From the rhythms of the land to fine cheeses

For those seeking to connect with the land, must-visit stops include the Gli Aromi farm in Scicli, where the scents of the Mediterranean become a sensory experience, and the exceptional dairy products of Fattoria Sgarlata and Fattoria le Milizie, guardians of Ragusa’s ‘white gold’. Ragusano PDO undergoes a fascinating ageing process that can be observed in the local farms. The characteristic rectangular blocks are tied in pairs with natural fibre ropes (known as liami) and hung across wooden beams inside the maiazzè, cool, underground, ventilated rooms that ensure a constant temperature. Here the cheese rests for 4 to 12 months, being periodically ‘cured’ with massages using olive oil and vinegar to protect the rind and develop that savoury, tangy flavour that makes it unique. To fully savour the local produce and wines from Sicilian wineries, and beyond, a gourmet stop is a must in the heart of Scicli at Noka Bistrot, which offers a fresh take on local produce.