Located on the fertile slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Sorrentino Winery is a testament to innovation and sustainability. This family-run estate harmoniously blends nature’s raw power, rich legends, and a deep commitment to preserving the environment, offering an unparalleled wine experience that captivates both the palate and the soul.
The Essence of Sorrentino Wines
What makes Sorrentino’s wines truly exceptional is the unique terroir shaped by the volcanic activity of Mount Vesuvius. The mineral-rich, lava-infused soil gives rise to robust and nuanced flavors, resulting in wines that embody the region’s history and resilience. Each bottle encapsulates the power of the land, paired with the passion of winemakers who have lovingly tended these vineyards for generations.
Sustainability at the Heart of Sorrentino Winery
A Legacy of Responsibility
Sustainability is more than a practice at Sorrentino—the guiding philosophy shapes its operations. Rooted in family agricultural traditions, the winery has embraced sustainable and organic methods since 1990, with organic certification achieved in 2001. Sorrentino’s mission extends beyond the next vintage, focusing on ensuring the planet’s health for future generations.
Sustainable Practices in the Vineyard
- Organic Cultivation: The winery minimizes chemical interventions, preserving the integrity of the vineyard and the surrounding Vesuvius National Park.
- Biodiversity: The estate hosts a variety of crops such as olives, figs, apricots, and tomatoes, alongside vibrant wildflowers that support pollinators. The result is rich biodiversity and a yearly production of organic honey.
- Soil Conservation: Cover crops protect the soil balance, reduce water evaporation, and enhance fertility through organic matter and green compost. Mechanical weeding is employed to avoid the use of herbicides, maintaining a harmonious ecosystem.
Water and Energy Conservation
- Rainwater Collection: Harvested rainwater is repurposed for irrigation, sanitation, and machinery cleaning, ensuring a sustainable water cycle.
- Solar Power: Renewable energy powers much of the estate, further reducing the environmental footprint of the winery’s operations.
- No Vine Irrigation: The winery’s deep-rooted vines naturally draw moisture from the soil, conserving water while producing grapes of exceptional quality.
Packaging and Materials
The winery also integrates biodegradable materials for its packaging, aligning every production aspect with its sustainability commitment.
Lacryma Christi: The Tears of Christ
Among the winery’s most celebrated creations is the Lacryma Christi wine, or “Tears of Christ.” This wine is steeped in legend, with one story suggesting that Lucifer took a piece of paradise with him when he was cast from heaven. Upon realizing this, Christ wept, and where his tears fell, the fertile vines of Lacryma Christi grew. With its celestial origins and volcanic roots, this wine carries a mystique that elevates the experience of every sip.
Immersive Experiences at Sorrentino
Sorrentino Winery invites visitors to explore its lush vineyards through immersive experiences. Guided tours highlight the sustainable practices and unique cultivation methods employed. With Mount Vesuvius as a dramatic backdrop, you can savor wine tastings led by expert sommeliers, paired with local delicacies that enhance the flavor profiles of the wines.
We also tried the Dòre sparkling wine. The name “Dòre” originates from the Neapolitan phrase “dò rré,” meaning “of the King,” a nod to the wine’s regal heritage tracing back to the time of King Charles of Anjou. This sparkling wine with an alcohol content of 12.5%. , made exclusively from 100% Caprettone grapes, is a celebration of the volcanic terroir of Mount Vesuvius. Its golden reflections and vibrant Brut character result from meticulous craftsmanship, including a 10-month Charmat method fermentation. The grapes, grown on sandy volcanic soil at 200–400 meters above sea level, are hand-harvested in early September to ensure optimal quality.
The estate also hosts cultural events that blend gastronomy, art, and music, holistically celebrating Campanian heritage.