Plans for Pompeii winery announced

Life will return to the ancient city of Pompeii almost two millennia after it was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius thanks to a new viticultural project from Italy’s Tenute Capaldo Group.

The winery is the result of a partnership between Tenute Capaldo Group (especially the wineries of Feudi di San Gregorio in Avellino, Campania and Basilisco in Basilicata) and Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel noted that the project is the result of decades of research on the history of the site: “Since the 1990s, botanical studies have been conducted by the in-house Applied Research Laboratory of the Archaeological Park to analyse the vineyards of ancient Pompeii, in order to examine their historical and scientific characteristics, wine-growing techniques used in ancient times and the population’s eating habits. Subsequently, the vineyards were enhanced with the aim of recounting the story of the ancient city and making it known from different aspects.”

The vineyard itself will cover six hectares. Professor Attilio Scienza of the University of Milan, one of the leading oenological experts in Italy, will also be lending its expertise.

The two grapes which will be initially planted are varieties which Feudi di San Gregorio has championed in Campania: Greco and Aglianico.

“Today, the Park is investing in a wider scope of enhancement as well as the conservation of the natural heritage, landscape and environment that are essential features of the archaeological area,” continued Zuchtriegel. “The winery is part of a broader archaeo-farming scheme that is also involving other activities such as the optimised cultivation of olive trees, and social farming projects within the framework of the ‘social and cultural farm’. Indeed, we firmly believe that best way to achieve important results for the whole area is to involve private enterprises with specific expertise as active partners in the project.”

The production of wine, which will be 100% organic, will serve an educational purpose – informing visitors of ancient viticultural and winemaking techniques.

However, the intention is also to produce high quality wine from the site, as Feudi di San Gregorio president Antonio Capaldo explained: “We want to revive Pompeii not only as a place of research and knowledge, but also as a centre of production and exchange, by restoring its historical roots.”

“Of course, this will take time and significant investments, but this will not deter us; on the contrary, having the courage to embark on new journeys and looking at this ambitious historic project with new eyes, unites our vision with that of the Park,” added Capaldo.

Winemaking and ageing facilities will be constructed at a later date.

Binging with Bacchus

Fittingly, the announcement of the public-private partnership project comes shortly after the unveiling of a fresco depicting Dionysus, the god of wine, in the centre of the ancient city – an artwork left undisturbed since the eruption of 79 AD.

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