Picture this: You’re soaking up the warm Sicilian sun, strolling through lush, green vineyards, as the gentle sounds of nature serenade you. All the while, the enticing aromas of the landscape fill the air. This is Zisola, a wine-lovers paradise nestled in the sun-drenched landscapes of south-eastern Sicily.
Set within close proximity to the UNESCO world heritage site of Noto, a city echoing with Baroque grandeur, Zisola is an enchanting 50-hectare estate owned by the Mazzei family. This family of esteemed vintners embarked on their wine-making project in 2003, instilling Zisola with an intimate, artisanal touch that perfectly complements the estate’s organic transition.
The Wine Tours
Open year-round, Zisola provides immersive wine experiences that cater to connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and beginners alike. One of the most popular packages is the Private Zisola Wine Experience. This journey begins at the heart of the vineyard, exploring the estate’s CRU vineyards, followed by an intimate tour of the historical 18th-century farmhouse-turned-cellar and barrique cellar, where wine ages in perfect conditions. The experience culminates in a lavish tasting of six distinct wines, each embodying the passion and expertise of the Mazzei family.
For a more in-depth exploration, the Premium Wine Tour invites guests to trail the journey of the grapes from the Doppiozeta vineyards to the barrique cellar. The Zisola Wine & Food Experience, on the other hand, interweaves the wonders of the wine-making process with the succulent flavours of local produce during a Light Lunch.
The Wines
A testimony to the Mazzei family’s dedication to producing wines of character and nuance, Zisola’s portfolio encompasses four reds and two whites. The aim is to showcase the distinct personality of Sicily and the historic Nero d’Avola grape variety in each bottle. Committing to tradition and quality, the wines are aged in some 350 oak barrels.
The Olive Oil
Zisola is not only a treasure trove of wines but also a producer of the exquisite Sicilia IGP Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. The oil, composed of Moresca, Ogliarola Messinese, and Nocellara Etnea olives, has a sweet golden hue, and its flavour profile is a delightful medley of fruity, spicy, and sweet notes – a perfect embodiment of Sicilian temperament. The Monocultivar di Nocellara Etnea, a single-variety oil, is another testament to Zisola’s dedication to quality and flavour.
The Grappasessanta
At Zisola, you can also discover the pleasure of Sicily’s first ‘full-proof’ grappa, Grappasessanta. Aged meticulously in small oak barrels, this 60° proof grappa offers a unique velvety experience. Its character is both robust and complex, yet incredibly smooth, a hallmark of its creator, the master distiller Giovi.
A visit to Zisola is more than just a trip; it’s an exploration of the senses. The sprawling vineyards, the orchards brimming with citrus, olives, and almonds, and the hypnotic views of Noto combine to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience. As you tread the lush gardens and take in the sweeping views, every sip, taste, and aroma at Zisola comes together to narrate a beautiful, sensorial story of Sicily.
Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a culinary explorer, or simply an ardent traveller seeking unique experiences, Zisola is a chapter of Sicily waiting to be explored and savoured. Let the scenic beauty, rustic charm, and sublime flavours of Zisola become an integral part of your Sicilian memories.
For more information, visit the Zisola official website
