Partinico: Farm Augustali Winery Tour with Picnic & Tastings
Imagine strolling through lush vineyards, olive groves, and fragrant citrus trees, all with the warm Sicilian sun overhead. For just over $50 per person, this 2-hour experience offers a taste of rural Sicily that’s both leisurely and enriching. Led by friendly guides, you’ll explore the main areas of the Augustali winery—from the cellar to the aging rooms—learning about traditional winemaking techniques, and finishing with a delicious picnic on the estate’s gardens.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to taste wines directly from oak barrels and tanks—a rare peek behind the scenes that adds depth to your understanding of wine production. Second, the peaceful garden setting where you can savor local specialties paired with the wines you’ve just learned about, surrounded by ancient olive trees and aromatic herbs.
A possible consideration? The tour’s 2-hour length might feel a bit brisk if you’re eager to linger longer in the gardens or ask lots of questions about wine production. Also, since wine tastings are reserved for adults, families with young children might need to find alternative ways to enjoy Sicily’s rural charm.
This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic, hands-on encounters with local food and drink, enjoy scenic outdoor settings, and prefer smaller group tours for a more personalized vibe. If you’re curious about how Sicilian wines are made or simply want to enjoy a relaxed, flavorful outing, this tour can be a highlight of your trip.
Key Points
- Authentic farm experience including visit to vineyards, olive groves, and aromatic plant gardens
- Insightful winery tour covering cellar, aging, and bottling areas
- Guided tastings of wines directly from tanks and barrels, with expert explanations
- Relaxing picnic featuring local specialties paired with estate wines
- Accessible and flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Family-friendly with wheelchair accessibility and a focus on adult tastes
An In-Depth Look at the Augustali Winery Experience
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Setting the Scene: A Slice of Sicilian Countryside
From the moment we arrived at Augustali di F. Ammoscato, it was clear this was more than just a winery visit. The estate, with its sprawling gardens and ancient olive trees, feels like stepping into a peaceful Sicilian retreat. The aromatic plant garden is a highlight, bursting with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil, which you might find incorporated into local dishes or simply enjoyed for their scent.
The guide, whose friendly and knowledgeable tone made us feel welcome, kicked off the tour with a walk through the vineyards—gently sloping rows of grapevines that produce the estate’s wines. We loved the way the guide explained the different grape varieties and how the terrain influences the flavor profiles.
Exploring the Winery’s Heart: Cellar and Production Areas
The highlight for many is a visit to the cellar and aging rooms, where we saw barrels and “barriques” stacked in a cozy, earthy space. Sampling wine straight from the tanks and barrels gives a real sense of connection to the process—something you don’t get in a typical tasting room. As one reviewer put it, “It’s fascinating to see how they control the aging and bottling, and the staff were happy to answer all our questions.”
The tour continues through the bottling area, where we observed the machinery that fills and caps the bottles. It’s a chance to see modern technology working alongside traditional methods—an interesting contrast that shows how Sicilian winemakers blend old and new.
The Garden: Aromatic Plants, Olive Trees, and Peasant Tools
After touring the production spaces, we moved to the garden, which feels like the estate’s heartbeat. Ancient olive trees with gnarled trunks tell stories of centuries, and the flowered arches add a charming touch. The guide explained that these gardens aren’t just for beauty—they’re part of the farm’s sustainable practices, supporting aromatic plants and herbs used in local cuisine.
It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or asking questions about the estate’s agricultural practices. The peasant tools displayed evoke a sense of history and tradition, making you appreciate the long-standing connection between land and craft in Sicily.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Picnic: Local Flavors Paired with Wine
The final part of the experience might be the most enjoyable—sitting on the lawn for a picnic of Sicilian specialties. We appreciated how the selection of local cheeses, bread, and other small bites complemented the wines perfectly. The guide explained the pairing choices, adding an educational touch to this leisurely meal.
The wine tasting here is inclusive—adults can savor wines directly from the estate, which are described as evoking the warmth of the Mediterranean. For those who like to learn as they taste, the guided explanations provided context on each wine’s origin and characteristics.
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Practical Details and Overall Value
The tour is priced at $51.24 per person, which we feel offers good value considering the comprehensive nature of the experience—from vineyard to cellar, to garden, and finally, to your palate. The inclusion of a picnic and tastings makes this an all-in-one experience perfect for travelers wanting a taste of authentic Sicilian rural life without the fuss of larger, more commercial tours.
Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons. The flexible cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) adds peace of mind for spontaneous travelers.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re keen on small-group, authentic experiences that include both education and relaxation, this tour will meet your expectations. It suits wine lovers, foodies, or anyone curious about Sicily’s agricultural traditions. Families with older children or adults seeking a day away from busy city sights will find this a rewarding and peaceful excursion.
Final Thoughts
This winery tour in Partinico offers an appealing blend of sensory delights, educational insight, and tranquil scenery. The opportunity to see wine production up close, paired with tasting estate-grown wines and enjoying a laid-back picnic, makes for a memorable slice of Sicilian life.
While it’s not a lengthy or overly intense experience, it packs enough charm and authenticity to satisfy travelers who prefer quality over quantity. The grounds themselves, with ancient olive trees and aromatic herbs, are worth the visit even outside the tour hours.
In essence, if you’re after a taste of genuine Sicily—its land, its traditions, and its flavors—this tour checks many boxes. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy engaging with local culture in a relaxed, scenic setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Wine tastings are reserved for adults, but the garden and farm environment may appeal to older children or teens who enjoy nature and open spaces.
How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 2 hours, from the vineyard walk to the picnic.
Are the wine tastings included?
Yes, tastings are part of the experience, with wines sampled directly from tanks and barrels.
Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking outdoors, and possibly sun protection depending on the weather.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, thanks to the flexible booking policy.
Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak Italian, English, and French, accommodating a diverse group of visitors.
In all, this Partinico winery experience offers a genuine, well-rounded look at Sicilian wine and agriculture—sure to satisfy those seeking an authentic taste of the island’s rural charm.
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