Favignana, Palazzo Florio
September 19 – October 11
From 18th-century almanacs to the “Woman in Red” calendar featuring Marilyn Monroe. From lunar calendars to iconic advertising calendars, such as Pirelli and Campari.
Firriato Winery, Paceco (TP)
17 photographs of vineyards and historic architecture on the slopes of Mount Etna, by Giò Martorana.
Palazzo Fici, Marsala
From September 30 to October 4, 2026, as part of Insolito Marsala 2026, visitors will be able to take part in group guided tours of the Marsala Wine Museum.
Every morning, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., by reservation.
Eccentric wine shops and wine-shopping ideas.
Ottica Polaris, Marsala
September 30 – October 4
You walk in to buy a pair of glasses; you might walk out with a bottle of wine, too. For the five days of Insolito, Ottica Polaris is hosting a pop-up shop dedicated to wine sales. Amid lenses and frames, it’s a different way to shop for wine.
Enoteca di Palazzo Fici
Three varieties of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Prosciutto San Daniele. Presented by Alberto Spisni, Full Professor of Biological Chemistry.
15 € per person.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Guided tours of the Marsala Civic Clock Room
Curated by Danilo Gianformaggio.
Maximum 15 people; tours last 20 minutes each.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Mini-conference
San Pietro Monumental Complex
• Civic Clocks Mark the Time of Communities, with Danilo Gianformaggio.
• Civic Clocks of Western Sicily and Art in the Wine Cellar. Two proposals for an unusual wine tourism tour, curated by Eureka. Invenzioni.
• For Wine, Time Is Everything, with Marco Pozzali, journalist and writer.
Hosted by Giorgio Triani.
Enoteca di Palazzo Fici
Our history, our roots. In collaboration with OldWines srl.
Curated by Marco Pozzali.
Wines for tasting:
GIACOMO CONTERNO,
BAROLO RISERVA 1937
GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO,
BAROLO 1955
MARCHESI DI BAROLO,
BAROLO 1964
ALDO CONTERNO,
BAROLO RISERVA SPECIALE 1967
Max 25 participants. €100 per person.
Sireno Mozia Restaurant
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | The Birth of Contemporary Food and Wine Criticism
A journey through images, words, and archival materials in the footsteps of Mario Soldati in Sicily.
With Alberto Salarelli, food historian at the University of Parma, and featuring the Saline di Sicilia youth group in support of the UNESCO MAB Program nomination.
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Tribute to Marsala 2026.
Presentation of the new edition of the e-book *The Best Chefs and Restaurants of Sicily*, edited by Francesco Bonomo.
8:30 PM | “Timed” Pizza
Tasting of four pizzas made with ancient Sicilian grains, featuring ingredients from Sicily and Parma, paired with beer and wine, and the “Dolce Marsala” dessert.
€30 per person, pairings included.
9:30 a.m. | Eccentric Wine Shops. Wine and More
Innovative models and original ideas for the wine trade and shopping.
10:15 a.m. | Coffee break and networking
10:35 a.m. | From the Winery to the Destination
How wineries, hotels, restaurants, museums, and regions can build a recognizable wine tourism destination.
Moderated by Leda Zanlungo.
Enoteca di Palazzo Fici · Marsala
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Sicilian Balsamic Vinegar paired with Fiore Sicano, Sicilian Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Fossa cheese.
Presented by Alberto Salarelli (university professor), Alberto Spisni (professor emeritus), and Vito Laudicina (entrepreneur from Petrosileno)
€15 per person.
Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo
Students from WINTOUR—the International Master’s Program on Wine Tourism Transitions and Innovations—engage in a discussion with Assovini Sicilia on the future of wine tourism and the role of the younger generations in wine cities. Following the discussion, the event continues with a toast and an informal conversation among guests and participants.
Firriato Winery, Paceco (TP)
A very special late afternoon and evening. The winery’s wines will be paired with Italy’s finest DOC products: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto di San Daniele, Culatello di Zibello, and Salame di Felino. The exhibition “From Micro to Macro. Cavanera Details” will be open to the public for the occasion .
Admission is by invitation only.
9:30 a.m. | Innovation That Works
Technologies, digital tools, and real-world examples to improve the guest experience and business operations. Featuring Michael Cohen, Managing Partner at GAIN and an expert in innovation and technology for travel and hospitality; Carlos Lugo, GAIN Advisor and an expert in digital transformation and technology for hospitality; and Susan Springsteen, co-founder and CEO of H2O Connected, an expert in sustainability and smart water management for the hospitality industry.
10:15 a.m. | Coffee break and networking
10:35 a.m. | From Experience to Value
How to design, price, and sell truly bookable hospitality and wine tourism experiences. Featuring Leda Zanlungo, advisor and former General Manager for Iberia at Sonder; Michael Cohen, Managing Partner at GAIN; Scott Eddy, hospitality brand strategist, speaker, and content creator; and industry professionals.
Enoteca Palazzo Fici in Marsala
A volcanic tasting experience between the sea and the mountains, lava and snow. The wines of Cantina Fedegraziani presented by Federico Graziani, winemaker, sommelier, and writer.
Wines to be tasted:
Mareneve 2016
Etna Rosso 2024
Rosso di Mezzo 2024
Profumo di Vulcano 2024 (preview)
Etna Chinato 2022
Maximum 25 participants.
€40 per person.
A. Damiani Hotel Management School · Marsala
From macaroni with white ragù and Ligurian pesto to “Garibaldi” cookies with Marsala ice cream: the story of the Expedition of the Thousand is told through food, with a menu created by teachers and students and readings by Cesare Abba. Paired with wines from Mannirà Bio
.
€30 per person, including an aperitif, water, and wine.
San Pietro Monumental Complex
In collaboration with the Order of Journalists of Sicily.
