Cantina Quattrocieli in Alcamo, Sicily, a winery I visited in September (pictured), reported that they tasted their novello (new wine) for San Martino, and they are happy with the results thus far. For the young wine makers, who are still growing their business and perfecting their craft, this is wonderful news! Bravi e auguri!
Category: Observations about Culture
Saint Martin’s Day: The Test Taste
After an arduous year of meticulously caring for the vines, pruning them, constantly minding the ground at the bases of the plants, and praying for fare weather conditions, in September, wine makers harvested their grapes for the next step of the wine making process. Today’s production is done in laboratory-like cantinas of stainless steel… An…
Peace Dove in Mazara Del Vallo, Sicily
Tile on the a wall in the kasbah of Mazara del Vallo (Photo Credit: Peter DiGeronimo)
The Madonna Of The Milicia River
My heart is heavy knowing about the loss of life because of the Milicia River spontaneously swelling in Casteldaccia, Sicily over the weekend due to torrential rains. When I heard the tragic news, I immediately thought of the Madonna of the Milicia, the sacred painting, pictured, that is venerated in Casteldaccia and Altavilla Milicia, coastal…
Thinking of Sciacca, Sicily
I’m thinking of Sciacca, Sicily today. The seaside, fishing town experienced torrential rains and massive flooding the past couple of days. Please keep the townspeople in your hearts as they recover from the damage and loss.
Pupaccene For The Day Of The Dead in Sicily
Orlando and Rolando, our heroes from the opera dei pupi theater, make an appearance off-stage, today, for the Day of the Dead, known in Sicilian as, un juornu re muorti; yet this time, as sugar dolls, or pupaccene, pictured. Pupaccene, which today are only made by a handful of artisans in Sicily, are traditionally produced…
Marzipan for All Souls Day
We are upon the feast celebrations of the Day of the Dead (Giorno dei Morti, or in Sicilian, Un juornu re muorti), All Saints Day, and All Souls Day (Nov. 2). Although traditions are changing as a result of the modern world, in the past, on November 2, Sicilians, who have a profound appreciation for…
Another Black Madonna in Sicily
Tucked away near the castle that gives Castellamare del Golfo its name is the Chiesa di Maria SS del Rosario, which is believed to have been built in such a secluded corner during the Norman era, circa 1100, to hide it from invading pirates. Inside is this alter devoted to the Madonna dell’Agnuni, or Madonna…
Sicily Beyond the Guidebook
Along with Pierfilippo Spoto of Val di Kam excursions, I was interviewed last month in Sicily by “in3minuti.it” news about relational tourism and why we, Experience Sicily, bring our clients to the Sicanian mountains of south-central Sicily… And why we program more time in Agrigento Province than most tour operators. The answer is simple: If…
The Key To Success Is Who You Know
Because when you know the right people, you can get insider access to the cool places with the breathtaking views. (Sicily has a lot of castles, and I love that the key to this one actually says, “Castello” to open the gate to the castle!) Grazie Giuseppe Sciurca for your hospitality!