Knowing that Sicily produces some excellent and unique wines, we booked a night at the Wine Relais Feudi del Pisciotto Niscemi to break up the trip from Siracusa to Agrigento. We were hoping for a visit to a local winery, and this stay completely exceeded our expectations.

The original feudo (Italian for ‘estate’) was built in 1700 and produced fine Sicilian wines for centuries, using the traditional methods of wine production that were used since Roman times.

Here we see the room where the grapes were loaded from wagons (outside, on both sides) into large stone rectangular areas. In these stone “boxes,” the grapes were pressed by foot, and the juice ran off through channels into vats waiting in the room below, where it was made into wine. Today, glass openings in the floor provide a view into the lower level.

The winery, its estate villa, and the outbuildings fell into neglect and disrepair in the first part of the twentieth century (perhaps during one of the world wars), and the old vines died off. But the ruined estate was purchased about ten years ago or so and is in the process of being artfully restored. The vineyards have been largely replanted, and, with the old winery still on display, they are now making wines using the most modern techniques.

The location is stunning.

The grounds of the winery are spare, appropriate to the region, and beautiful.

And they have added a beautiful pool!

Finally, I have to mention that the dining room is as elegant as the dinner was delicious. And the breakfast buffet was the best we had in Sicily.