Capellini: Seven Generations of “Heroic” Vineyards in Volastra

The terraced vineyards of eastern Liguria are among Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes — a masterpiece of human creativity and harmony with nature.

This extraordinary cultural landscape, which includes Portovenere, the Cinque Terre, and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty and its centuries-old agricultural traditions.

Where Ancient Vineyards Meet the Sea

Just a 45-minute drive from Portovenere, the small hilltop village of Volastra tells a story carved in stone and soil. Here, rows of vines cling to dramatic terraces supported by centuries-old dry-stone walls, facing directly toward the Ligurian Sea.

This is what locals call “heroic viticulture” — a form of winemaking that defies gravity, where every task is done by hand on steep, sun-drenched slopes. The result: wines that are truly one of a kind. Volastra rises above Manarola, one of the five iconic Cinque Terre villages, and it’s here that the Capellini family has been cultivating grapes for seven generations.

The Capellini Family: Tradition Rooted in the Land

At Cantina Capellini, Luciano Capellini, his son Mirco, and wife Laura continue a legacy of patience, dedication, and respect for nature.

Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, they produce wines that capture the soul of the Cinque Terre — intense, mineral, floral, and full-bodied.

Mirco Capellini explains:

“Restoring and caring for a territory that was almost abandoned has always been our family’s challenge […]. Through Agrivino, we can directly share our work and our passion — telling the story behind each wine and passing on what my father Luciano has taught us.”

Beyond the Glass: The MUVI and Agrivino Experiences

A visit to Cantina Capellini is not just about tasting wine — it’s about understanding a landscape and a way of life.

Guests can explore the MUVI – Museo del Vino, a small but fascinating museum that illustrates the history of the terraces and the evolution of local viticulture.

Then, step outside to Agrivino, a scenic tasting area suspended between sky and sea, where visitors can sample wines among the very vines that produced them.

Interactive activities such as the “Agrigame” make the experience even more engaging — perfect for travelers looking for an authentic and immersive encounter with the Cinque Terre countryside.

Savor Capellini Wines at Palmaria Restaurant

If you’re staying in Portovenere, you can enjoy Capellini wines at the Palmaria Restaurant inside Grand Hotel Portovenere, where the panoramic views of the Gulf of Poets provide the perfect pairing.

Sommelier Sabrina De Carlo shares her insight:

“Capellini’s Cinqueterre D.O.P. is one of the most appreciated Cinque Terre wines among our international guests. It’s elegant and complex, with rich structure and aromas, yet retains a distinctive coastal minerality. I often recommend it with our Smoked Pumpkin Risotto with Shrimp and Black Truffle, or with a Ligurian classic like Cod alla Ligure.”

Plan Your Visit

To learn more about Cantina Capellini or to book a wine tasting, guided tour, or Agrivino experience, visit cantinacapellini.it.

Whether you discover it on the slopes of Volastra or through a glass at Palmaria Restaurant, Capellini’s wine tells a story — one of perseverance, family, and the timeless beauty of the Cinque Terre.