Journalism and AI Apps
This event will take place once the minimum number of 15 participants is reached.
I Can Do (Almost) Everything with an AI App
I record and organize content, write copy, design layouts, and create short video clips. With Davide Morante, social media manager.
Palazzo Fici Wine Shop
A delightful guided tasting. Discover the extra virgin olive oil from Oleificio Sant’Anna in Marsala, paired with various types of bread and a selection of fresh cheeses, all accompanied by wines from the Feudo Stagnone Winery. The grand finale features Marsala’s yellow melon.
Tasting led by Albero Spisni, Professor Emeritus.
€15 per person.
La Marinara Restaurant
Special menu for Insolito Marsala 2026.
Danilo Gianformaggio, Guide
A specialist in the restoration of monumental clocks and bells, he works with Manutentori del Tempo to restore movement and function to Sicily’s historic timepieces. He oversaw the restoration of the clocks at Torre Oscura and Palazzo Senatorio in Trapani.
San Pietro Monumental Complex
9:15 – 10:00 | Make the Message Travel
Building awareness, trust, and influence in hospitality with Scott Eddy, hospitality brand strategist, speaker, and content creator, and Michael Cohen, Managing Partner at GAIN and expert in travel and hospitality innovation.
10:00 | Coffee break and networking
Le 5 Palme Restaurant
A tasting experience that pairs Marsala wines with the finest Italian products.
Fabio Ferracane Winery
Fabio Ferracane’s natural wines will be served throughout the evening, featuring live music at sunset and a DJ set until midnight. The winery will also host mixology and food trucks.
€15 per person · Admission includes 2 glasses of wine.
€25 per person · Admission includes 2 glasses of wine and an appetizer platter featuring Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello, Salame di Felino, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Sicilian cheeses.
Sailing the Wine-Colored Seas
Chiostro San Domenico
A tasting table featuring 18 bottles to take you on a journey through the stories and routes of wine: from the 1847 Jerez Oloroso Dulce, through Port and Madeira, to the 1840 Marsala.
Curated by Marco Pozzali and Diego Maggio.
Max 30 participants.
€30 per person.
Chiostro San Domenico
A sensory journey through Ukraine, Armenia, and Iran, featuring wines that tell stories of resilience, identity, and intercultural dialogue in regions marked by conflict.
Tasting and discussion with Roberto Cipresso (Italy’s Best Winemaker 2025) and Marco Pozzali.
Wines to be tasted:
From Ukraine: Telti Kuruk 2024
From Armenia: Areni 2021
From Iran: Molana 2021
Max 30 participants.
€30 per person.
Lilibeo Regional Archaeological Museum, Marsala
5:00 p.m. | Images and Artifacts from the Symposium: a themed tour of the Lilibeo Museum led by Maria Grazia Griffo (Park Archaeologist)
6:00 p.m. | From the Symposium to the Banquet: Bread, Oil, Cheeses, and Cured Meats
A guided tasting rich in aromas. Breads from Panificio Ragona and extra virgin olive oil from Oleificio Sant’Anna in Marsala are paired with Prosciutto di Parma, Salame di Felino, Vastedda del Belice, Formaggio di Fossa, Scamorza, and Caciocavallo.
Paired with wines from Donnafugata.
€20 per person.
Restaurants throughout the city will be invited to create an “unusual” dish, designed specifically for the occasion and inspired by the spirit of the event. At the same time, between 10 and 20 renowned Sicilian chefs will offer a dish in their restaurants dedicated to Insolito Marsala and the concept of “unusual.”
All the dishes—from the kitchens of Marsala to dining tables throughout Sicily—will be compiled into a final e-book produced in collaboration with GustoH24
The creative heart of Insolito Marsala.
Every day, at the Complesso Monumentale San Pietro, a pop-up bistro comes to life where wine meets science and coffee takes on a new form.
In collaboration with the Future Cooking Lab at the University of Parma and food designer Roberta Razzano, a sensory laboratory in constant transformation has been created:
impromptu liquid-nitrogen gelato prepared on the spot, airy mousses, edible bubbles infused with citrus, coffee, and Marsala, and colorful dips.
Every morning, in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, a cup of coffee with the guest of the day sets the stage for discussion and exploration.
Every evening, a participating restaurant offers a special menu centered around a product that symbolizes Sicilian agriculture. A dinner that tells the story of the region, dish after dish. In 2025, Sicily will be the European Region of Gastronomy: a distinction that celebrates its biodiversity, the quality of its products, and the strength of its food culture. Each meal thus becomes a contemporary and unique tribute to this heritage.
Storefronts, walls, cellars, and barrels are being transformed with colors through street art, illustration, and painting. An urban regeneration project that brings together artists, shop owners, and the community.
Innovations and inventions to savor
Curated by the Future Cooking Lab at the University of Parma and Roberta Razzano
1. Instant Marsala and coffee sorbet. Frozen and transformed into sorbet using liquid nitrogen
2. Marsala and coffee “air.” Rarefied foams (do you remember Ferran Adrià?)
3. Cream or balsamic extracts of Marsala and coffee. Essence of Marsala and Goccia Nera
4. Bubbles of Marsala, coffee, and citrus. Just like soap bubbles
5. Non-Newtonian geometric cocktails
Twine is the digital counterpart to the courtyard and the Enoteca Strada del Vino at Palazzo Fici in Marsala. During the event, it becomes an immersive platform for exploring wine, the local region, and innovation. A pioneering project that puts Marsala on the map of the food and wine metaverse.
A journey through flavor, hour by hour ,alongside Baritalia’s Drink Team.
Sicily’s top bartenders bring Marsala’s historic bars to life with creative cocktails featuring Marsala, gin, and local bitters. A multi-stage journey through science and flavor that changes every evening.
