Monaci delle Terre Nere

December 03th 2013 by Silvia

Find fault with perfection...

Monaci delle Terre Nere - Etna Winegrapes

Twenty minutes after driving along the hillside at the foot of Mount Etna, the biggest volcano in Europe, the passageways opened up and an ancient gate led me to 40 acre estate. A quaint, but fascinating mansion stood in front of me and I stopped to admire its sculptured façade because its beauty was so captivating. I am a journalist, my job is criticize, find fault with perfection. Guido, the owner of Monaci delle Terre Nere had accepted my challenge: “You will fall in love with it”, he said me last week.

I was waiting for him in the patio and I was at my second glass of this amazing Etna wine. I looked upon the scene before me, upon the mere house and the simple landscape features of the domain. I turned on my notebook and I written down: very high taste level and understand quality.

Guido told me that in 2007, by chance, he stumbled upon this place and decided to devote his life to its resurrection. I said to myself that the ambience of this place was sublime. I felt that, in addition to great accommodations, the Monaci provides an authentic glimpse into bygone eras. It preserves the historic identity and local traditions, it is more than a boutique hotel in Sicily. In addition to its status as a “hotel with history”, I was appreciating its philosophy and the thoughtful guest services. They grow their vines, olives, fruits, herbs, vegetables and everything they grow, they present to guests so that they can eat, sleep and drink as well from the rich earth that is Monaci delle Terre Nere.

I spent one night at the relais, I visited the whole estate (including the impressive biological farming which boasts 100 different kinds of trees), exchanged a few words with the staff and ate a totally slow food menu.I said goodbye and thanked my host.

I turned on my notebook and I written down my last note:
I lost my bet! Not every time is possible find fault with perfection.