In 1930, Giovanni Russo planted the first vines in the volcanic soils of Trecase, a small town just southeast of Naples. What began as a humble winery soon became a lifelong passion passed from father to son.

At the time, barrels of wine were transported by horse-drawn carts to Naples for the traditional tràfeca—a local ritual where small producers and merchants gathered over a generous meal to strike deals and share wine.

Giovanni’s son, Maurizio, grew up alongside this tradition, learning the craft from an early age. In the early 2000s, he led the winery into a new chapter by embracing wine tourism. As curious travelers began asking to visit the vineyards and cellar, Cantina Del Vesuvio opened its doors—offering guided tastings and authentic experiences rooted in local culture.

We were also pioneers in embracing organic farming in the region. Since 1996, we’ve been committed to sustainable viticulture, using only organic methods to care for our vines and preserve the natural integrity of the land.

The journey began with just 3 hectares (about 7.4 acres) of vineyard. Today, our estate spans 18 hectares (around 44.5 acres) of organically cultivated vines on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Cantina Del Vesuvio is recognized as a leading producer of Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio DOC, proudly representing the excellence of this historic appellation. As one of the first families to believe in its potential, we have helped set the standard for quality wines on the volcano.

Our passion for the land has also led us to invest significantly in the cultivation of extra virgin olive oil. We are planting and nurturing native olive varieties to create EVO oils of exceptional quality, while actively studying their health benefits and nutritional properties.

Now in its third generation, the winery is led by Giovanni Russo, named after his grandfather. The entire family is actively involved in the winery’s daily life—Maurizio, Giovanni, Ester, Mariella, and Elisabetta all contribute to both the production and the warm hospitality that welcomes guests from around the world.

Maurizio also made a bold choice: to sell our wines exclusively through the winery, both onsite and online. By limiting distribution, we ensure that every bottle maintains the highest standards—crafted in small batches and never found in supermarkets.

Living and working in the shadow of an active volcano comes with risk. Yet it’s this raw, unpredictable energy that gives our wines their unmistakable character. Each bottle is a tribute to resilience, tradition, and the land that makes it all possible.

Cantina Del Vesuvio has remained proudly family-owned and operated, embracing the rewards—and the challenges—of staying small, local, and deeply connected to the land. This choice allows us to personally oversee every detail, ensuring authenticity and quality in everything we do.

Maurizio Russo leads the production with hands-on dedication, personally supervising each step from vine to bottle. Now joined by the third generation, the family’s legacy continues with his children actively involved: Giovanni manages marketing and international development, while Mariella welcomes guests through her work in hospitality. Maurizio’s partner, Ester, brings local flavors to life as head of our cooking school. And when needed, every member of the family is ready to step in—because at Cantina Del Vesuvio, teamwork is a way of life.

The volcanic slopes of Mount Vesuvius have nurtured vineyards since the 5th century BC, centuries before the eruption that buried Pompeii. Even in Ancient Roman times, wines from this region were prized for their richness and mineral character, shaped by the unique soil and Mediterranean climate.

One of the most storied wines from Vesuvius is Lacryma Christi—“the Tears of Christ.” Its origins blend myth and faith: some say the name stems from the tears of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, weeping with joy as he brought life to these vines. Later, Christian monks reinterpreted the tale, bestowing the divine name on the wines they crafted from the same volcanic terroir.

Today, that legacy continues in every bottle we produce—anchored in history, touched by legend, and grown in the shadow of the volcano.