Tasca d’Almerita’s Regaleali Estate is a working winery in the Sclafani countryside of Sicily, with vineyards, olive groves and guest rooms in a 17th-century palazzo. Book ahead for a guided visit that pairs a slow-paced tour and wine tasting with classic Sicilian cooking. You can also arrange a picnic or cooking class. The estate is quiet and remote, so follow its driving directions carefully and consider staying overnight to spend more time among the vines and in the culinary garden.
A winery in the Sclafani countryside
Regaleali is Tasca d’Almerita’s estate in the mountainous countryside of Sclafani, in central Sicily. The winery sits among vineyards and olive groves, with the estate grounds covering about 1,000 acres. Its quiet, rural setting is part of the visit, but it also means you should plan your route before setting out. The drive can be difficult in places, so follow the directions provided by the estate.
The estate’s winemaking history spans generations of the Tasca family. The family helped shape modern Sicilian winemaking, including by experimenting with grapes from outside the island. The wines made here include local varieties as well as blends with grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The high-altitude setting and cool microclimate are associated with the estate’s red wines.
Wine tasting, meals and cooking classes
A visit can combine a guided tour with a tasting and a meal. The tour takes a slow, storytelling approach to the estate, and the tasting can be followed by home-style Sicilian cooking. A three-course lunch has also been part of a tasting visit. Ask about the current experience options when booking, since a tour, meal, picnic and cooking class are separate ways to plan your time here.
For a picnic, arrange it in advance. One available picnic experience has included a generous spread of fresh local food. Cooking classes are held at Case Vecchie, an estate farmhouse used as a cooking school. The estate’s wines give you a chance to taste Sicilian grapes such as Inzolia and Nero d’Avola, as well as blends. Cannoli have been served during a cooking-class visit.
Staying at the estate
Regaleali is also a place to stay, rather than only a stop for a tasting. The estate has nine guest rooms in a 17th-century palazzo overlooking a jasmine-filled courtyard. The rooms let you make more time for the grounds, including the vineyards, olive groves, culinary garden and pool area.
There is little nearby city-centre activity, so an overnight stay suits travellers who want a quiet rural break and plan to spend time at the estate. If you are visiting only for a tour, book your experience ahead and allow for the drive in and out. The estate’s restaurant and tasting experiences are a practical way to combine food and wine without treating the winery as a brief cellar-door stop.
Perguntas frequentes
Do you need to reserve a visit to Regaleali Estate?
Yes. Reserve tours and experiences in advance. Arrange a picnic or cooking class ahead of time as well.
Can you eat at the estate?
A guided visit can include classic Sicilian cooking, and some tasting visits include a three-course meal. Picnics can also be arranged in advance.
Can you stay at Regaleali Estate?
Yes. The estate has nine guest rooms in a 17th-century palazzo overlooking a jasmine-filled courtyard.
Is Regaleali Estate easy to reach by car?
The approach roads can be rough. Follow the estate’s driving directions closely.
