The Campanian Volcanic Arc is worthy of a conference in itself. It regroups a large number of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes, on land and undersea, along the fault line that runs roughly around the edges of the Campanian plain, and many smaller ones. Although anchored on a bed of limestone and marl, the soils in virtually every corner of Campania are influenced by volcanism. The regular and massive eruptions of nearby Lipari Island, the Campi Flegrei, Roccamonfina, Monte Vulture, and Vesuvius have deposited ash and tephra throughout the entire region, enriching the soils with a potent mix of minerals.
Campania is also a region of singular beauty in the southern Italian Peninsula. Abundant sunshine, dramatic scenery, a rich tradition of gastronomy and the south’s deepest repertoire of fine wines conspire to make the region a joyful place. The Romans referred to it as Campania Felix, or “happy country”. Campania is also a stronghold for native grape varieties, many planted for at least 2000 years.
