The first experiment in recreating the wines of the ancient inhabitants of Pompeii was launched seventeen years ago by botanist and archaeologist Anna Maria Ciarallo, of the Laboratory of Applied Research, a department of the Superintendency of Pompeii. With the collaboration of Campania vintners Mastrobernardini, a selection of autochthonous vines were planted in a small area of the ruins.

The experiment was such a success that Pompeii now markets the exclusive Villa dei Misteri wine and the vineyards have spread into the grounds of some of the most famous sites, such as the Foro Boario, the Summer Triclinium, the Domus della Nave Europa, the Caupona del Gladiatore, Eusino and the Garden of the Fugitives.

This year's harvest is the twelth in succession.

The Villa dei Misteri wine is produced from piedirosso and sciascinoso grapes, using the identical processes of two thousand years ago.

For information: www.pompeiviva.it