Case Sparse...
Wine Tasting and Stay in Noto: Planeta Buonivini & Case Sparse
We started our wine journey not far from where we were already staying – in Noto. Here lies one of the Planeta family’s greatest sources of pride: Buonivini, the estate where their celebrated red wine Santa Cecilia is produced.
Buonivini welcomes day visitors for tastings and guided tours, and the red, rustic farmhouse set among the rolling hills creates a romantic atmosphere that stays with you long after you’ve left.
What many people don’t know is that you can also stay here. Hidden among the vineyards are two rustic farmhouses available for rent – one small house perfect for two, and another larger one that can accommodate several guests. They’re not easy to find online, but they do have their own website under the name Case Sparse – which translates perfectly: “scattered houses.” And that’s exactly what they are – simple, rural, and wonderfully authentic.
The interiors are built from materials found on the estate itself. Breakfast is simple but charming: biscuits, yogurt, dried fruit, water, tea, and coffee. In our case, there was even a bottle of red wine waiting for us on arrival.
The experience of staying at Case Sparse was truly special. It’s not luxurious in any way, but it’s romantic and beautiful – surrounded by vines, with the stars above creating unforgettable memories. You’re completely alone here. It isn’t a hotel, but rather what Norwegians might call a “cabin” – only instead of being in the mountains, you’re right in the middle of the vineyards, with the vines as your nearest neighbor.
We also happened to have an unforgettable experience during our stay at Case Sparse. It turned out that Buonivini was hosting its annual wine gathering, where buyers, sommeliers, winemakers, and wine lovers come together for tastings. Planeta, along with a few other producers, offered samples of their wines.
And how did we end up there? Pure coincidence.
We had set out for a walk among the vines when we suddenly recognized someone we had met earlier in Noto – Gaetano, the owner of the wine bar RitroVino. He pulled us along with a big smile and introduced us to none other than Alessio Planeta himself.
He welcomed us warmly and said: “Stay as long as you like, taste the wine, the food – enjoy yourselves!”. It turned into an unforgettable day.
