Leading up to my birthday trip to Italy’s southern coast I had a few ideas in mind of how I wanted to spend it. Swimming in rooftop pools, driving along the winding Amalfi Coast, candlelit dinners, never-ending champagne and of course LOTS of delicious food and wine were just a few of them activities on my list!
We managed to check delicious food and wine off our list on our very first day with a trip to a local vineyard. We enjoyed a three course meal and 6 samples from the Cantina del Vesuvio Vineyard and Winery. Not only was it one of the highlights of the trip, it was affordable and easy to book! If you’re heading to Italy anytime soon, an afternoon at an Italian vineyard is a MUST!
FINDING A TOUR
There are countless vineyards and tour options to choose from throughout Italy. But for your next trip, consider booking your tour through Airbnb. Yes, you read that right! Airbnb is no longer just my go-to for finding unique and affordable accommodations worldwide, they now offer curated experiences in every destination. While searching for a place to stay in Italy, I scrolled past a vineyard tour and wine tasting experience that caught my eye. The tour included a tour and history of the vineyard, a three course meal and 6 wine pairings all for $35 per person.
Despite the rave reviews, I was a tad worried that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations. Luckily, the day was above and beyond what I could have expected!
THE HISTORY
The Cantina del Vesuvio Vineyard and Winery was founded in 1948 in the valley of Mount Vesuvius. Their local organic wine, Lacryma Christi or tears of Christ, can only be produced at that vineyard because of the volcanic soil. It is so rich in minerals that there is no need to water the vines!
The vineyard offers red, white and rosé. A limited number of bottles are produced each year, which are sold directly from the wine shop. There are two varieties of grapes – Piedirosso, which receive greater sun exposure, have tougher skins and produce sweeter wines and the Caprettone, which remain shaded, have more fragile skins and produce dryer wines. Once ripe, the grapes are pressed and the wine is aged in whiskey barrels in a temperature controlled shed, which enhances the character and flavor of the wines.
THE FOOD
After our quick tour, we were escorted to our private table for two on the outdoor patio. I was relieved that we weren’t required to sit with the folks from the tour. They were all lovely, but it was nice that just the two of us got to enjoy our meal and wine without the pressure of making small talk.
Our first course was colorful charcuterie which included prosciutto and spicy sausage as well as sharp cheese, bruschetta and fresh bread. My mouth is watering just thinking out it!
Round two was the main course – spaghetti with homemade red sauce made with mineral rich Vesuvius tomatoes, olive oil and fresh basil sprigs. So simple, but so delicious!
And last was the dessert – a ricotta fruit cake, which I did not expect to enjoy as much as i did. I’m usually not a fan of fruit cakes, but this was so yum! Creamy yet light with subtle hints of vanilla. The bits of fruit added the right amount of tart which brought the whole dish together. I left feeling stuffed and oh so happy!
THE WINE
Our meal was paired with six generous wine tastings. Three were served with the appetizer – a sparkling rosé, which ended up being my favorite, a flat rosé and a white wine.
Our pasta dish, which was the main course, was served with two reds – one light and one full bodied. I preferred the full bodied, so I was very happy when our very friendly waitress gave me an extra pour.
With dessert, we were offered a sweet white wine. It was very sugary, but when sipped slowly in between bites of the ricotta cake, it a perfectly balanced rich and decadent explosion of flavor.
After our meal, our waitress returned to ask which of the wines was our favorite. When’s I told her the sparkling rosé topped my list she cheerfully returned with the bottle to give us both an extra pour.
By the end our meal and 8 glasses of wine, I was feeling wonderful! We perused their gift shop and I of course picked up a bottle of their sparkling rosé to take back home. We strolled through the vineyard a bit more before heading off to visit Pompeii. I couldn’t have asked for more!
OPTIONS CLOSER TO HOME
Even if an Italian getaway isn’t in the cards for you right now, you can still enjoy the same great experience by finding a winery or vineyard in your own backyard! Luckily, there are several wineries right in my home state of Indiana. For my fellow Hoosiers, there are over a dozen vineyards and wineries scattered across the state to choose from! Urban Vines, Mallow Run, Daniel’s Vineyard, Blackhawk Winery, Peace Water Winery, Hopwood Cellars Winery, Easley Winery, Cedar Creek Winery, and of course Oliver Winery just to name a few.
In New York, where I spend half the year, there are also numerous wineries and vineyards to explore on beautiful Long Island. Regardless of where you reside – Midwest, east coast or elsewhere – you’re sure to find a vineyard or winery near you!
But if you do find yourself in Italy any time soon, give yourself a treat and book an afternoon at a vineyard!
Have you ever visited a vineyard or winery? Share your comments below!
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