia DOC: A broader appellation covering various wine styles from the province
Grape Varieties
The Greco di Tufo grape is the star of Campania’s white wines. This ancient Greek variety thrives in the region’s volcanic soils.
Other notable white grapes include Fiano and Falanghina. For reds, Aglianico reigns supreme.
Main Wine Styles
Greco di Tufo DOCG produces dry, mineral-driven white wines with notes of citrus, pear, and almond. These wines often have good aging potential.
Fiano di Avellino DOCG offers aromatic whites with honey and hazelnut notes. Taurasi DOCG showcases powerful, age-worthy reds made from Aglianico.
Food Specialties
Campania’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Try buffalo mozzarella with Greco di Tufo or Fiano di Avellino.
Savor pasta alla Genovese (slow-cooked onion and beef sauce) with Taurasi. Don’t miss the region’s famous pizza Napoletana.
Drives & Walks
Take a scenic drive through the Irpinia wine region, stopping at wineries in Tufo, Sorbo Serpico, and Taurasi. The route offers stunning vineyard views and charming hilltop towns.
For hiking enthusiasts, explore the Partenio Regional Park. Its trails provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding wine country.
Itineraries
- Weekend Getaway: Base yourself in Avellino. Visit Feudi di San Gregorio winery, explore Tufo village, and enjoy a wine-pairing dinner in Atripalda.
- Week-long Adventure: Start in Naples, then head to Irpinia. Visit multiple wineries, explore ancient ruins in Avella, and end with relaxation in the coastal town of Vietri sul Mare.
Getting There & Around
The main gateway to Campania’s wine country is Naples International Airport. From there, rent a car for easy access to wine regions.
Public transportation is limited in rural areas. Consider hiring a local driver or joining organized wine tours for a stress-free experience.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine touring. Autumn coincides with the grape harvest, adding excitement to winery visits.
Summer can be hot, while winter sees fewer tourists but some wineries may have limited hours.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Campanian wineries are embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Look for certifications like “biologico” (organic) on wine labels.
The Feudi di San Gregorio winery leads in sustainability with solar power and water recycling systems.
Language Tips
Learn basic Italian wine terms:
- Vino bianco – white wine
- Vino rosso – red wine
- Cantina – winery
- Salute! – Cheers!
Most wineries offer English-language tours, but knowing a few Italian phrases can enhance your experience.
Further Resources
Visit the Campania Wines official website for in-depth information on appellations and producers.
Download the “Campania Wine Tour” app for interactive maps and winery listings.
