A fertile land for olive groves.
The Azienda Agricola Barbàra is part of the fertile landscape in Sicily’s Trapani Valley. This sickle-shaped peninsula curves into the Mediterranean Sea opposite the Egadi Islands. It is historically renowned as having one of the world’s best micro-climates for growing olives.
For three generations, the Barbàra family has been producing exceptional extra virgin olive oil on their 98 acre farm near the slopes of Mount Erice. The region’s rich soil, warm winds, and close proximity to the sea are ideal for growing the farm’s olive varietals.
The origins of Trapani date back to the Elymians before 260 BC. Legend recounts that Demeter, goddess of harvests and plenty, dropped her sickle in a moment of despair while searching for her beloved daughter Persephone. It fell to earth and landed by the sea, where Trapani grew in its place, embodying the form of the Goddess’ scythe.
It is believed the Saracens brought the first olive trees from North Africa to this region. They recognized that the lush earth and dry, temperate climate of the valley was perfect for cultivating olives. Some of the original Saraceni trees are more than 1,000 years old and still bear fruit today on the Azienda Agricola Barbàra.