Experience the winemaking culture of Sicily, from its history to modern day techniques.

Transcription

1 The Grapes of Sicily Wednesday, Mar 15, 2017 Saturday, Mar 25, 2017 Experience the winemaking culture of Sicily, from its history to modern day techniques. Discover magnificent grape varieties, fertile land, extreme climates, ancient vineyards, excellent wines, and a culture deeply rooted in the tradition of winemaking throughout this indepth exploration of Sicily s wine region. From $4,295 Per person based on double occupancy. In U.S. dollars. Airfare not included unless noted otherwise. Group Size: Days Great for: educational, those interested in technical knowledge of the wine and grape industry Optional Extension 4 more days - Rome Extension 2018

2 Itinerary: Wednesday, March 15 Arrive Palermo, Menfi (D) Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival in Palermo, you ll be greeted by your Travel Director and taken by private transfer to the Cathedral of Monreale, a mingling of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman artistic styles framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. Commissioned by William II, the Normal ruler of Sicily, in the 12th century, the cathedral now features the world s largest display of stunning mosaics. Afterwards, a drive through Palermo allows the opportunity to see the city s main sites and attractions. Travel onwards to Menfi, where we ll spend the next three nights at a boutique resort catering to wine connoisseurs. The resort is positioned perfectly atop a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding sea, vineyards, and olive groves. A welcome dinner this evening showcases regional specialities paired with Planeta wine. During our meal we ll learn about the Planeta family and their history of winemaking. Overnight: La Foresteria Planeta Estate Program Highlights: Opportunities to meet and speak with expert wine makers and their technical staffs. This includes: agronomists, enologists, quality-control managers, and vineyard overseers. Vineyard, wine cellar, and estate tours throughout. Daily education of Sicily s highest-quality wines and in-depth discussions focused on Enology and Viticulture. Learn about ancient and modern winemaking technologies. Insider access tours led by expert local guides through Sicily s most famous attractions and towns. Exquisite meals featuring Sicily s local produce and authentic dishes. Thursday, March 16 Marsala (B,L) Head out to Santa Ninfa where we ll stop at the Ferreri & Bianco winery. We ll taste eight wines produced from Nero d Avola, Catarratto, Inzolia and Zibibbo grape varieties. A lovely lunch follows. Next, we ll venture west to the Samperi district of Marsala to Cantine De Bartoli. Here we ll learn about the legend, Marco De Bartoli a man whose mission was to revive the reputation of Marsala wine. His children, Renato and Sebastiano carry on his traditions, relying on their own estate-grown grapes (Grillo, Inzolia, and Catarratto). Focusing on lower yields produces increased fruity quality. Deviating from standard practice, the flagship label, Vecchio Samperi, is not fortified with spirits. We ll have the opportunity to speak with Marilena, who has worked with the family for years, about winemaking. A tasting of five unique wines concludes the experience. On the way back to Menfi, we ll stop at an ancient grain mill producing whole grain flours and a variety of pastas. Discover both ancient and modern milling techniques and see how ancient grains are processed. We ll learn about tumminia, an ancient grain unique to the area. It s flour is used to make the traditional black bread of Castelvetrano.

