Other Experiences Calabria

Located in southern Italy, Calabria is a region rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. Its gentle climate, turquoise waters and wild landscapes, combined with the intense and genuine flavors of its wines and its cuisine, make Calabria a great destination for your next wine tastings.

During your winery visits in Calabria, you will learn how winemaking is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of its territory, to the point that Calabrian wines were even given as prizes to the winners of the first Olympic games that took place during the Greek empire. In more modern times, Calabrian wines were deemed as blending wines due to their intense color and high alcohol percentage, but in the last few years, thanks to the dedication of many local winemakers, the quality of Calabrian wines has increased substantially. Nowadays, Calabria boasts 10 DOC and 10 IGT wines.

The wine tastings you’ll take part in while in Calabria will give you an idea of the intense flavors of the products of this land. Calabrian cuisine is just as rich: during your stay in this region, make sure to try at least a few of its most traditional dishes, such as sardella (a sort of spreadable fish and chili paste), peperonata, pipi chini (stuffed bell peppers), vrasciole (meatballs with eggplant), morzello (veal offal stew), pasta ca’ muddica (pasta with anchovies and breadcrumbs), and the iconic ‘nduja, a spicy spreadable pork sausage.

While visiting the wineries of Calabria you will mainly come across native grape varieties. About 80 per cent of the total region’s production is made up of black grape varieties, of which the most widespread types are Gaglioppo, Calabrese (Nero d’Avola), Magliocco Canino, Nerello Cappuccio and Greco Nero. The white grape varieties of Calabria instead include Greco Bianco, Trebbiano Toscano, Montonico and Guernaccia.

Wine tastings and visits to the wineries of Calabria can be planned throughout every season, as the region enjoys a pleasantly warm Mediterranean climate. Visiting Calabria in summer will allow you to enjoy its sandy beaches, while in spring and autumn the temperatures are perfect for long walks on the beach, hikes and other outdoor activities.

The wild and fascinating territory of Calabria offers many activities besides visiting its wineries to enjoy some insightful wine tastings. While here, make sure to visit a least a few of Calabria’s most important natural and artistic sites, like the town of Stilo and its Cattolica church, San Nicola Arcella and its secluded bay, the small town of Tropea, the Natural Parks of Sila and Pollino, the Archaeological Park of Scolacium, the suggestive ghost town of Pentedattilo.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in Calabria is around €39.50. Depending on the experience, prices range from €20.00 to €59.00. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Calabria:

• Azienda Vini Dell’Aquila
• Farneto del Principe
• Azienda Agricola Cosimo Murace
• Senatore Vini
• Caparra & Siciliani
• Cantine Viola
• Cantina Rizzo
• Stamati

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Calabria:

• Get to know a heroic vineyard with sunset tasting at Ceramida with transfer from Reggio Calabria or Scilla
• Morning tour and tasting in the vineyard with local products at Ceramida with Transfer from Reggio Calabria or Scilla
• Vineyard Tours & Wine Tasting at Murace Wines in the Byzantine Stilaro Valley
• Visit and Wine Tasting at Tenute Pacelli
• Wine Tasting Experience discovering Antica Balbia at Farneto del Principe
• Buffet-style dinner & Wine Tasting at sunset in Tropea's countryside
• Mountain Bike or E-Bike Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting at Stamati
• Wine tasting and tour in the vineyards: A Dive into Flavors at Azienda Agricola dell'Aquila