In my quest to launch a high-quality Sicilian wine line for my business, I found myself en route to Palermo with a predefined itinerary to visit the most important wineries on the island. Upon landing at the airport, I was greeted by Gianpaolo, holding a sign with my name. His impeccably groomed appearance and the impressive Mercedes Maybach he drove made me think I would surely find the best wine for my trade.
I learned about Gianpaolo’s decades of experience and deep-rooted family tradition in transportation as he drove me to the first stop in my route. His knowledge about Sicily was fascinating, and I felt very comfortable sharing small talk with him. I told him I wanted to find the best wine for my new Sicilian wine line, and he confirmed the wineries I was visiting were among the finest, renowned for their superior products and with an impressive international client base. He confessed, however, that he personally preferred to enjoy a glass of wine sitting next to the shoreline, in humbler, family-run cellars.
After visiting two top-tier wineries, which lived up to their reputation, a sudden idea struck me. Inspired by Gianpaolo’s earlier mention of lesser-known cellars, I asked him to take me to a couple of his personal favourites. These hidden gems, as he described, offered a more intimate and exquisite wine experience.
The visits to these small, family-run businesses were a revelation. The warmth of their welcome and the exceptional quality of their wines surpassed my expectations. By mid-morning, I had forged personal connections and reached verbal agreements, securing samples to be sent to my offices in Tuscany.
Upon returning to Florence, the samples impressed my associates with their unique quality. We knew we had found something special, and our new Sicilian wine brand was born. Now, every visit to Palermo, I request Gianpaolo as my chauffeur, and the wines from our new partners are fondly referred to as “Gianpaolo’s choice”, a personal reminder of the unforgettable and productive journey guided by his expertise.
“I love connecting travellers with Sicily’s hidden treasures. Guiding them through lesser-known spots and sharing authentic experiences enriches their journey, creating lasting memories of this beautiful land.”
