What You Need to Know: Useful Information
The highest vineyard in Europe is located in the Sila, precisely in Cava di Melis, a hamlet of Longobucco, in the province of Cosenza. This extraordinary vineyard is situated at an impressive altitude of about 1300 meters above sea level, right in the heart of the Sila National Park. It is surrounded by a lush forest of larch pines and offers a spectacular view of Lake Cecita.
Several grape varieties are grown here. Cultivation at these extreme high altitudes poses significant challenges for the winemakers: winters are exceptionally harsh and temperatures can drop down to -20°C. These extreme climatic conditions make viticulture particularly demanding, but at the same time, they give the wines unique characteristics, with intense aromas and refined flavors that result from the grapes' adaptation to such a special mountain environment. What began as an experiment has successfully become a world-class example of heroic viticulture and a true source of pride for the Calabria region, proving that it is possible to produce premium quality wines even in difficult conditions.
Getting There
By train
To approach the mountain wine country by rail, you can take a regional Trenitalia train along the Cosenza-Sibari line to the Cosenza railway station. Because the vineyard sits isolated at 1300 meters in the high interior plateau, you will need to continue your journey from the Cosenza station by renting a vehicle or arranging private transport to climb up into the national park gates.
By car
Driving is by far the most practical option for reaching this remote high-altitude site. From the main Mediterranean highway, take the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo, exit at Cosenza Nord, and merge onto the SS107 Silana-Crotonese state road climbing east into the mountains. Take the exit for Camigliatello Silano and follow the local mountain road signs toward Lake Cecita and the hamlet of Cava di Melis (Longobucco).
By bus
For regional public transit travelers, local intercity buses run scheduled daily routes from the central bus terminal in Cosenza to the main mountain resort village of Camigliatello Silano. From Camigliatello Silano, you will need to arrange a short local taxi ride or a shuttle to travel the remaining distance to the Cava di Melis vineyard area.
Below you'll find the location marked on Google Maps. Click on it to open the location directly on your device's maps.
Useful Contacts
- Ente Parco Nazionale della Sila (Sila National Park Authority):
- Website: parcosila.it
- Comune di Longobucco (Municipal Tourism Hub):
- Website: comune.longobucco.cs.it
- Turismo Calabria (Calabria Regional Tourism Board Portal):
- Website: turismocalabria.it
What to Bring & Pro Tips
- Secure your guided tour booking ahead of time, as this unique vineyard is open to the public but requires coordination to discover the specific cultivation techniques and natural beauty.
- Pack a warm jacket or a windbreaker sweater even during the summer months, as the vineyard's extreme 1300-meter altitude means mountain temperatures are much cooler than the Calabrian coast.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking boots to comfortably navigate the steep, rugged terrain of this heroic viticulture site.
- Bring a smartphone or a camera to capture the spectacular, sweeping panoramic view of Lake Cecita and the lush surrounding forest of larch pines.
- Keep an open palate for the highlight of the excursion, as you will have the opportunity to taste the unique wines produced right on the mountainside.
- Plan your visit to spend a couple of hours fully enjoying this different and engaging experience completely immersed in nature and tradition.
The “Hidden Gem”
Once you have finished tasting the refined, high-altitude wines and admiring the view of Lake Cecita, take a short drive to explore the historic center of Longobucco.
Instead of staying entirely up on the high mountain plains, descend into the deep, rocky valley nearby to find the ancient town of Longobucco, beautifully nestled among the rugged peaks of the Sila. This isolated mountain village is internationally famous for its centuries-old tradition of artistic hand-weaving, using ancient wooden looms to create incredibly intricate textiles with silver and gold threads. Walking through its steep, quiet stone alleyways and visiting a local artisan workshop offers a wonderfully authentic and cozy cultural break, rewarding travelers with a firsthand look at a rare, medieval textile art that has survived completely unchanged for generations deep within the Calabrian mountains.
