June 2004     news: overseas  Part of the experimental vineyard, using ancient methods, near the amphitheatre in Pompeii. Growing grapes again at Pompeii by Justin Brady who visited Pompeii recently More than 1900 years after Vesuvius erupted and buried Pompeii, grapevines are again being grown in the ancient city. Experimental vineyards using ancient traditions have been planted by the old and well-known Mastroberardino winery in several locations on the outskirts of Pompeii. According to Mastroberardino, wine played a central role in the lives of the Vesuvian people. Archaeological excavations, botanical studies, and the discovery of casts of vine roots and their support stakes have confirmed that vines were grown within ancient Pompeii'fs city walls, in the gardens and orchards which beautified villas, and especially in the quarters located on the outskirts of the city, near the amphitheatre. The experimental vineyard project was begun in 1996 when the archaeological superintendent of Pompeii appointed Mastroberardino, of Atripalda, Italy, to reintroduce vinegrowing in Pompeii. Would you like to comment on this article?     Subscribe now to The Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker and keep up to date with your industry Print this article      Back to previous page   The Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker - Home page

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