3 Back in Menfi, we ll conclude our day at Cantina Dispensa, the historical heart and production hub of the Planeta family. While touring the property meet with varied members of the technical staff. Expect to speak with agronomists, enologists, quality-control managers, and vineyard overseers. We ll see two wine cellars housing both stainless steel and wood barrels, and visit the wine library. The library contains hundreds of books dedicated to the grapevine that date back to the 18th century. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight: La Foresteria Planeta Estate Friday, March 17 Agrigento (B,L,D) Today, we ll visit two unique wineries in the Province of Agrigento. First, is a fun stop at a local goat farm. The Girgentana goat is indigenous to the province of Agrigento and is in danger of disappearing. The goats of Agrigento are unmistakable with their long spiraled corkscrew horns. Next on the agenda is a visit to the Ulmo estate by Planeta. Located near the shores of Lake Arancio, the estate is home to Chardonnay, Merlot Sito dell Ulmo, Syrah Maroccoli, and many territorial varieties. We ll take a guided tour of the winery and walk through the vineyards. Learn about the open-air Iter Vitis Museum, which details the history of Sicilian wine. Discover all the Sicilian varieties and even some ancient Georgian varieties. Lunch is to follow at the estate. Our last stop for the day is at Cantine Barbera. The location on the southwestern coast affords the boutique winery views of the deep blue sea. We ll meet Marilena Barbera, a third generation winemaker whose family has been producing grapes since the 1920s. Marilena still farms the Inzolia grape that her grandfather first planted. Perricone, Nerello, Alicante, Nero d Avola, and Grillo varietals are grown here as well. See, smell, and taste the product of vines living so close to the ocean learn how sea brine transforms into vibrant salinity. The evening concludes with a four-course dinner with wine pairings at the Planeta Estate. Overnight: La Foresteria Planeta Estate Saturday, March 18 Agrigento, Ragusa (B,L) This morning we ll make our way to Agrigento, a city on the south coast of Sicily. Our first stop is at the famous archaeological park Valley of the Temples. Continuing down the coast we ll visit the Mandranova estate. Owned by Silvia and Giuseppe di Vincenzo, the secluded 19th century farmhouse sits on 420 hilly acres. We ll tour the estate, surrounded by olive groves, and learn about oil production at the mill. Afterwards, we ll enjoy a home cooked lunch prepared by Silvia. Our day ends in Ragusa where we stay for three nights. Following the hotel check in, we ll join our Travel Director on a walking tour of the city. Enjoy dinner at your leisure this evening. Overnight: San Giorgio Palace Hotel

4 Sunday, March 19 Modica, Ragusa (B,L) We take it easy today, staying close to our home base. The first stop is at Planeta Buonivini located near the Baroque towns of Modica and Noto. The grape varieties grown here are Nero d Avola and Moscato Bianco, which are used to make the Santa Cecilia DOC Noto and Passito di Noto DOC wines respectively. Like many Sicilian wineries, this estate is eco-friendly. Expert staff lead us on a tour of the winery, which is hidden within the natural slope of the hill to preserve the surrounding nature. Just a few minutes down the road is the Marabino winery and Torre Marabino a four-star relais situated in the natural bliss of the countryside. We ll learn about the two different growing methods practiced at the winery, each used specifically for new plants and old vines. The 35 hectares of vineyards are grown on different soil chromaticity calcareous white, terra rossa and black clayey soil. The winery focuses mainly on the native vines of the region, Moscato di Noto and Nero d Avola, together with a careful selection of Chardonnay clones. Lunch is enjoyed at the farm cantina, which serves its own organic products and wines. We ll spend the rest of our day touring the city of Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a chocolate-rich history and filled with lively charm and plenty of atmosphere. Our local guide takes us to Antica Dolceria Bonajuto the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily, dating back to Tucked into a little side street, this constant attraction for chocolate devotees still uses production techniques similar to those used by the Aztecs at the time of the discovery of the New World. Flavors range, but the specialty of Modica, the Mpanatigghi a cookie made with minced beef and chocolate is what people remember most. Dinner is at your leisure this evening in Ragusa. Overnight: San Giorgio Palace Hotel Monday, March 20 Vittoria, Ragusa (B,L) Our adventures take place today in the territory near Vittoria, an agricultural town with a unique terroir. First we visit Aromi Farm where we ll meet with farm owner, Enrico. The farm is a leader in producing and marketing native plants and aromatic herbs focusing on endemic species of the Sicilian coast, specifically the Iblean Region. The farm produces more than 120 different varieties of plants and herbs using age old traditional methods of manual cultivation. We ll sample the different herb varieties and enjoy the use of their beautiful property for a light lunch featuring local produce. Afterward, we ll head to the COS estate, a collaboration between winemakers Giusto Occhipinti, Giambattista Cilia, and Pinuccia Strano. They craft wines from the Frappato, Grecanico, Insolia and Nero d Avola grapes. The COS winemakers are unique in many ways they were the youngest winemakers in Italy back in 1980, they were integral in reviving the land in the Vittoria region, and they use ancient Greek practices by fermenting their Pithos cuvee in clay jars (amphoras). We ll partake in an exclusive tasting with bread.

