La Cacciata

The name sounds as though it might have been something to do with hunting, but apparently it means ‘refuge’ in an archaic dialect and refers to a post-battle rescue of survivors from a Visigothic invasion in the fifth century AD. The estate is perched atop a conical hill of volcanic origin, itself on top of the high craggy ridge facing Orvieto from the south. La Cacciata has been in continuous habitation for 2,500 years. The Etruscans began the construction of the extensive galleries under the hill, probably as tombs, but they now serve as the wine cellars. The present owners, the Belcapo family, have only been there for the last 200 years.