Tenuta di Fessina

Niched in between the northern edge of the immense Parco de Etna and the Nebrodi parc to the east, you will find this beautifully restored eighteenth century Palmento with its old vineyard of Nerello Mascalese grapes dating back to the past century. Its comfortable atmosphere and refined style are most agreeable for any length of stay whether you are a solo traveler or more.

At a Glance

• In the countryside
• 6 guest rooms
• Outdoor space for relaxing and dining
• Winery experience
• Meals, food and wine pairing
• Possibility of independent Palmento villa with 3 guest rooms

Location

The vineyards of Fessina are located at 675 m above sea level in the small town of Rovittello and just 10 mn from the town of Castiglione di Sicilia. As you cross over the trails of the CircumEtnea railway loop you will see a group of 17 th century dwellings gathering around an ancient lava millstone with the chianca- the winepress- still intact. Besides, lie hidden the century-old vineyards of Fessina. Seven hectares of mainly Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio with a few bush vines here and there of Carricante and Minella that occupy a protected amphitheater naturally designed for conviviality and hospitality. Inevitably, at the Tenuta di Fessina one is guided to bond with the century old vines, the ancient stones, with mother earth and the ashes of the volcano.

Layout

Besides wine tasting, food-and-wine pairing and educational activities that are at the forefront of the Fessina experience, the standards provided by the accommodation alone are quite exceptional. Here, “there is nothing else but grace and measure, richness, quietness, and pleasure” as is locally known and enjoyed. The fully renovated estate consists of 5 independent volumes enclosing a central courtyard which overlook the vineyards all the way to Castiglione di Sicilia.

Upon entering the courtyard

You will be greeted by the hospitality building where the reception, labs and tasting areas are located. The Wine Tasting Hall hosts two testing tables comfortably seating up to 24 people and the Tasting House Terrace itself boasts breath-taking view of vineyard and the Nebrodi Mountains. This terrace can accommodate up to 100 people.  Next to it is the service annex with the main kitchen. Here breakfast and other meals are prepared using only the freshest ingredients in season. All meals can be served into the main room or another space of your choice. As you will see the main courtyard, or the Corte is also used for wine tasting.

The Palmento

Further ahead and slightly raise, is the lateral living area of the Palmento featuring the Salone della Casa. Breakfast is usually served in this beautifully renovated room or on to the Palmento’s large terrace outside. These are a lovely spot to contemplate the fine landscape, relax and spend time reading, having a cup of coffees or teas and homemade biscuits that are available all day. The fine wine list provides for a delightful aperitif to be imbibed while enjoying gorgeous views overlooking the Vineyard and Nebrodi Mountains, or from somewhere snug by the fireplace. An open plan kitchen is available which usually provides a few delicacies as well.

On its three floors, the Palmento di Fessina quietly speaks of memories of the past. This can be seen not only in the fine furnishings and collection of things but also in the architecture of the build and the wine cellars that have been preserved beneath on the lower floor. Every ornament becomes a festive companion of discovery, both as an expression of pure aesthetics and as a reminder of that ancient need of man to surround  himself with warmth and beauty: Sicilian lace, decorated lava stone, old iron tools, objects of local art let the primitive mingle with contemporary in harmony.

Inside Fessina

Is a place of wonder with a humanistic vision that focuses on the senses: to feel the ancient earth under your feet and the rock around you, to breathe the memory of wine and the elusive aromas of each season. You may also host events, wedding parties and ceremonies

An apercu of the cellars will occur as you are led to the privacy of sleeping area. Stepping over the recently renovated cellars and entering a glazed corridor, you will enjoy exceptional views of what lies below and above.

The bedrooms

CUFINA he standard twin room suspended under the roof of the Palmento, dominates the view from above. Below are two gracefully furnished superior bedrooms with balconies. TINA gives on to the garden and wider landscape beyond, and CANEDDA gives on to the courtyard with the fiery “muntagna “behind it. Each with its own en-suite bathroom and heavenly atmosphere.

Choices of suites:

ISTENNA is the junior suite in the pulsating heart of Fessina. A step away from the original cellar and vineyards. It is a place to breath the full experience of Etna Viticulture. LITTURINA is the junior suite closest to the legendary trails of the Circumetna. Punctuating the day here, guests can take in the view of the Volcano in all its glory. VIDDIRAMI the largest suite, is immersed in the lava rock that breathes the intimate life of the courtyard.

Special features

• Great food, top wines, refined rooms: what more could you want?
• The staff at Fessina are charming, informative and genuinely helpful: they all go beyond the call of duty
• The estate feels rural and remote, yet you are within reasonable driving range of the coastline, Mount Etna and of some fascinating inland towns
• The sitting rooms and winery have an intimate vibe, as does the winery lab.
• You can learn how the Etna wines are created and, if you like, join in with the annual grape harvest

Distances

• Closest airport: Catania, 1h by car
• Closest towns: Linguaglossa, 6 minutes by car; Piedimonte Etneo, 15 minutes by car; Taormina, 40 minutes by car

Prices in Euros