Campore Winery on Mount Etna
Arriving at Camporè winery, I was warmly welcomed by Maria Pia and Cristina Madaudo, two sisters who own and operate the estate with warmth and precision. What surprised me most is that they each combine the responsibilities of the estate with their professional careers. One practices law, while the other practices medicine.
Despite their busy lives, they dedicate themselves to curating memorable experiences for visitors, from private tours to special events at their centuries-old winery.
Camporè is known for the excellence of its wine, and following that, its fascinating history. What sets it apart is that it is one of the few wineries in the world with its own private train platform.
Originally constructed by a wealthy landowner, the platform allowed him to have fresh produce delivered directly to his estate daily. Now, guests visiting the estate have the rare opportunity to step off the train and into the winery itself.
The property exudes history, with its nearly 200-year-old structure and glass displays showcasing the winemaking tools of the past.
After a delightful tasting of their wines, I was escorted to their state-of-the-art dining room, complete with a glass-walled kitchen where a chef prepared our meal as we watched.
It was a truly immersive experience, one that paired exquisite wines with delicious food, all in the backdrop of Etna’s stunning volcanic landscape.
The Unique Terroir of Mount Etna
Camporè Winery is located on the slopes of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known to locals as “A Muntagna,” the volcano plays a central role in the winery’s identity.
Etna’s unique climate and soil composition provide a fertile environment for agriculture, and the vineyards at Camporè thrive at an altitude of 765 meters above sea level. Situated on an ancient lava flow, the vineyard’s volcanic soil imparts a remarkable mineral complexity to the wines produced here.
The distinct climate of Etna, with its wide day-night temperature variations and constant ventilation from the Alcantara Valley, allows for the optimal development of native grape varieties. These conditions, along with the mineral-rich soil, enable Camporè’s wines to reflect the true essence of the region.
The History of the Estate
Camporè’s vineyards are located in the San Lorenzo and Campo Rè districts, both steeped in historical significance. The estate takes its name from Campo Rè, which refers to the time when King Peter III of Aragon camped in the area during the Sicilian Vespers in 1282.
The estate was later acquired by a noble Sicilian family and remained in their care for many years before being purchased by the Madaudo family in 2016.
The sisters, Maria Pia and Cristina Madaudo, have brought new life to the estate, combining their family’s ten-year history in winemaking with their love for the Etna region.
With guidance from their grandfather and a deep respect for tradition, they’ve turned Camporè into a place where innovation meets heritage, producing wines that are in harmony with nature.
The volcanic soil and distinct climate of Etna play a pivotal role in shaping Camporè’s wines, which are a true reflection of the region’s unique terroir.
- Etna DOC Rosso: Made from the native Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes, this wine develops a deep ruby red color that evolves into garnet with age. Its bouquet features a rich floral aroma with undertones of cocoa and coffee. Aging in wood gives the wine a harmonious, dry, and savory taste, balanced by well-integrated tannins.
- Etna DOC White: This Carricante and Catarratto blend has a beautiful straw yellow color with greenish reflections. On the nose, it offers notes of white fruit, while on the palate it delivers excellent acidity and a subtle hint of flint. The wine’s freshness and minerality are a direct result of the volcanic soil and cool, ventilated climate.
- Etna DOC Rosato: A pale pink rosé, this wine has delicate aromas of red fruits such as cherries. It is crisp and refreshing, rendering it a perfect pairing for a variety of cuisine styles.
An Island Within an Island
The wines produced at Camporè are a testament to the uniqueness of the Etna region, often referred to as “an island within an island.”
The climate and volcanic composition make the area unlike anywhere else in Sicily—or even the world.
The sisters’ dedication to preserving this environment while embracing modern winemaking techniques ensures that Camporè’s wines reflect their passion and the incredible natural landscape that surrounds them.
