The Amalfi Coast is most known for its rich sfogliatelle and delizie pastries and refreshing limoncello liqueur, but not many people know that there is also an excellent local wine, with limited production but expansive flavor: the Costa d’Amalfi DOC, which produces just 250 thousand bottles annually in the three dedicated wine-producing areas: Furore, Ravello, and Tramonti. All the vineyards in this picturesque wine country are on steep hillsides, planted in narrow terraces dug from the limestone cliffs that tower above the sea.
For a fascinating look at a different side of the Amalfi Coast, consider a tour of the local wineries, where you can sample some of the best labels from the coastline.
Marisa Cuomo in Furore
This is the most famous label from the Amalfi Coast, and the winery is located in the town of Furore, a tiny group of houses that are perched on the cliffside above the famous fjord. The winery is dug out of the cliff, and the vineyards are tucked into the ravines along the coast that are cooled by the winds from the north.
Don't miss their Fior d’Uva, the only white wine from the coast fermented in wooden barrels.
For a tour and tasting, contact the winery directly: +39 3334313667 or reservation@marisacuomo.com
Wineries in Tramonti
Tramonti is a mountain town along the Amalfi Coast surrounded by woods and pastures and made up of 13 hamlets with a total of just a few thousand residents. The "Amalfitani", famous for having invented the compass, also named the cold wind that came down from the north the "Tramontana", as it seemed to come directly from the forests of Tramonti.
The vineyards here are planted on the hillsides, and the valley floors left for growing excellent vegetables, another famous product from the Amalfi Coast. There are a number of wineries, all of which date back centuries to a time when they would transport large flasks of wine on a horse-drawn carriage to Naples to sell at the local markets.
At the Tenuta San Francesco, you can take a tour of the historic vineyard and sample wine paired with a number of other local products. You can also reserve lunch at the winery. To reserve, call +39 089 876748 or +39 3356670854
Raito in Vietri sul Mare
Raito is a small hilltop hamlet near Vietri sul mare, and this vineyard produces organic and biodynamic wines at this picturesque spot. Tucked in the woodlands, their two hectares of Aglianico and Piedirosso grapes are used to make a wonderful red and rosè. They offer guided tours, tastings, and even private dinners and events.
To reserve, call +39 328 865 1452 or email info@levignediraito.com