Wine and Menhirs: Journey in the heart of the island

Sorgono is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Oristano region's interior. What makes it particularly intriguing is its unique geographical position—it sits at the precise center of Sardinia. At this extraordinary point, the ancients erected monumental Menhirs, standing almost 2 meters tall, incredibly heavy, and arranged in rows facing southeast. There are 150 of these Menhirs still standing in rows, while an additional 50 lay fallen or buried beneath the earth. Due to its abundance of Menhirs, Sorgono ranks among the most significant sites in the Mediterranean.

The Menhir phenomenon belongs to the "Megalithic" period, dating back around 5000 years, during which monoliths weighing several tons were erected around the world for ritualistic or astronomical purposes. Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous example, but it's by no means the only one.

The archaeological area of Biru Concas, known as the "Path of the Heads," features hundreds of Menhirs arranged in an east-west line. While some Menhirs may have been relocated, the site has retained its authenticity. During our visit, we will examine and seek to understand the function of these Menhirs, which the academic community interprets as astronomical calendars associated with the rites of the Mother Goddess, prosperity, and fertility.

Our journey continues through cork oak woods, surrounded by enormous gray granite boulders that have silently observed the ages. Our destination is the "Nuraghe Talei," emerging from a granite outcrop in the heart of the forest. This Nuraghe is considered a "protonuraghe," one of the earliest constructed on the island.

After exploring Nuraghe Talei, we'll retrace our steps along the path to return to our vehicles. Next, we'll head to the San Mauro sanctuary, where we'll visit the church—a fine example of Spanish architecture dating back to 1564. This church was built atop a Nuragic sanctuary, likely dedicated to the cult of water.

We'll marvel at the church's rose window, stroll through the Mediterranean herb garden, and then seek respite in the cool shade of the San Mauro fountains—ancient water sources nestled within a shady woodland.

Following this refreshing natural interlude, we'll transition to a cellar for further refreshments. Here, we'll have the opportunity to savor Mandrolisai Doc wines during a tasting session, accompanied by delectable appetizers. There's no better way to conclude a day brimming with exploration, where wine and Menhirs have intertwined to create a rich tapestry of emotions!