It is believed that the Phoenicians brought the first grape vines to Calabria, which in ancient times was known as Enotria, or the “land of the trained vine."  Traces of ancient colonization tell a story of subsequent cultures and civilizations that lasted centuries. In addition to such ancient ethnic groups as the Achaeans, the Locris and the Brutians, there are traces of more recent cultures who how have passed through this southernmost tip of Italy: Vandals, Goths, Slavs, Bulgarians, Armenians, Dalmatians, Normans, Bourbons, Catalans, Spanish and Jews, to name a few.

Though it is impossible to prove, Cirò wine is believed to be the oldest wine produced in the world. Archaeologists actually discovered a system of pipes that delivered the wines from the cellar directly to the ancient dwellings: an early 'vinoduct.'  In fact, many of the grape varietals grown today are the same as those grown during ancient civilization.
 
At the table, Calabrians have an appetite for hearty soups and pastas prepared with vegetables, the most common of which are eggplants, peppers and tomatoes. Mushrooms abound, including the prized porcini. Pork is the prevalent meat preserved as ham, salami and sausage. Anchovies and sardines are popular along with dried cod prepared with potatoes, tomatoes and peppers.  All of Calabria's offerings when it comes to cuisine are truly delicious accompaniments to the wines from sunny vineyards overlooking the Ionian Sea.