5 Our final stop is at the farm of Arianna Occhipinti, a young Sicilian star in the wine world. Her wines have been featured several times over in the New York Times wine review section, notably for her remarkable Frappato and Nero d Avola wines. She is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of biodiversity on her farm and cultivates entirely organic, with no chemicals used in the cellar or fields. Her farm consists of 10 hectares of vineyards and 15 hectares of olive groves. She was just 22 years old when she planted her first vineyard. Back in Ragusa, dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight: San Giorgio Palace Hotel Tuesday, March 21 Piazza Armerina, Catania (B,D) Today is a travel day. Headed north to Catania we ll stop at the famous Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. Built in the middle of the 4th century AD as a hunting lodge by a Roman patrician, the Villa is home to some of the best preserved Roman mosaics covering 3,500 square metres. The mosaics are without question spectacular. The vivid mosaics were most likely created by North African craftsman renowned for their skills as mosaicists. The scenes range from girls exercising in bikinis to a great hunt depicting ferocious animals tracked and brought back to Rome by boat. Continuing on, we ll arrive in Catania to our final hotel and check in. Tonight, we ll meet a special guest who joins us for dinner at the hotel s restaurant. Overnight: Donnacarmela Wednesday, March 22 Catania, Southeast Mt. Etna (B,L) Rise early this morning for a walk through Catania s bustling fish market. The back and forth banter of fishmongers, and giant swordfish and tuna slapped on tables make for a real Sicilian moment. The fresh briny aroma of the sea rounds out the experience. Following the market visit, we ll head to the family run Benanti winery at the slopes of Mount Etna. Devoted to the study of Etnean soils, the Benanti s are a passionate family. They investigate particular clones of indigenous vines and new oenological techniques. The result reproduction of ancient characteristics using modern practices of vinification. At the winery we ll walk up the tiered terraces and learn about cultivation and enjoy stunning views. Our tour continues on through the vineyards, palmento, and barrel room. Lunch is to follow. Our next stop is at the Biondi winery. The Biondi family has owned vineyards since the 1800s. Today, Ciro Biondi and his wife Stef own three vineyards. They transformed an old palmento into a winery. Barrel storage is in the little old cellar of the family house. Here we ll learn about the nuances produced in the southeast slope of Etna. Discover Etna Bianco Outis, a blend of Carricante, Moscadella dell Etna, and several other varieties. Also try the Etna Rosso Outis, made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. The day ends back at the hotel where dinner is on your own. Overnight: Donnacarmela Thursday, March 23 Northern Mt. Etna (B,L) Today, we ll traverse across Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe at 3,350 metres tall. Etna dominates the northeast landscape, puffing steam from its snow capped peak. The first eruptions occurred 500,000 years ago. Thus beginning the longest period of documented eruptions worldwide. Our first visit is with Tenuta delle Nere, an estate with over 30 years of fine winemaking. Located in the northern slopes of Etna, the property consists of over 30 hectares, divided into 10 parcels of four crus. Six hectares have been planted recently with the remaining vines, between 50 and 100 years old. Growing grapes in this region is tough business and we ll witness this in the landscape of loose deep volcanic ash to black volcanic pumice carpeting the vineyards. Our tour takes us next to Planeta s Feudo di Mezzo winery located on the northern side of the mountain. Planeta launched their

6 first state-of-the-art modern vineyard here and became the regions top wine producer. The cellars are made from the debris and lava stone left behind from a 1566 eruption. Five wines are produced here including a Brut, Nerello Mascalese, and Carricante. We ll enjoy lunch here. Our day ends at Graci. The estate has 18 hectares of planted vines, a good portion which is dedicated to ungrafted vines. After a tour and tasting we ll head back at the hotel for time to relax. Dinner is at your leisure this evening. Overnight: Donnacarmela Friday, March 24 Northeast Mt. Etna, Taormina (B,D) Our day begins in Taormina, a chic resort town perched on a rocky promontory with sweeping views of Mt. Etna and the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Naxos. We ll enjoy time for lunch and shopping on our own. After, our local guide leads us through the restored Medieval streets to soak up the ancient history. Learn the influences of those that conquered and left the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, the French and the Spanish. We ll stop at the famous Teatro Greco, a main attraction to this day. This afternoon we ll join together for a hands on pasta workshop at a lovely private villa in the heart of Taormina. After, we ll enjoy a farewell dinner of our creations paired with wines by a sommelier. The private villa features stunning views and is the ideal setting to reminisce about our vine and grape experiences. Overnight: Donnacarmela Saturday, March 25 Depart for Home (B) We ll check out of the hotel and head out early this morning by private transfer to the Catania airport for flights homes. Your Travel Director will assist with check out and transfers. If continuing onward to Rome for the four night extension, a separate private transfer to the airport can be arranged.

