Even under moody purple skies, our excitement never faded — we had a big day ahead on the Aglianico del Vulture tour in Basilicata, southern Italy. The Vulture region takes its name from an extinct volcano whose rich soil produces wines with depth, structure, and elegance. This area is one of Italy’s most authentic wine destinations. Every vineyard here tells a story of time and tradition.

Our first stop on the Aglianico del Vulture tour was Cantine del Notaio, a family-run winery founded in 1998. They produce nearly 400,000 bottles each year. Some of these wines even reach Ontario’s LCBO shelves.

During our visit, we began with a short walk through their ancient underground cellars. The tunnels were hand-dug into volcanic rock during the 1600s.

As we moved deeper inside, we noticed green algae on the walls and white mold on the floor. According to our guide, both help regulate humidity naturally. This creates the perfect environment for wine aging. In fact, it’s a reminder that nature still plays a key role in the winemaking process here.

The tasting that followed was unforgettable. We sampled Protesto, a sparkling Aglianico rosé with crisp acidity. Then came La Firma, a bold, 100% Aglianico red full of cherry and spice. Finally, l’Autentica — a golden dessert wine made from Moscato and Malvasia grapes — offered a smooth, honeyed finish. Each glass reflected the volcanic spirit of Basilicata: warm, earthy, and full of life.