Pompeii: Private Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting Lunch

Summary

Ancient vineyards, family cellars and wine with Vesuvius tomatoes

You’ll stroll ancient vineyards near Pompeii with a local guide, explore cellars where wine ages in amphorae, then sit down for a leisurely 3-course lunch paired with three local wines. Expect laughter over sparkling wine, fresh flavors from Mt. Vesuvius tomatoes, and time to soak in stories that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of gravel under my shoes as we stepped into the Bosco de' Medici vineyard, just a few minutes from the ruins of Pompeii. Our guide — I think her name was Giulia — waved us over to a row of grapevines and handed me a leaf to smell. It was earthy, almost peppery, and she laughed when I tried to pronounce “Piedirosso.” The air smelled like wet stone and something sweet from the nearby olive trees. There’s this low hum you get in Italian countryside — not silence, but something softer than city noise.

We wandered past an old irrigation channel (apparently built by Bourbon kings — who knew?) and some crumbling villa walls where Giulia pointed out faded frescoes. She told us about how they still use terracotta amphorae underground for aging wine, which sounded ancient and futuristic at once. The cellar itself was cool and dim; you could hear the faint drip of water somewhere. Stainless steel tanks lined up beside wooden barrels, all smelling faintly of yeast and oak. I touched one of the amphorae — it was rougher than I expected.

The main event though? Lunch outside facing Mount Vesuvius. We started with bruschetta so fresh it dripped olive oil onto my fingers (I didn’t care). Then came a plate stacked with provolone, salami, prosciutto… honestly too much for one person but somehow we managed. The paccheri pasta had these tomatoes grown right on Vesuvius’ slopes — sweet but tangy. Three wines showed up, including a sparkling one that made us all laugh after the first sip. Dessert was babà soaked in limoncello; I’m still thinking about that bite even now.

I liked how nothing felt rushed — Giulia let us ask anything (even silly stuff about Roman ghosts). The sun kept shifting on the vines while we lingered over coffee. If you’re looking for a day trip from Naples or want a private wine tour near Pompeii that’s more than just sipping glasses in a room, this is it. The stories stick with you longer than the flavors do… though honestly both last a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pompeii vineyard tour and wine tasting

• Meet guides at Bosco de' Medici Winery
• Visit Experimental Vineyard
• Explore historical Pompeii structures
• Tour wine cellar and refining room
• Enjoy welcome snack with bruschetta
• Taste assorted Italian cured meats and cheese
• Eat paccheri pasta with Mt. Vesuvius tomatoes
• Try three different wines including sparkling
• Have traditional Italian dessert

Top questions

How long does the Pompeii vineyard tour last?

The guided vineyard tour lasts about 15 minutes before lunch and tasting.

Is transportation included in this private wine tour?

No transportation is included; public transport options are nearby.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What wines are tasted during the tour?

You’ll taste three different wines produced at Bosco de' Medici Winery, including a sparkling variety.

Is this wine tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas of the winery are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join the tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and infant seats are available.

What food is included with lunch?

The meal includes bruschetta, assorted cheeses and meats, paccheri pasta with Mt. Vesuvius tomatoes, dessert babà with limoncello cream.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

The guides may be multilingual; English is available.

What’s included

Your day includes a private guided walk through Bosco de' Medici’s vineyards near Pompeii’s ruins, tastings of three local wines (including sparkling), plus a full 3-course lunch with regional specialties like paccheri pasta with Mt. Vesuvius tomatoes and traditional dessert — all hosted by welcoming locals before you head back at your own pace.