7 Accommodations: Days 1-3: : La Foresteria Planeta Estate Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this lovely hotel is situated in a part of Sicily boasting long sandy beaches, archaeological sites, and nature preserves. With a talented chef working magic in the kitchen, you re in for some superlative Sicilian cuisine, often served al fresco on a terrace overlooking the vineyards. Its swimming pool boasts fabulous views of vineyards and some of the island s most spectacular sunsets. In its tasting room, local gastronomic products and the estate s wines are spotlighted. Brightly painted bedrooms are furnished with a magical mix of geometrically patterned rugs, antiques, and ceramic tiles from the nearby towns of Burgio and Caltagirone; and all rooms open out on to their own private terrace. Days 4-6: : San Giorgio Palace Hotel The Palace hotel is located in the heart of Ragusa near Cathedral of San Giorgio. In 2010, the hotel underwent a restoration, combining modern luxuries with its 18th century charm. The hotel and restaurant enjoys panoramic views of the Domenica valley and is perfectly situated to enjoy a number of sites within walking distance. The well decorated cozy rooms offer air conditioning, mini bar, LCD TV, WiFi access, and en suite bathroom. The restaurant resides in what was part of a 17th century Franciscan monastery. The beautiful vaulted ceilings welcome guests at meal time. The restaurant serves distinctive foods from the region and traditional dishes.

8 Days 7-10: : Donnacarmela Located near the town of Catania, this carefully restored boutique house is a charming retreat for a Sicilian getaway. The former 19th century residence sits upon 550 hectares of gardens and vineyards. A winery is located on the northern side of Etna. The property is sophisticated yet warm and welcoming. Genuine hospitality, a courtyard lined with lava rocks, a well-stocked wine cellar, and pool surrounded by olive trees are just some of the luxuries that await. The 18 guest rooms are all different from each other in size and furnishings. The interiors have been designed with quality linens and finishes, combining modern comforts with historic details. All rooms offer air-conditioning, satellite TV, mini fridge, complimentary WiFi, and en suite bathrooms. The hotel s restaurant serves dishes that are typical to the Sicilian gastronomic tradition.

9 What s Included: 10 nights accommodations at three boutique hotels, including all taxes and fees Meals as listed on the itinerary: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 4 dinners, plus limited alcoholic beverages with select meals All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and transportation Full guiding services of a dedicated Experi Travel Director throughout Private airport transfers on the first and last scheduled day of the the program with porterage Not included: Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses; air and land transportation to/from host cities; all types of personal insurance; personal expenses

10 Optional 4 Day Program Extension Rome Extension 2018 Saturday, March 25 The Vatican Following a transfer from your last destination, check in to the hotel and enjoy time to relax. Your Travel Director will meet you for a guided tour of St. Peter s Cathedral and the Vatican Museums. End the in-depth tour at the Sistine Chapel and gaze upon this masterful piece of art. Dinner is on your own tonight with recommendations from your Travel Director. $2,595 Per person based on double occupancy. In U.S. dollars. Airfare not included unless noted otherwise. What s Included: 3 nights accommodations at a luxury hotel, including all taxes and fees 3 breakfasts at your hotel, 1 lunch All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and transportation Overnight: Boscolo Exedra Roma Sunday, March 26 Olevano Romano (B,L) This morning we ll head to the town of Olevano Romano where the Cesanese grape varietal is grown. We ll stop at a unique winery that uses only one plant per bottle of wine. We ll enjoy a tour and tasting at the lovely estate, followed by lunch in Olevano Romano. Overnight: Boscolo Exedra Roma Train transfer from Florence to Rome on first day of the extension and private transfer to Rome s Leonardo Da Vinci Airport on last scheduled day of the the program with porterage Monday, March 27 Rome (B) After breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby to embark on a private tour of Rome. Walk along narrow alleys and pass through impressive piazzas. Visit the famed Colosseum and learn its storied history. Take a seat at the Spanish Steps to soak up the energy of Rome. Dinner is on your own. Overnight: Boscolo Exedra Roma

11 Tuesday, March 28 Depart for Home (B) After breakfast, a private transfer to the Leonardo Da Vinci Airport has been arranged for your convenience. Safe travels!

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