Villa Pietralava

When did you become the owner? 

In 2007 Guido Alessandro Coffa, the owner, came across an ancient villa on the slopes of Etna inhabited by hippies. A real thunderbolt.

After a five-year conservative restoration - combining the principles of bio-architecture with design choices and Etnean tradition, Etna's most refined and exclusive wine resort finally sees the light

What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?

“It was this place which chose me! I ‘ve only brought its hidden beauty to light.”

"I wanted a home on Mount Etna, a place where I could enjoy the "third slice" of my life in the company of good wine and an amazing countryside. On my very first day of “quest, I came across an old run-down villa immersed in pure beauty and lots of brambles. We definitely hit it off!"

"Back home, I kept thinking about that old villa and how I could bring it back to life. Since imagination is creative thought, I set off to buy that estate which eventually became this one. So far, I’ve devoted my life to its rebirth: the former project of a group of Augustinian Monks from Valverde (The Monks of the Black Lands) who had previously chosen this place because of its extraordinary energy. The Estate is located at the foot of the largest volcano in Europe, bordered by Etna’s National Park, at 500mt’s altitude. My innermost desire has been that of protecting its historical and natural identity; rather than simply a wineresort, it is a Home, whose intimacy I’ve been enduring to preserve."

This project is based on the restoration of pre-existing buildings, thus reducing its environmental impact. We’ve turned to bio-architecture to restore both the central villa and the independent side buildings. Respect and sustainability have been at the core of any demolition or rebuilding we’ve implemented, therefore this project has resulted in an authentic example of respect for both tradition and environment. It mingles traditional Sicilian Architecture with Contemporary Art. All premises have been preciously furnished and gifted with such comforts as whirlpool baths, fireplaces and glass walls which create a full immersion effect in the natural surroundings.

Are there any interesting stories in its history?

The story goes that the Archbishop of Catania, who had made his residence Pisano, donated the land to be cultivated to the monks and the monks themselves, in particular those of the Order of the barefoot Augustinians of Valverde who, from the 17th century, they began to take care of the land of Pisano. They shaped the steep hills through the terraces that have survived to the present day. Over the years, we have worked them and continue to use them for our production of ancient species of fruit trees, vineyards, olive trees, spices also thanks to an incredible biodiversity transmitted over the centuries to us. We must say thanks to the monks and nobles of those times if we can still enjoy these crops today. 

Have you ever had any famous guests staying? 

Yes of course, many actors, musicians, artists, and so on.

Our Villas are the perfect venues for Celebrities looking for total privacy. A corner of beauty that can be reached by helicopter, in which enjoying all services of a luxury resort in very unique and authentic way.

For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…

-Must do? 

Not to be missed a private Wine tasting with our Sommelier discovering our wines and the Etna wine Region; a special class held by our Executive Chef; the Cocktail Masterclass learning how to prepare a Cocktail using herbs and fruits from the Estate … trekking, off-roading, flying over the most active Volcano in Europe, UNESCO Heritage … and many more unique experiences.

-Must eat? 

Our restaurant offers local tradition cooking based only on fresh products, coming mainly from our estate or from the surrounding areas. We serve only seasonal top-quality food. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, yet very exclusive at the same time. In the magic colours of a summer twilight, the breathtaking panorama of our outdoor terrace magnifies the flavours of our delicious courses. 

- Must see?

Mount Etna, at only 40 minutes away by car. Its high craters , its cinder cones, the lava caves, the depression of the Bove Valley, its frequent eruptions both from the central crater and from side cracks, they all fascinate and attract scientists and tourists from all over the world. Taormina, Noto, Catania, Syracuse are easily reachable for a day trip.

What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area? 

In the Estate, while you walk along the rows of vines, you can taste Guido Coffa’s organic wine. As a matter of fact, Etna is one of the most suitable areas for viticulture, as well as one of the most famous producers of extremely refined Sicilian wines. Nerello Mascalese and Carricante (from a special type of Sicilian grapes) are among the varieties produced in our vineyard. 

This Estate is an organic farming project. The rescue of ancient local plant species has favoured the production of fruit trees, vegetables and aromatic herbs. We also produce some slow food types of vegetables such as "cavolo trunzo".

We promote biodiversity and we don’t use any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. We welcome spontaneous vegetation in some areas of the estate and we have 150 different types of fruit tree, many of which are endangered species, such as the Mastrantonio Cherry tree DOP, the Tabbacchiera Peach tree, and the Sbergia tree, the Coscia Pear tree and the Baccibbedda tree, the Cola Apple tree, the Damaschino Apricot tree, the Vinnignola Fig tree, the Muscateddu Plum tree; we pick wild vegetables such as Cannatedda, Caliceddi, Caccialepre, Coscivecchi, Portulaca etc. We are active members of Slow Food, we believe in its philosophy and grow some special plants such as Cavolo Trunzo. Our vineyard and its entire productive process is absolutely natural.

Our beloved 120 hens run around happily in their 3000 mt “playground”. During your stay, you ‘ll be able to meet them personally, by booking egg collection. You will eventually be able to enjoy a delicious omelette for breakfast. Last but not least, we are really into recycling and engaged in producing less and less wastage.

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