Agriturismo Tarantola

Excellent I love those place. Everything good and the nature the food the people. When we'll come back for vacation we absolutely need to stay here for dinner. I hope to taste better other food soon because we love sicilian food and cake. See you soon

This agriturismo was much more than accommodations. It was like stepping into the world of the Sicilian lifestyle as though you are visiting with old friends at their home after an extended absence. We stayed in a standard room which was appointed very simply and immaculately clean with a comfortable bed great pillows and towels. The owner, Fabrizio Testa, was charming, warm and very responsive to questions prior to arrival and available during our stay. The chef, Francesco, and his wife, Francisca hosted us. We loved them and communicated well between limited Italian on our side and limited English on theirs. We were there four nights and every day Francesco brought forth the most amazing food! There were at least five starters a pasta and dessert (this was the “smaller” meal). These were served to our table “family style” and the portions were generous. Gorgeous dishes (different every night) prepared with love and we loved it all! Not to be missed are the breakfasts included with our room rate…wonderful! We thoroughly enjoyed a wine tasting with other guests led by Fabrizio who is a sommelier. It was casual and he taught us so much about wine and his love for vineyards of the estate. I highly recommend that you purchase the book by Filipino Testa, Fabrizio’s father who recently passed away. Cooking class is offered but we weren’t there when it was taking place…next visit! This is the place to come to relax and unplug! We met many marvelous people from all over Europe and in this atmosphere quickly became friends. We ate our meals and drank fantastic wine all together! Other guests had rented cars. We didn’t. Fabrizio arranged for Massimo the best most charming driver… we were well taken care of!

My husband and I took a cooking class at Agriturismo Tarantola and had a fantastic and delicious time. Filippo is a gracious host and proud of his beautiful property. We learned hands-on a number of Sicilian foods cooking with Francesco, the restaurant's chef. Once we cooked all our items, we sat down to a wonderful lunch complete with wine, and enjoyed our handiwork while enjoying the lovely landscape. Things to know that might be helpful: Filippo speaks English. The property is off the beaten track, so don't discourage as you drive out to it. We would do this again on our next trip. The price was very fair considering the dishes cooked and eaten.

Filippo, may your land always be blessed. My wife and I have been able to visit this beautiful place three times and each time it gets harder to leave. We have also stayed in early June, for New Years Eve, and this year during the artichoke season April. The food made by chef Francesco is phenomenal. He treated us to HIS traditional artichokes dishes, one cooked on the grill. The wines made on the farm , always compliment anything he makes. One night we waited with Filippo for three guests to arrive late, and it worked to our advantage as Filippo is a great jazz pianist who put on a show for all of us. Wake up early and sit by the grape fields and lemon trees. Talk to Filippo, Francesco and his wife even though may be a language barrier. Fall in love with Tarantola. Embrace their culture. Return to Sicily.

We found a new home! After visiting various Italian cities, we wanted to experience country life and get to know the people. Agriturismo Tarantola was a great find! Rather than staying in a large, luxurious hotel room, we found ourselves feeling like family in a homelike atmosphere. Filippo was a wonderful host - helpful, attentive and very entertaining. He made arrangements for both an olive oil tasting/tour and a taxi to take us to the airport in Palermo and gave us a wine tasting along with a lesson on organic farming. Francesco, the culinary king, was our cooking instructor for a 5 course lunch that left us too full to eat another of his delicious dinners. Pro: Felt like family Pro: Although there are no menu choices, the food served is amazing! Pro: Off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, the agriturismo is a great place to relax and wander the hills and dirt road among thousands of grape vines and wildflowers. Con: No toiletries including tissue for a nosebleed. Paper napkins were available. We can't wait to return! Thank you, Filippo!

Went for the cooking class Sunday May 7 and it was a delicious and outstanding experience. Filippo is a kind man and has an amazing story. The cook Francisco was a superb teacher and helped us make dishes I never thought we could create. Filippo’a wine and olive oil were some of the best we had in all of Italy, which is saying a lot. We spend several hours enjoying the gorgeous wine country and enjoying the meals we had the privilege of learning to make.