Marsala: a picturesque marina and, at the same time, an outdoor cellar because of its landscape dotted with ancient “bagli”. These typical buildings of the Sicilian countryside were used in XVIII century to produce and preserve wine. Marsala is the base of excursions towards the Egadi isles, Mozia and archeological sites, as well as towards cellars and typical stores which are witnesses of an ancient food and wine tradition.
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Day 1
Arrival of the participants. Accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to Donnafugata winery, which grew out of the commitment of the family Rallo in Sicily that has 150 years of experience in producing premium wines. Their adventure took wing from the family’s historic cellars in Marsala and the vineyards at Contessa Entellina in the heart of western Sicily and soared as far as the island of Pantelleria. Mille e una Notte Rosso – Contessa Entellina DOC 2006 was awarded 3 Bicchieri by the Gambero Rosso guide in 2010; it’s a noble version of Nero d’Avola with a dense ruby-red color. The enthralling bouquet calls attention to mature and sweet but not cooked scents and balsamic and floral notes of violets with a light trace of tobacco at the close. A wine with a big structure and a remarkable personality. Ben Ryé Bianco Naturale Dolce – Passito di Pantelleria DOC 2008 was awarded in 2010 by the Italian Sommelier Association. This wine displays its extraordinary personality and depth initially with its bright amber yellow color. After the first, intense notes of apricots and peaches, the bouquet offers sweet sensations of dried figs, honey, herbs and mineral notes. In the afternoon, we continue visiting the inactive Silvester craters. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to Caruso & Minini winery. For choice and passion, Stefano Caruso and Mario Minini choose to build the winery in an old “baglio” in the heart of the traditional wine-cellar area of Marsala. The contribution that the type of soil, altitude and distance from the sea could give to the quality of the grapes produced, was discovered by the son of Francesco Nino, who in the middle of the 1900’s at a very young age, led the family company. Among the most prestigious wines there is the Inzolia 2007, that was awarded with Gran Menzione at the Vinitaly 2008; it’s a clear and crystalline wine with an intense bouquet expressing soft refinement and gracefulness. The taste is fruity, crispy and soft. Grecanico 2008, a white wine produced in the vineyard “Terre di Giumara” , was awarded the silver medal in Concours Mondial of Bruxelles in 2009. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, we continue visiting the winery Cantine Florio, which merged with Duca di Salaparuta and Corvo wineries. Duca Enrico 2007 was awarded in 2010 by the Italian Sommelier Association; it’s a Nero d’Avola, ruby red in colour with garnet nuances; the bouquet is a blend of ripe fruit, irises and spices; it is strong, round and well-balanced on the palate with scents of wood and has great persistence. Donna Franca Marsala superior was awarded in 2010 by the Italian Sommelier Association; this elegant dessert wine has brilliant topaz colour with intense amber flashes. Full, warm, soft velvety flavour with an elegant vanilla base with a caramel finish and bitter almonds. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overstay.
Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to Firriato winery, born in the mid-1980’s,which is set in the heart of the marvelous scenario of the Trapani countryside. Firriato produces great Sicilian wines of international fame, such as Harmonium 2006 which was awarded Golden Medal at the Concours Mondial in Bruxelles in 2009; this Nero d’Avola, with marvellous scent of cherry, prunes, concentrated flavours of blackberry and chocolate with velvety tannins, overwhelms the palate seducing with its extraordinary persistence. Ribeca 2007 produced from Perricone grapes, was awarded by the Italian Sommelier Association in 2010. It’s a deep purplish ruby red wine, with scent of marasca cherry jam, a balanced acidity that never steps out of line and silky, caressing, dynamic tannins of great charm. In the afternoon. you’ll have the opportunity to choose among the optional excursions listed below or free time at leisure. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel. End of our services.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
(to be reserved in advance; prices are not included in the rates):
Stagnone island : Halfway between Trapani and Marsala there is a shallow sea called the Stagnone sea and a unique group of islands facing Favignana called the Stagnone islands. In addition to the biggest Isola Grande (also known as Isola Lunga) there are the smallest Isles of Santa Maria, of La Scuola and the most famous and fascinating island of Mozia (San Pantaleo). At the beginning of the 20th century, Joseph Whitaker discovered the ruins of the ancient Phoenician colony of Mothia, whose remains are housed in the archaeological museum.
La Via del Sale : Along the street from Trapani to Marsala, passing through Paceco, there are white and dazzled mountains that shine at the sunlight: these are the “saline (saltworks), one of the historical resources of Sicilian economy since the time of Phoenicians, who created the first technologies of salt production. The favorable climate, the shallow waters, the hot temperature and the wind that helps evaporation, create a striking and unreal square of colours going from pink to green. Un important stage is Nubia (seat of WWF that manages the Natural Reserve of Saline of Trapani and Paceco), where the Museum of Salt is housed into a 300 years old house. Here, you can see the different phases of salt working, and some utensils used for its extraction and its harvesting. The photos of “salinari” at working contribute to get visitors in the world of saline.
The Punic boat : A wine establishment of the last century is today a museum that preserves the archaeological remains founded during the excavation between Marsala and Mozia. It houses a rich collection of pottery, funerary furniture and votives stems, jewellery and architectural elements. There is also the beautiful mosaic coming from the roman isle, the Punic boat and the Venere Callipigia. The statue of Venus has been found recently and even though it’s without arms and legs, it attracts for its soft and elegant form and nudity.
Erice, a surreal medieval town : Erice rises on the homonymous mount Erice and it’s a tiny town which preserves its medieval fascination. Since 1963, it’s the seat of the Scientific Cultural Centre Ettore Majorana, founded by professor Antonino Zichichi, that is attended by the most qualified researchers in the world of different sectors: medicine, law, astronomy, philology and chemistry. For this reason, Erice is called “town of science”. Strolling through the typical streets, you’ll see the remains of Venus castle and the Mother Church.
Rates include:
– Mini-coach, including transfers at arrival and depart.
-Accommodation in hotel 3/4 star in double room with private facilities.
– Half Board basis (dinner on first day till breakfast on last day) beverage not included
– our tour escort
– tasting in the 3 wine cellars as indicated in the programme
– our assistance; IVA and taxes
Rates don’t include:
– Beverages; extra;
– tips and porterages;
– Optional excursions
– Everything not mentioned in “rates include”