The Rock Wine Presses

Art and culture Experiences

DISCOVERING THE TERRITORY
In Calabria, as in other regions of Italy or countries in the Mediterranean basin, rock-carved tanks used for treading and fermenting grapes can be found. These tanks were not carved individually but in at least two entities, each with different functions: in the upper tank, grapes were trodden, and the pomace was fermented, while in the smaller lower tank, the must collected, drained from the upper tank through a communication hole after pressing the pomace. These paired tanks for winemaking are generally called "palmenti" in Italy, and these rock-carved artifacts can be found everywhere in Calabria, with varying frequency, especially in the hilly hinterland of the Ionian coast of the Calabrian provinces and also in the hinterland of the Tyrrhenian coast.
The most massive concentration, however, falls on the Ionian coast of the province of Reggio Calabria, with approximately 750 specimens between the municipalities of Bruzzano and Casignana, in an area delimited to the south by the Bruzzano stream and to the north by the Bonamico. The hilly palmenti, carved into the rock, involve the municipalities of Bruzzano, Ferruzzano, S. Agata del Bianco, Caraffa del Bianco, Casignana, while the mountainous ones involve Africo and Samo. This area, which also includes Bianco, extending along the coast for about 15 km, is characterized by highly clayey soils for a strip about 3 km wide from the sea, with the exception of a part of the municipality of Bianco, which features soils with white kaolin. Beyond the clayey barrier, loose soils are encountered, the result of the crumbling of sandstone rocks, which sometimes dominate the landscapes with their yellowish cliffs. It is precisely from this type of rock, which is easily excavated, that the palmenti are derived.

Posizione

Caraffa del Bianco, Rc
Vai
Vai

Info

About Us

The history of Kalabria Experience dates back to 2015 when Carmine Verduci and Sebastiano Stranges decided to establish a "territorial promotion group" to work for the region. The excursions started with a promotional and experiential spirit and, today, after a considerable amount of time, they are among the most followed in the Calabrian territory. The concept on which we focus and have always focused is based on collaboration with local actors, including professionals in the tourism sector, Pro Loco, and associations actively operating in their respective territories. Kalabria Experience, in addition to being the subject and phenomenon of study, cited in numerous theses, has become a "status," a group of people united by a passion for the territory, its history, culture, and identity. With numerous projects in the field, Kalabria Experience supports various cultural and naturalistic initiatives in the territory, especially along the eastern strip of low Calabria, which was once not even considered part of this wonderful region. Kalabria Experience aims to act as a catalyst for future visitors and travelers to Calabria, Aspromonte, and the entire historical and cultural heritage of villages, sites of historical, archaeological, landscape, and cultural interest in the Ionian area. Our organization relies on authoritative professional figures, making our experiences even richer in content—a true university for those who don't like to cover long distances but want to explore every square meter of the territory with all its curiosities. Nature, Culture, Archaeology, Art, and sharing—these are the premises that make Kalabria Experience a strong and cohesive group, made up of people nourished by a strong Calabrian pride that expresses its maximum expression in the faces of the people and the members who play an important role in this mission. Kalabria Experience is a way of thinking, acting, doing, walking, sharing—a new way of conceiving the territory, no longer limited to certain routes but enriched by new emotional paths that lead us to discover different and diversified aspects, always trying to unite "the journey" with culture, with an outlook towards the future and new European tourist frontiers. Today, able to act as "FACILITATORS OF THE TERRITORY," relying on professional figures working in the territory, starting paths of collaboration and contacts in a large network that connects Calabria from north to south, from Pollino to the Strait. The guides of the Aspromonte National Park represent an added value to the territory, which is why we are increasingly aware of acting on behalf of a philosophy of walking together towards new perspectives.

WALK WITH US, WITH HEART, SOUL, AND MIND…

Discover authentic Calabria with new eyes and incredible adventures! We wait for you in KALABRIA.

Recommended Equipment

Clothing suitable for the season (in layers), trekking shoes, water bottle (at least 1.5 liters), energy bars, or a snack for half a day, a cap, K-WAY, raincoat, camera, or smartphone.

Event Organization

The event is first publicized and made known until a group of people is reached.