Nestled among the hills of Menfi—blanketed by vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see and sloping down toward the turquoise waters of the Strait of Sicily—La Foresteria Planeta, together with the nearby Insula Beach Club, represents the perfect blend of exceptional winemaking culture and old-world Sicilian hospitality.

The Foresteria Planeta Wine Resort was born from the desire of the Planeta family—pioneers of the Sicilian wine renaissance, comprising siblings Alessio, Francesca, and Santi, together with their uncle Diego—to share the most authentic soul of their land: an oasis of peace designed for those seeking the understated luxury of nature and fine dining.

No place tells the story of contemporary Sicily quite like home cooking and the warm light setting over the vineyards of Menfi.

The Story: A Natural Evolution of Planeta’s Hospitality

The Planeta family’s hospitality journey began in 2009, the year La Foresteria officially opened its doors. The resort’s creation was the natural evolution of a path begun decades earlier at the family’s historic estates. Indeed, as early as the 1990s—driven by the resounding success of iconic labels like Segreta and Chardonnay—wine enthusiasts and tourists from around the world were flocking to Menfi to discover the roots of this winemaking marvel.

To meet the need for a tailored hospitality experience, Planeta transformed the traditional concept of a corporate guesthouse into a charming wine resort. The guiding inspiration remained that of a private home: welcoming visitors not merely as customers, but as personal guests, sharing the lifestyle, culinary culture, and deep connection to the land that have defined the family for generations.

Amidst vineyards, Mediterranean architecture, and haute cuisine

The property blends harmoniously into the surrounding agricultural landscape: its 14 rooms and suites—each named after an aromatic plant from the surrounding Mediterranean garden—feature private terraces overlooking the infinity pool, the vineyard rows, and the sea on the horizon. The interiors engage in a sophisticated dialogue with Sicilian artisanal traditions, combining terracotta, antique furnishings, natural fabrics, and contemporary design details.

The beating heart of La Foresteria is its restaurant, led by Chef Angelo Pumilia. Here, the cuisine represents a genuine exploration of the Planeta family’s culinary heritage—drawing on recipes preserved in family notebooks and handed down through generations, then reinterpreted with technical mastery using zero-mile ingredients from the estate’s own vegetable garden. Each dish is crafted to pair perfectly with the winery’s iconic crus, ranging from Cometa and Chardonnay to Santa Cecilia.

Insula Beach Club: a seaside lounge nestled in the dunes of Lido Fiori

Just minutes from La Foresteria, along the wild Lido Fiori beach—a long-standing Blue Flag recipient—lies Insula Beach Club, Planeta’s seaside summer retreat. It is a sanctuary set amidst the dunes and native vegetation, where tensile architecture in neutral tones allows nature to take center stage (access to the Beach Club is included for guests staying at La Foresteria).

At Insula, the beach experience is elevated by king-size sunbeds spaced for maximum privacy, signature mixology, and a light yet refined culinary menu—featuring fresh raw fish, the catch of the day, and garden-fresh produce—all to be enjoyed barefoot on the sand in the shade of the gazebos.

Just a 15-minute drive from La Foresteria, guests can enjoy wine and olive oil tastings—naturally featuring the Planeta label—at two other historic family estates: Cantina Ulmo and Oasi di Capparrina. All of this takes place amidst the rich fragrance of the Mediterranean scrub and the warmth of Sicilian hospitality.

It is no coincidence that La Foresteria is a member of the prestigious “La Sicilia di Ulisse” (Sicily of Ulysses) association, which brings together the island’s finest gourmet restaurants, charming hotels, and renowned wineries.

The Secret

The true secret of La Foresteria lies in its kitchen—specifically, at the large communal olive-wood table. Here, during the celebrated cooking classes led by Chef Angelo Pumilia, guests learn to roll out fresh pasta by hand and prepare the traditional family caponata, all using the exquisite PGI Sicily extra virgin olive oil produced in Planeta’s own groves.

Useful Info

La Foresteria Planeta & Insula Beach Club
Contrada Passo di Gurra Ex S.S. 115 s.p. 79, Km 91
92013 Menfi, Agrigento
Tel. +39 0925 1955460

Rooms: from €230 per night, including breakfast
Restaurant
Tasting menu: from €90
Starters and first courses: €24 and €32
Main courses: €32–€42
Insula Beach Club: 2 sunbeds, 1 umbrella, and 1 small table starting from €20 per person (by reservation)