Guided wine tasting in the Val di Noto

About This Experience

This is a seated, guided tasting at a winery in the countryside between Noto and Pachino, built around four wines of the Val di Noto and the grape the area is famous for, Nero d'Avola. The wines are poured with simple local food and the guide explains what the warm climate and limestone soils do to the glass.

Depending on the option you book, the four wines come with almonds, Sicilian olives, bread and Feudo Maccari extra virgin olive oil, or with a fuller plate of dried Pachino cherry tomatoes, semi-matured caciocavallo, Palazzolo salami and a Bronte pistachio babaganoush. A separate option adds a technical tasting of two olive oils, one Sicilian and one Tuscan.

It is short, about 45 minutes, and it is genuinely for beginners: reviewers who describe themselves as novices say it was pitched at the right level, and the small-group host takes questions. Children are welcome on a child ticket that swaps the wine for a cheese board, and under-fours are free.

You get yourself to the estate on the Noto to Pachino road. Be on time: the operator applies a surcharge for arrivals more than half an hour late. Tell them about allergies when you book. It is a natural stop between a morning in baroque Noto and an afternoon on the beaches at Marzamemi or Vendicari.

Highlights

• Four Val di Noto wines, led by Nero d'Avola, tasted at a countryside winery near Noto
• Sicilian pairings: almonds, olives, bread and Feudo Maccari olive oil, or a fuller plate on the upgraded option
• A guide who explains the climate and limestone soils behind the wines; pitched well for beginners
• Child tickets with a cheese board instead of wine; under-fours free
• About 45 minutes, so it fits between Noto and the Marzamemi coast

What's Included

• ✓ Guided tasting of 4 Val di Noto wines
• ✓ Almonds, Sicilian olives, bread and Feudo Maccari extra virgin olive oil (standard option)
• ✓ Fuller pairing plate with dried Pachino tomatoes, caciocavallo, Palazzolo salami and pistachio babaganoush (upgraded option)
• ✓ Technical tasting of two extra virgin olive oils (olive-oil option)

Not Included

• Transport to the winery
• Anything not listed in the option you book

Good to Know & Caveats

• Check which option you are booking: the standard tasting has a light plate, the upgraded one a fuller Sicilian board, and a third adds an olive-oil tasting.
• Arrive on time; the operator adds a 30% surcharge for arrivals more than 30 minutes late.
• Report allergies, intolerances and special needs when you book; the estate does not accept liability without notice.
• The child price includes a cheese board of local specialities; children up to four join free.
• The visit is about 45 minutes; pair it with Noto's old town or the Vendicari coast rather than making it the whole day.

Meeting Point

The winery on the SP19 Noto to Pachino road at km 14.5, Noto; the exact location comes with the booking.