TAKEN BY STORM

Sicily is a paradise for wine lovers, such is the variety, finesse and abundance of Bacchus’ gift. On this grape escape to Marsala from Trapani guests will visit two of the island’s most famous wineries and savour the sumptuous flavours of traditional regional gastronomy.

1773 is a significant date in Sicilian wine history as it marks the birth of Marsala, one of the world’s best-loved fortified wines. As he was sailing towards Mazara del Vallo, English merchant John Woodhouse was caught in a sudden storm and forced to dock at the port of Marsala. Here, he dropped in at a tavern to wind down with a glass of Perpetuum, a strong local wine similar to Madeira or Porto, popular in England at that time. Delighted by its taste and glimpsing a business opportunity, he decided to purchase a large supply of that wine, with the idea of selling it on returning to his homeland. However, since shipping wine involved serious conservation issues, Woodhouse added an amount of alcohol to those barrels of wine, both to better satisfy the northern palate and to preserve the beverage during the long sea voyage… and that’s how Marsala wine was created. The first expedition was an astounding success. All the barrels of Marsala were sold in just a few days and this convinced Woodhouse and other British entrepreneurs to settle permanently in Sicily and establish their own wine companies.

It was only in the 1830s that English supremacy in Marsala-making began to be challenged by the arrival of Vincenzo Florio, a tycoon from Calabria, who acquired swathes of the land around Marsala, set about producing his own vintage and eventually managed to outdo all foreign competitors. Though managed by a different family today, after almost two centuries the winery founded by Mr Florio remains one of the leading producers of Marsala. Discover why on a guided tour.

Your private chauffeur will meet you in Trapani and drive you to this prestigious estate. Upon arrival a qualified member of staff will greet you, show you around the historic cellars and explain how fine Marsala wines are made, from grape checking, through pressing, to ageing. Later, take a seat in the tasting room and enjoy the exquisite flavours of the estate’s signature wines.

A short walk will then bring you to another highly esteemed cantina. This winery is run by a dedicated family that has been in the business since 1851 and now owns four estates located in different wine producing areas across Sicily. Some 170 years of wine growing wisdom have resulted in the creation of a vast range of elixirs made mostly with native Sicilian grape varieties including Nero d’Avola, Inzolia, Catarratto and Zibibbo. On a visit to the underground barrique cellar, guests will discover the history of this estate and get to know about its wine making techniques. A delicious light lunch featuring classic Sicilian specialities and paired with a careful selection of the estate’s wines will follow.

In the afternoon your private chauffeur will drive you back to Trapani.