Sicily - Beautiful Countryside and Wine Tasting. . . . . . . . .

May 9, 2017, 7 AM - Docked in Licata, Sicily

You may need to put your sunnies on for this post!

The landscape of central Sicily is spectacular. So many shades of green

 draped across the rolling hillsides reminded me of exquisite appliquéd fabric.

For our visit on this bright, warm day, wildflowers were woven through the

 fields like necklaces. . . . . . red poppies, yellow daisies, yarrow, cow parsley,

 acanthus, and huge sprays of bronze fennel waved in the breeze from the hillsides. 

Acres of olive, almond and fruit orchards, and vines of the many vineyards could

 be seen for miles.

 Described as "an island within an island", this region is Sicily's larder.

This is also wine making country, recognized today as one of the best wine regions

 in Italy thanks to its production of high quality, prestigious red wines. . . . .and I assure

you the whites we tasted were excellent also.

The 320 hectare estate of Feudo Principi di Butera includes over 180 vineyards

 in an exclusive terroir, thanks to a warm and dry climate, optimizing the development

 of perfect ripening of the grapes, a sea breeze which carries all its benefits to the vines,

 and the warm strong sunlight which is typical of the southern areas of the island.

It was here we had another quite amazing lunch - delicious freshly prepared food in

 huge quantities served at table, along with copious bottles of their world class wines.

 Paula, dear friend who has shown me so many wonderful places in the world,

 taking a break at the winery before lunch was served.

Above, Babs, Sharon, Kim, Paula, Michelle and Mary - the feminine side of our

 travel group - after lunch with a lot of great wine tasting. . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . and here below, our entire lovable and fun group!

. . . . . .behaving. . . . . 

. . . . . and misbehaving for our 'silly picture'.

I'm at a loss for the right caption here!

A memorable day in Sicily.