Inside an ancient farm on Mount Etna, Palmento San Nicolò is a relais with a swimming pool and a panoramic view of the vineyards of the Azienda Agricola Biondi, a renowned winery where extraordinary wines are born.

Nestled on a picturesque country road in the heart of a vineyard planted on Monte San Nicolò, a volcanic cone dating back some 14,000 years, the relais, unique in the Etna area, is located inside an ancient palmento, a workplace where grapes were once pressed, dating back to 1902.

The area, thanks to its rich volcanic soil and its particular ecosystem, has been dedicated to viticulture since the dawn of time and, although the eponymous winery was founded in the late 19th century, the Biondi family has owned the vineyards since 1600.

Every time I returned to those places, I felt the call of the land cultivated by my ancestors; it was a great joy to bring this winery back to its ancient splendor.

(Ciro Biondi, winemaker and architect)

At the end of the 90s, Ciro Biondi, grandson of Cirino Biondi who, in the early 1900s, with his brother Salvatore, had already won important awards for his wines, also included in the ‘Grande Libro d’oro’ of producers by appointment of Italian King Vittorio Emanuele III, decided to “put on hold” his career as an architect to dedicate himself, together with his wife Stephanie, to the family winery, which had been slowly abandoned after the Second World War.

Ciro began to experiment on the 6 hectares of property, leading to the birth of the renowned Outis Etna DOC Red and white and other wines of the highest quality, including the San Nicolò Etna DOC Red based on Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes grown here, rediscovering at the same time the enormous potential of the volcanic “terroir” and its native vines.

Even though Ciro’s first love today is wine, the beauty of the panorama that can be enjoyed from Monte San Nicolò has pushed him to don the architect’s hat again to design, right among these vineyards, a dream home to allow his guests to experience all the magic.

The accommodation includes 2 buildings: the Palmento that houses the ancient grape press and the annex that was once used as a tool shed, joined by a corten structure that offers a scenic open kitchen and a dining area.

The rooms overlook a wonderful terrace with a saltwater pool made of lava stone surrounded by a tank with fish, aquatic plant,s and a small spring that gives the sensation of being surrounded by a Zen garden.

There are two rooms: one characterized by a queen-size bed as if “suspended” in the tank where grapes were once pressed with the feet and a small living room, and the other with a king-size bed and panoramic shower, both with a view of the vineyards.

All guests are provided, complimentary, a welcome basket with a bottle of wine and the possibility of a tasting, at the Palmento or in the nearby winery, accompanied by products grown locally and at the Biondi Farm, such as cheeses, olives, oil, and artisanal bread.

Palmento San Nicolò is open all year round and, for the colder months, offers the possibility of warming up or having an aperitif in front of a scenic outdoor brazier. In its living room with open kitchen, tastings, dinners and small events (up to 10 people seated) can also be organized.

Certainly, Palmento San Nicolò is the most romantic corner of the world to enjoy all the flavor and energy of the renowned Etna wine-growing area with the precious guidance of the Biondi family, among its oldest custodians and ambassadors.

The Secret

Ciro Biondi conducted a conservative restoration aimed at preserving the soul of the original building, integrating it with the surrounding nature. To keep the stones of the wall intact, he strengthened the stability of the structure by intervening with reinforced plaster internally, thus without affecting the exterior.

Useful Info

Azienda Agricola Biondi
Via Ronzini 55A
95039 Trecastagni, Catania
Tel. +39 347 5011310

Always open during the year
Rooms: from 450 euro per night including tasting of the wines of the Cantina
Tasting only: from 50 euro per person for 5 wines accompanied by local products