WINE AND DINE

Drink in Campania’s delights on this full-day excursion to Irpinia. Wine lovers will learn of the efforts, perseverance and commitment of local producers and discover to whom Campania owes its worldwide notoriety as a fine wine making region.

Your private chauffeur will meet you outside your accommodation and drive you to a leading estate near Avellino. Founded in 1986, this winery has won a reputation for being one of Campania’s most forward-thinking producers and is now a rightful symbol of southern Italy’s oenological Renaissance. The vineyards spread over gently rolling hills on an ancient wine-producing territory, boasting a unique volcanic soil that lends these wines distinctive aromas of cherry, cinnamon and aniseed. The rediscovery of Mediterranean flavours, traditions and of a local Irpinian identity is at the core of the estate’s mission. Here elegant, powerful, top quality wines are created by restoring local grape varieties and adopting a modern approach to wine making. Balancing tradition, research and innovation and reducing environmental impact are also among the guiding principles of the winery.

You will learn all about the estate’s values and achievements on a tour of the cellars followed by a wine tasting experience led by a member of staff. A delicious lunch will then be served at the estate’s on-site restaurant, famous for its reinterpretation of traditional recipes, served with a creative twist.

In the early afternoon rejoin your driver and reach a nearby historical winery. First established in 1750, this prestigious estate, now into the tenth generation of wine makers, prides itself on having revived local viticultural traditions and saved Campanian vinous heritage from neglect after the devastation caused by World War II and the phylloxera. While many farmers ripped out local vines in favour of higher-yielding non-autochtone varieties the owners of this estate remained faithful to their territory and worked tirelessly to restore ancient grapevines. Today the family can successfully claim to have revitalized three native grape varieties – Fiano, Greco di Tufo and Aglianico – which might otherwise have disappeared from the scene altogether. For years, until the early 1990s, the estate was Irpinia’s sole producer of quality wine with indigenous vines. Among their feats is the world-class Taurasi made with 100% Aglianico, which earned the well-deserved nickname of “Barolo of the South”.

In 1996 the family’s reputation as a guardian and promoter of local traditions, led the Italian government to involve the estate in a special archaeological project aimed at bringing back to life Pompeii’s historical wines, by recovering and replanting ancient vineyards and using centuries-old wine making techniques.

You will gain an introduction to the estate’s history and activities, learn how the distinctive characteristics of the terroir and climate provide the ideal environment for the grapes cultivated here and discover how their complex, nuanced wines are created. After a visit to the cellars and caveau top off your day with a wine tasting experience, then return to your hotel in Naples.