In a few (too short) weeks 2023 will be upon us which has me thinking about travel trends, so I did some research. While opinions somewhat differ from one publication to another, one trend that remains steady is that families want to spend time together, sharing authentic experiences. Family reunions and multi-generational trips are popular, and the reason for this is a no-brainer. Same with wish lists and bucket lists, depending on who you ask. People are no longer postponing those dream destinations, and I have heard that all too familiar, “life is too short,” quote many times in the past year. Travelers are ready to push beyond their comfort zones, want authentic, off the beaten path experiences, and have expressed interest in discovering new cultures and trying new experiences. Cookie cutter trips are out as people reevaluate what is important to them after the pandemic. Travelers don’t want to rush an experience; they want to savor and share it with loved ones. Those who enjoy traveling solo, expressed a desire to make new friends along the way.
With Thanksgiving almost here, I thought about culinary tourism and how travelers love to learn about countries and cultures through their food. As families and loved ones are increasingly seeking authentic experiences together, taking cooking classes while away on their trip has been a big part of their shared experiences, and a way for them to stay connected upon their return. Food has a way of bringing people together, and Thanksgiving is a perfect example of that. While traveling, food becomes a way to connect with others as well. Conversations have started over one person noticing an interesting dish or scrumptious dessert served to another guest, that they wanted to try, or chatting about different flavors while in a cooking class on a foodie tour with a group. Families will share their experiences over dinner, and thanks to social media, we now share those images with our friends far and wide while we are traveling.
Countries are also often associated with particular foods. People will travel across the world to eat an authentic tagine in Morocco, or the best ramen in Japan and let’s not forget the best pizza in Italy! While the pristine beaches and ancient architecture steeped in some of the Mediterranean’s richest history, and their “dolce far niente” way of life is quite intoxicating, Italian food is without question one of the main attractions. Wait … no I meant to say the wine! Well, it is definitely a tie. Italy is famous for both.
Food and Wine at Di Giovanna Winery
I am a firm believer in seeking out that off the beaten path adventure, and I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the Di Giovanna winery, nestled in the mountainside of Monte Genuardo, which is a protected nature reserve. Di Giovanna is one of the oldest wine growing families in Sicily. For my wine afficionados and clients, their viticulture tradition dates back five generations, between Contessa Entellina and Sambucca di Sicilia and they have won many awards.
Not only do they provide an incredible wine tasting experience, they collaborate with the Abbey Santa Maria Del Bosco, a magnificent ancient Sicilian Abbey, which is also situated in the Monte Genuardo nature reserve. Imagine staying in a gorgeous yet primitive abbey, probably dating back to 1300. You can read more about the Abbey HERE and by the way, it is a stunningly beautiful destination wedding venue! Take a look at those pictures.
And, to add to the culinary experience, the winery offers a market tour and Di Giovanna wine lunch. This full-on Sicilian food experience includes a chef-led walking market tour with a local expert, to discover the unique and beautifully unpredictable outdoor food markets in the historic city center of Palermo. This is followed by a communal hands-on cooking class with lunch. Just imagine impressing your friends back home with your new-found Sicilian cooking skills!
The best times to visit this stunningly beautiful winery are during spring and fall when travelers can enjoy a few nights in the abbey. Being in the mountains, just 20 km from the Mediterranean coastline, the hillsides are covered in wildflowers and herbs in the spring and visitors can enjoy the fresh ricotta. The fall is the grape and olive harvest season, still with plenty of sunshine and light. During this time visitors can enjoy cooler temperatures and a more laid-back experience as there are fewer tourists. The sea is usually warm enough for swimming until October. The island is also famous for its cathedrals, island beaches and amazing architecture so there is no shortage of activities.
Wine Pairing Recs for Your Thanksgiving Gathering
As for the wine, Sicily, in fact, is the largest winemaking region in all of Italy. In fact, larger than even Chianti powerhouse Tuscany, whose vineyard space amounts to more than the entire countries of Germany, New Zealand or South Africa can boast. Yet sadly, Sicilian wine has not been as well- known in the U.S. compared to other Italian regions. So, keep an eye out for one of Melissa Di Giovanna’s recommendations below the next time you’re at the supermarket.
Di Giovanna wine is available in the USA, and Melissa was kind enough to make suggestions for Thanksgiving wine pairings. For your traditional turkey dinner, try the Vurria Nerello Mascalese Rosso. For a game or lamb dinner, try Helios Nero d’Avola which is the family’s flagship wine. For salmon and vegetarian dishes, Melissa recommends Vurria Nerello Mascalese Rosato DOC Sicilia 2021. You can read more about their wines and their many awards HERE and information about their wine tours are HERE. If you are heading to Italy, be sure to add this experience to your itinerary!
Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving! Until next time.
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