DOP Wines, Campanian Lunch

Visit a winery on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, taste wines grown in volcanic soil and stay for a relaxed lunch included in the price.

Overview

This tour spends its day at Cantina del Vesuvio, a winery on the slopes of the volcano run by the Russo family. It begins with a guided walk through the vineyards, where the rows look out over the Bay of Naples, with Capri and Sorrento visible on clear days. From there the group moves into the winery to see how Lacryma Christi, the DOP wine of the Vesuvius area, is made.

The centrepiece is a seated tasting and lunch. The tasting covers the full range of Lacryma Christi styles: white, rosé, red, a reserve, a sparkling wine and a dessert wine. Lunch follows the same local thread, starting with a Vesuvian appetiser, then a pasta course featuring spaghetti al piennolo, and finishing with dessert, all served with wine alongside. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus exist too, though they need two days of notice.

There is no hotel pickup. The day suits people who want scenery, generous food and drink, and a relaxed pace, more than a technical wine education.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the wineryMeet at Cantina del Vesuvio Winery Russo Family. There is no hotel pickup; free parking is provided for those arriving by car.
2. Vineyard walkA guide leads a walk through the vineyards overlooking the Bay of Naples, Capri and Sorrento, explaining the link between the volcanic soil and local wine.
3. Winery visitThe group visits the winery to learn about the special production methods behind Vesuvian Lacryma Christi wines.
4. Wine tastingA guided tasting of Lacryma Christi DOP wines: white, rosé, red, reserve, sparkling and dessert wine.
5. Campanian lunchA full lunch with a Vesuvian appetiser, a pasta course of spaghetti al piennolo and dessert, served with the wines and views over the volcano's slopes.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travellers have written afterwards.

• Getting there. Pickup is not included, so plan the journey yourself. One reviewer said the winery sits about 45 minutes uphill on foot from the nearest train station, and taxis from there cost a fair amount. Free parking makes driving the easier option.
• Food and drink. The meal is substantial: bruschetta, a spaghetti al piennolo pasta course and dessert, with the wine tasting poured alongside. Several reviewers praised both the food and the wine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus need two days notice.
• Pace and depth. Expect a relaxed outing rather than a formal wine course. Travellers who mainly want views, food and wine tend to leave happy.
• Views and photos. Reviewers repeatedly single out the setting, from the vineyard rows to the views enjoyed over lunch. On a clear day the Bay of Naples, Capri and Sorrento are all in sight, and Vesuvius itself looms over the slopes. Bring a camera.
• Before the tour. The operator contacts guests via WhatsApp or email one day before with all the details. Bookings made after 6:00 PM are processed the next morning after 8:00 AM, so late bookers should watch for a confirmation the following day.
• Who it suits. The hosts get frequent praise for being friendly and welcoming, and one reviewer enjoyed the day even while travelling alone. It works well for anyone after an easy, scenic day rather than a strenuous one.

Common issues. The walking portion is brief: one reviewer said the vineyard portion lasted basically ten minutes, and one wished for more explanation of the wines being tasted. Another reviewer found the guide's English hard to follow because of a strong accent and quick delivery. Access is the other practical snag, since there is no transfer from the station and the uphill walk is long in the heat; the winery was also not a partner in transfer insurance, according to that same reviewer. Cancellations up to 24 hours before incur a fee of 20% of the total amount.

Which Vesuvius Tour Fits Your Plans