The Kaolin Quarries represent the geologically oldest part of the island of Lipari. The numerous episodes of volcanic activity have produced alterations in the rocks, creating showy polychromes. For the people of Lipari, the Kaolin quarries are a place of strong appeal where the colors of the rocks, the music of the wind and the scent of the sea create a magical atmosphere. To best preserve this site located today within its property, the Tenuta di Castellaro began a project to reclaim the area, which has led to transforming the Kaolin Quarries into a geo-mining park open to all. The Tenuta di Castellaro in collaboration with the Aeolian Study Center and the Nesos Association organizes tours with nature guides and cultural events to promote this open-air museum.
The Tenuta di Castellaro is located in the open countryside 20 minutes from the center of Lipari, a magical and unspoiled place, expression of the volcanic territory of the Aeolian Islands. Established as a winery in 2005, the Tenuta di Castellaro has helped to enhance the hamlet of Quattropani, a part of the island of Lipari that had fallen into complete abandonment. Within its 20 hectares planted with vines are Casa Pomice, Casa Ossidiana and Casa Caolino, created from the renovation of three ancient ruins that combine the Tenuta di Castellaro's wine production with an original and unique hospitality service. They are three micro residences named as three volcanic stones found on Lipari set in a dreamlike landscape, between the green of the native vines of Malvasia delle Lipari and Corinto Nero and the blue of the surrounding sea. Renovated with local materials such as lava stone and wood, they are equipped with every comfort and offer an independent stay in a relaxing atmosphere. Not far from the micro-residences is the winery, a 2,000-square-meter space dedicated to landscape, architecture and technology, with full respect for nature, people and traditions where visits and tastings are conducted daily. The estate is an example of sustainable best practices, both for the energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction solutions it presents and for the enhancement of the territory, reintroducing a very ancient system of alberello vine cultivation and redeveloping the ancient Kaolin Quarries, now transformed into an open-air museum.
