gli aromi di russino

We just stopped by on a whim. We probably should have called but it was a last minute thing. Enrico was happy to share his story and place with us. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, funny, and helpful. We purchased a few items on our way out and he seemed grateful that we would. highly recommend an hour or so to stop by there, it is way out in the boonies, but keep driving and following the signs and when you are about ready to give up, you will be there! But it is well worth it!

We were very lucky to be shown around this amazing market garden dedicated to herbs and exotic plants with just one other couple, allowing us plenty of time to ask questions of the owner about the business and his vision. Enrico is funny and passionate and a visit to his little piece of Sicily an absolute highlight of our trip. One suggestion for the future might be to take off the price of the tour for visitors who spend more than 50 or 60 Euros there in order to encourage them to take away gifts which will promote the business. We could not resist buying lots of products!

In this area of semitropical climate are growing large collections of officinal herbs, leave-scented pelargonium and drought resistant plants. The owner’s enthusiasm and knowledge drive the visitor trough a journey into space and time, from the native and exotic plants to the ornamental and edible plant brought to Sicily from West -Indies by the colonial spanish traders. Before we leaved this sensory garden, full of every type of scented jasmine, Enrico Russino gave us some passion fruit from a pergola and a promise for our dinner a dessert of ‘Biancomangiare al Gelsomino’, a sort of a white sweet mousse flavoured by jasmine natural essence.

Friends of ours from Catania knew the owner and booked a private tour of the herb garden. Not only was it educational, but inspiring to hear his family story, Enrico, but his knowledge and enthusiasm to bring more to his country and business. It's a wonderful place and everyone should go if you are in the area!

We had a very educational and fun afternoon at Gli Aromi di Russino. We enjoyed walking the grounds with our guide. She was very informative and went out of her way to make us feel comfortable. Our boys loved smelling all the different plants, and especially loved tasting the sugar leaves. At the end of our time, we sat at large tables and enjoyed the sweetest passion fruit you will ever taste. We chatted with our guide and her Mom for another 30 minutes. It was so relaxing, and helped us soak in the cultural appeal of the friendly Sicilians.

I visited Gli Aromi in October 2012 and received a warm welcome from the owner Enrico Russino. Enrico’s passion for, and deep knowledge of plants, shone through during an enjoyable and informative tour of his herb farm. Enrico and his family grow an extensive range of plants including many highly aromatic types and their perfume, coupled with stunning views over Scicli countryside make this tour a truly enjoyable sensory experience.

A friend and I visited Gli Aromi on a recent visit to Sicily. Enrico, the owner of the property, gave us a wonderfully informative tour of Gli Aromi. He is a particularly interesting, knowledgeable and passionate man.Our visit was a highlight of our trip to Sicily.Thank you, Enrico.Josephine Hopkins and Margaret MacIsaac, Far North Queensland, Australia

My family and I visited Gli Aromi in August 2012, we had a wonderful tour of the property hosted by the owner and it was quite a discovery for all our senses, the variety of herbs the spectacular view and the generosity of the owner made our tour a memorable one. We had a hard time finding the place and we almost turn back but we are so happy that we did persist and enjoyed the visit. Highly recommended if you visit the wonderful Ragusa/Scicli region.

I recommend a visit to Gli Aromi if you are in the area without reservation.It's a beautiful facility and the owners are lovely.

Our visit to Gli Aromi was an insightful and memorable experience. Enrico was so passionate and knowledgeable about his plants and fruits, and it was wonderful to share his enthusiasm.I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone visiting the Ragusa regions.Louise P and Ozy M, London

Set in the hills ocer looking Plaia Grande & even Malta in the late autumn...is the result of an endeavour by Dr.Enrico Russino to share the cornucopia of fresh herbs & fruit with all of Italy & the world. Try to come on a Sunday for a sunset event with antipasti & local wine! If you dont have a garden to embellish then buy a spice mix, dried local beans or a fabulous cookbook of local dishes! Then be sure to book dinner in the nearby city of Scicli at Satra (wild thyme)owned by his creative & talented girlfriend Rita for an exceptional dinning experience!

An extensive garden of Sicily's aromatic herbs set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean and a gracious, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic owner, Enrico Russino, are a winning combination at Gli Aromi. During the informative tour where we met several members of his family, Enrico explained that April and May are the prime months to visit because the herbs are in full bloom and his garden is riotous with color. Gli Aromi is a destination that horticulturists and chefs will not want to miss. In addition to tours of his gardens, Enrico hosts weekend wine tastings which feature some of the best wines and foods that Sicily produces. During our tour we purchased several dried spices and a cook book, "Sicilia in cucina," which features, among other recipes, several created by Rita, the owner of a new restaurant in Scicli, a pretty little town about ten minutes away. At the restaurant we had a delicious lunch of ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and a pureed bean soup with ricotta, both offering the freshness and subtle, layered flavors of a truly gifted chef. Both Gli Aromi and Rita's restaurant (contact Gli Aromi for the name) are well worth a return visit for us on future Sicilian trips.

A fascinating tour of the azienda followed by a delicious aperitif (almost a meal) . All with magnificent views of the sea and gracious hosts. We will certainly return.

We almost missed visiting Gli Aromi when in Sicily earlier this year (April 2012) and that would have been some miss. When we got there it was nearly closing time but we were seen and helped just in time. Shown around this place of wonder by the owner in great detail and generosity of spirit it was one of the highlights of our stay in Sicily. The herbs lifted our spirits and the entire visit was totally inspirational. So there we were sitting down gazing out at a beautiful coastline,and gorgeous sunset and glass of wine in hand with all these sensational aromas filling our senses - what a gift to be given at the end of a perfect day. Thank you Enrico and family for providing such a beautiful place to visit. We loved it.

My husband and I came mid-day during the height of the summer heat (try to plan your visit so you don't make the same mistake) none the less, the owner was happy to tour us around his farm and enthusiastically show us new varieties of flowers and herbs. Who knew there were so many different types of fragrant smelling geraniums. If you are in the area I highly recommend a visit, this is off the beaten path and has lovely views of the land and sea.