Tuesday April 30: We spent the entire day at the ancient (now modern) abbey-become-winery-become-hotel. We explored the buildings and grounds, especially enjoying our walk among the extensive vineyards.
I would have made a good Benedictine monk. I can imagine my life as a monk at this eleventh century abbey – waking up to the crisp dawn chorus of roosters, followed by a morning of tending to the lush vineyards under the Mediterranean sun. Sure, the vows of poverty might seem daunting and the chastity thing is a little harsh, but who needs material wealth when you have barrels upon barrels of exquisite wine at your fingertips? And, besides I’m sure there had to be a little wiggle room in those vows. I picture myself, as I and my brethren sip on the fruits of our labor, surrounded by the stunning Sicilian mountainside views, the monotony of monastic life fades into the background. With each glass, we raise a toast to the simple pleasures: the subtle aromas, the velvety textures, and the camaraderie of our fellow brothers. Who needs the hustle and bustle of the outside world when you have the tranquility of Santa Anastasia and a never-ending supply of five-star vino to keep your spirits high? Yes, I would have been a good monk.
The Benedictine Order, the order that established this abbey, is one of the oldest and most influential monastic orders in the Christian Church. It traces its origins to St. Benedict of Nursia, who lived in Italy in the 6th century. St. Benedict is often regarded as the father of Western monasticism due to his establishment of the Rule of Saint Benedict, a guidebook for communal living and spiritual growth.
The Rule of Saint Benedict emphasizes balance, moderation, and stability in the monastic life. It outlines principles of prayer, work, study, and community living, all aimed at achieving spiritual growth and closeness to God. The Benedictine motto, "ora et labora" (pray and work), encapsulates this balanced approach to life. Fortunately for us, the “labora” part at the Abbazia Santa Anastasia meant those 10th century monks were developing these world class vineyards and the rootstock that grows from them yet today.
The mission of Benedictine monks is to seek God through a life of prayer, work, and service to others through hospitality. I think that those ancient monks would be pleased to see that this particular abbey is still working hard on those vineyards and providing hospitality for us wine tourists.
Through the hard work of those early monks, and those that have followed, the wines of these mountains are legendary. The breathtaking beautiful vineyards of the Abbey stretch from the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the top of the mountain. Therefore they can, and do, grow low altitude and and high altitude grapes, cold tolerant and heat loving grapes, grapes destined for reds, roses, and whites. All these grapes are vented at the abbey and they NEVER buy grapes from off of the estate. Walking through the vineyards was pleasant exercise, and a meaningful way to connect with the history and the very soul of this part of Sicily. All this is to say that I really liked their wine.
Later we enjoyed exploring more of the abbey buildings including the small church where monks, abbots, and now wine tourists have been able to meditate for the last 1,400 years.
We ended the day at the extraordinary estate restaurant where I paid reverent homage to my now brother monks in the best way I knew how, by drinking their wines in a paired wine tasting.
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