Irpinia is home to three of Campania's DOCG wines: a red, Taurasi, and two whites, Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo. High hills, cold winters, strong day-night temperature swings: these are mountain wines, elegant and long-lived. Here is a slow three-day itinerary, best enjoyed calmly and, ideally, with someone else driving.
Day 1: Taurasi and the Calore valley
Taurasi is a red made from Aglianico grapes, often called the "Barolo of the South" for its structure and ageing potential. Start from Taurasi, a compact village around its castle, and continue through the production area along the Calore valley. Spend the morning at a winery and the afternoon strolling the village. For dinner, Irpinian cooking: handmade pasta, meat, cheese, mushrooms and truffles in season.
Day 2: Fiano di Avellino
Fiano is a fragrant white that develops complex notes with age. The production area surrounds Avellino, among hills of vines and hazelnut trees. Visit one or two wineries, then drive up towards Mercogliano and the sanctuary of Montevergine for views over the valley.
Day 3: Greco di Tufo
Greco is born around Tufo, a village also linked to the history of sulphur mining. It is a savoury, mineral white, perfect with fish and cheese. A tasting at a winery and lunch at a trattoria close the trip.
When to go
- September and October: harvest time, with lively vineyards and the first autumn festivals.
- November: chestnuts, mushrooms and new wine.
- Spring: green hills and quieter wineries.
Practical tips
- Book your visits: many wineries welcome visitors by appointment only.
- Don\u2019t drive after tastings: use a driver, an organised tour or stay near the wineries.
- Stay in the countryside: farm stays and country houses among the vines make the trip more authentic.
- Take some bottles home: wineries often sell vintages hard to find elsewhere.
Discover all the wines on our page the wines of Campania and the wineries in our directory.
