The exterior façades and architectural friezes of the two-storey building, carved from the soft limestone of Val di Noto, recall in architectural details the neo-baroque style typical of the aristocratic palaces of southeastern Sicily. . What makes this place unique is the hospitality of the owners. Sylvia La Padulaarchitect, e Giuseppe Pulvirenti, artists who have taken care of every detail of the renovation project and welcome guests with great love as if they were at home. A place full of charm that intends to preserve the history that has accompanied it over the centuries and make the true essence of Sicily and its traditions still alive. In fact, for those who want to relax without moving, there is the possibility of having lunch or dinner in the house thanks to the skillful hands of the chefs that are available to guests. Every day, succulent local recipes are prepared upon reservation, using products from the surrounding area.
Visit a family winery
Continue towards Vittoria and it is in Acate to discover Winery Donnafugataone family history with over 170 years of experience experience in the field of quality wine, and who, with passion, was able to change the perception of Sicilian wine in the world. Today the company is headed José and Antonio Rallofifth generation, together with mother Gabriella Anka Rallo. The name Donnafugata comes from a famous book The Leopard by Tommaso di Lampedusa, and refers to Queen Maria Carolina, who, having fled from Naples, took refuge in what is today the vineyards of Marsala. The story that also inspired the logo: a woman’s face with hair blowing in the wind.
The company has four estates and a historic family cellar: Marsala, Entellina winery, Pantelleria, Etna and Vittoria. And it’s right in Territory DOC Vittoriathat we find a wine cellar of the latest generation, surrounded by 42 hectares of vineyards and 3 olive groves. “We thought we could accurately interpret the territory of Vittoria, but get wines that are unusual in relation to the local tradition. Two very important and characteristic grape varieties are grown here: one is Frappato, an extremely ancient variety, very funny, which produces a fruity, light wine with hints of blue flowers and violets. And then there is Nero D’Avola, the prince of the vineyards, which gives different results in this area, giving life to a ruby red, pale and not intense, with spicy aromas. This is how red wines with very soft tannins are born, which can be served at a temperature of 14 degrees. Fine wines with a strong character that should be drunk chilled to easily pair with fish dishes,” he explains. José Rallo.