Collection: Kalma Wines

Nestled in the sun-drenched hills of southeastern Sicily, in the vineyards surrounding the picturesque village of Chiaramonte Gulfi ( aptly nicknamed “the balcony of Sicily”) lies Kalma Estate, a small, independent winery and farm founded by two passionate, world-traveled winemakers, Nikolas and Waiata. Kalma is not just a winery; it is a return to nature and a fresh voice in contemporary Sicilian wine culture.

Nikolas, originally from Germany, studied viticulture and winemaking in his homeland and in Northern Italy. He gained experience across South Africa, Chianti, the Priorat region, and finally Sicily, where he became head of viticulture at the renowned COS winery under Giusto Occhipinti. It was here that he met Waiata, a New Zealander who had lived in France, working as a sommelier in Paris and later in Melbourne, before immersing himself in the world of wine.

The two then traveled to France, working at Domaine Matassa, and later to Waiata’s homeland at Kindeli Winery in New Zealand. Yet Sicily called them back. In 2022, they purchased a 3.8-hectare vineyard in the hills of Chiaramonte Gulfi, surrounded by olive and citrus groves. Here, Azienda Agricola Kalma was born: a project that embodies not just winemaking, but a philosophy of life.

At the heart of Kalma is regenerative agriculture, which prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. No synthetic chemicals are used, interventions are minimal, and the aim is to work in harmony with nature’s rhythms. The dry, breezy Sicilian climate further supports this approach, allowing the vines to thrive with little human interference.

Their winemaking is deeply shaped by the terroir around Ragusa, which, despite the southern climate, yields elegant, low-alcohol wines. The traditions and philosophy of Giusto and Arianna Occhipinti have also left a lasting impression on their work: wines that are pure, lively, and honest, faithfully reflecting the landscape.

Kalma currently produces five wines: four from their own vineyards and one from a friend’s Marsala estate. Among their most exciting future projects is the revival of the nearly extinct Albanello grape, which they hope to vinify in an oxidative style, possibly with skin contact. Though not highly aromatic, Albanello’s excellent acidity gives it great potential, and only a few vines remain in southeastern Sicily.

Though Nikolas and Waiata were not born in Sicily, their global experience, humility, and profound respect for nature make them a true asset to the region. Their wines, like themselves, are quietly compelling, modest yet fascinatingly diverse. Each sip carries openness, freedom, a love of nature, and a touch of dreamlike levity.

In a world often dominated by industrial agriculture, Kalma is a quiet but steadfast response. Every bottle tells a story of the land, the people, and the meeting of tradition and innovation.