Enjoy an organic Maradei winery tour and tasting in Saracena. Explore the Pollino vineyards, visit the cellar, and taste ancient native Calabrian wines.
The tour
Discover the exceptional agricultural heritage and authentic flavors of southern Italy with an immersive Maradei winery tour and tasting. Nestled in the historic territory of Saracena within the spectacular Pollino National Park, this family-run estate offers wine enthusiasts an insightful journey into high-altitude Calabrian viticulture. Surrounded by a dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains and rolling hills, the property provides a thoroughly relaxing and peaceful environment to explore regional winemaking traditions. This afternoon excursion serves as an ideal alternative for curious culinary travelers looking to discover the deep historical roots and passionate craftsmanship behind natural, organic farming in a lesser-known corner of Italy.
The experience begins out in the fresh open air with an educational, guided stroll through the estate’s beautifully tended vineyards. Walking along the scenic rows of vines alongside an expert guide allows visitors to examine the specific regional grape varietals up close. The fertile soils and distinct microclimates of the protected park create optimal conditions for preserving rare native grapes that have flourished in these hillsides for centuries. Guests gain a profound understanding of how sustainable, eco-conscious methods are applied daily to protect the natural biodiversity of the land, avoiding synthetic interventions to let the genuine characteristics of the unique terroir shine through in every harvest.
The walk transitions smoothly into the heart of the estate with an indoor visit to the production facilities and aging cellar. Visitors are taken behind the scenes to learn about the meticulous winemaking process, from the initial sorting of the hand-harvested fruit to the final bottling stages. The educational route showcases how traditional Calabrian methods are balanced with modern technical precision to respect the delicate nature of high-altitude grapes. The tour pays special attention to the rare, local grape varietals that define the winery’s identity, including Guarnaccia and Malvasia, which are central to the ancient sweet wine styles of Saracena, alongside the structured red expressions of Magliocco Dolce and Aglianico.
Following the cellar walk, the highlight of the afternoon unfolds with a structured wine tasting session designed to showcase the authentic essence of the territory. Guests sit down to sample a carefully curated selection of four distinct organic wines from the estate’s current lineup. The tasting flight guides the palate through the diverse styles of the region, featuring crisp and aromatic white wines, a vibrant rosé, and a rich, full-bodied red wine. To complement the unique flavor profiles and complex aromas of the flight, the family serves a delicious spread of local gastronomic specialties, including artisanal cheeses, traditional cured meats, and authentic snacks. This professional pairing highlights the close historical connection between regional food and wine, ensuring that a Maradei winery tour and tasting remains a highly memorable and educational highlight of your journey through Calabria.
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