A Day at Gambino

Gambino Winery is a popular Sicilian winery located very high up on Mount Etna and at the end of a treacherous drive, but the food, service, and views are worth it. Marie, Ian, Nick and I went for a leisurely (and huge) Sunday lunch and wine tasting with our friends Trent, Coleen, Currier, Rob, and Gwyn. We had called ahead (which I recommend doing) to ensure a full meal, and we got just what we asked for, plus the added bonus of being the only ones on their terrace that day. We enjoyed a massive antipasti platter with our first two wines, then moved on to a Maccharoni alla norma course, which consists of a long and straight homemade noodle, fried eggplant, and tomatoes--probably the most popular (and tasty) dish in Sicily. We finished the pasta as we moved onto red wines and then began our next course, a mixed grill of Italian sausage and the best pork chop I've ever had. Dessert was a heaping bowl of fresh cherries and a nero d'avola--Gambino Cantari--that Nick and I purchased a case of.

Gambino's wine selection has grown over the past few years, but probably won't really mature and be great for another few. However, a visit to Gambino is the perfect way to spend an lazy Sunday afternoon. ~B