Ancient Winery in Pompeii: Reviving a 2,000-Year-Old Tradition
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Wine, Worship, and Daily Life in Ancient Pompeii
In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, where time once stood still beneath volcanic ash, the ruins of Pompeii are quietly awakening a tradition buried for nearly two millennia. Known for its tragic end in 79 AD, Pompeii was also one of the most vibrant wine-producing centers of the Roman Empire. Dionysus, the god of wine, appeared in vibrant frescoes, while taverns served diluted wine to locals and travelers. The city thrived on viniculture, its fertile volcanic soil nourishing vineyards on the surrounding hillsides.
The Ancient Winery in Pompeii is not just a modern tribute to this rich history—it’s a faithful restoration. Today, archaeologists and winemakers are bringing the story full circle, allowing wine to once again flow through the veins of the ancient city.
A Bold Project to Replant Roman Roots
The revival is part of a 19-year partnership between the Pompeii Archaeological Park and local winemaker Tenute Capaldo. The project includes planting over 15 acres of vineyards using native grape varieties such as Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Sciascinoso. These vines are being cultivated with traditional Roman techniques—trained vertically using wooden posts, as in antiquity.
The Ancient Winery in Pompeii aims to produce wines aged in terracotta amphorae, replicating the fermentation and storage methods of ancient Rome. As part of the experience, visitors can explore these vineyards, take part in guided tours, attend workshops, and enjoy tastings—all while learning how wine shaped Roman society and economy.
Uncorking the Flavors of Antiquity
To understand the ambition behind the project, one must first understand Roman winemaking. As recorded by Pliny the Elder and other classical writers, wine was often aged in large clay dolia and flavored with herbs, honey, and spices. A natural white mold formed during fermentation, lending the wine its characteristic acidity.
According to archaeologist Dimitri Van Limbergen, Roman wines sometimes carried aromas of curry, baked bread, and dried fruits. While these flavors were celebrated in antiquity, they may challenge modern palates. That’s why the new wines being produced within the archaeological park are crafted with a nod to ancient tradition but tailored for contemporary tastes.
From Villa dei Misteri to the Heart of Pompeii
While this isn’t the first attempt to revive Pompeian winemaking, it is the first to do so within the actual boundaries of the archaeological park. The Mastroberardino family’s renowned Villa dei Misteri wine—produced outside the park—showcased what was possible with ancient varieties. Now, the Ancient Winery in Pompeii takes that vision further by placing production within the ruins themselves.
The plan includes constructing a cellar for amphora aging inside the park, while more industrial processes like grape crushing and bottling will occur off-site to preserve the historical atmosphere. The project reflects a delicate balance between preservation and progress.
Breathing Life into Ancient Soil
One of the most fascinating aspects of the project is the use of untouched land—plots that haven’t been cultivated in 2,000 years. These areas, situated just beyond the city’s walls and flanked by crumbling Roman homes, will soon flourish with ancient grape varieties. The approach isn’t limited to viticulture. Cereals and fruits will also be grown to simulate the agricultural diversity of Roman farms, which once influenced the unique flavor profiles of the wines.
The cultivation techniques mirror ancient practice. Vines are trained through wooden posts, stretching up to three meters in height. This method, rarely seen in modern vineyards, is a testament to the authenticity of the park’s vision.
The Wines of Tomorrow, Rooted in the Past
The first wines from this initiative will include two reds and one white, released under a new label still in development. Production is expected to reach up to 50,000 bottles annually within five years. “We want to create a wine that speaks of a tradition born 2,000 years ago and still alive,” said Antonio Capaldo, head of Tenute Capaldo.
This isn’t just a commercial venture—it’s an effort to preserve and reinterpret the viticultural knowledge of the ancient world. Visitors and wine enthusiasts alike will be offered more than just a tasting. They’ll be handed a glass of living history.
A Toast to the Ancient Winery in Pompeii
The Ancient Winery in Pompeii is more than a reconstruction—it is a revival of craftsmanship, culture, and historical memory. By blending archaeological research with the art of winemaking, this project redefines what it means to preserve the past. It allows history not only to be seen and studied, but to be tasted.
In every bottle lies a tribute to resilience, tradition, and transformation. The story of Pompeii is no longer just about ashes—it’s about vines rising through them, bearing the fruit of memory.