Sicily’s Liquid Gold — Oleificio Barbera’s Distinctive Olive Oil

The capital of Sicily, Palermo, is a sensual paradise in all its tumultuous beauty. Street vendors’ cries join the din of Ballarò Market, pastry shops stack cannoli in neat rows, and the air carries the scent of citrus and fried panelle. Yet, amid the city’s bustle, I’m most intrigued with something quieter: the olive oil.

Sicily is home to many renowned olive oil producers, each shaping the island’s rich tradition. But, the industry faces fluctuating production levels, water scarcity, and management issues. Despite these obstacles, many producers balance tradition with modern innovation to uphold quality and sustainability.

Among them, Oleificio Barbera stands out as a cornerstone of Sicilian olive oil production. Founded in 1894 by Lorenzo Barbera, the company has grown into an industry leader while preserving the craftsmanship and heritage that define Sicilian extra virgin olive oil — known as liquid gold.

A Century of Excellence

Like many lovers of fine food, I’ve always appreciated high-quality olive oil, and my introduction to Oleificio Barbera‘s Olive Oil is unforgettable. It happened during a dinner event in Palermo in the days leading up to Barbera’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

I dipped a piece of warm, crusty bread into a small dish of golden-hued olive oil, and was immediately captivated by the delicate, spicy, and floral aroma. With great pride, I was introduced to Lorenzo No. 5 — one of Barbera’s finest extra virgin olive oils. Barbera carefully selects Nocellara del Belice olives for Lorenzo No. 5, cold-pressing them to preserve their bold yet balanced flavor.

During their celebratory event, they told us about the history of the Barbera family, tracing their evolution from a humble, family-run business to a globally recognized name in the olive oil industry. As I listened, I was fascinated by their dedication to preserving traditional harvesting methods while embracing innovation to uphold the highest quality standards.

One of the most memorable moments was touring their production facility. Watching the production process firsthand deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.

The “Olio Barbera Experience”

Custonaci, in the province of Trapani, is home to Barbera’s newly renovated and ever-expanding modern production facility. The plant integrates advanced technology with traditional methods, balancing innovation and heritage.

The olive oil production process at Barbera is exacting and efficient. Freshly harvested olives are promptly transported to the mill where they’re washed, crushed, and cold-pressed within hours to preserve their natural flavors and nutrients. bottled with precision — preserving the fresh, layered flavors that define Oleificio Barbera‘s products. The facility follows strict sustainability standards, ensuring that each bottle reflects both quality and respect for the land.

Starting this year, Barbera has launched the Olio Barbera Experience, an immersive journey into the heart of Sicilian olive oil culture. This initiative allows travelers, food enthusiasts, and history buffs to go beyond the bottle and step into the experiences and stories that make Barbera Oils so special.

1. A Visit to the Oleifici Barbera Production Facility in Custonaci

This tour offers an in-depth look at how Barbera’s exceptional olive oils are made, from harvest to bottling. The facility provides a fascinating insight into the complexities of olive oil production. 

Guests also have the opportunity to participate in olive oil tastings, learning how to distinguish between the different flavor profiles and aromas that define Barbera oils.

2. A Tour of Grotta Mangiapane

Not far from the production facility lies Grotta Mangiapane — a site steeped in history and natural beauty. It’s an ancient settlement consisting of nine caves that has been inhabited since pre-historic times.

The Scurati Caves include a small village of houses — inhabited from 1819 to the mid-1900s — which still houses the original machinery once used for olive oil production. Walking through this fascinating landscape, I felt transported to a time when olive oil was pressed by hand, and every drop was a labor of love.

3. A Gourmet Dinner at Villa Barbera

No Sicilian experience would be complete without indulging in its rich culinary delights, and Barbera ensures that guests savor the best. Villa Barbera — one of the region’s most historic estates — plays host to an exquisite gourmet dinner. 

Often featuring Michelin-starred chefs, these dinners highlight the versatility of Barbera olive oils in fine dining.

How to Experience It for Yourself

The Olio Barbera Experience allows visitors to explore Sicilian olive oil production, history, and culture.

Manfredi Barbera — the fourth-generation leader of the company — explained how visitors can customize their experience to suit their interests: “The experience starts in different locations depending on the itinerary. Visitors are free to choose one of the three activities or combine them for a more immersive journey.”

Guests can book their experience directly through the official website. There are options for individuals, couples, and larger groups looking to explore Sicily’s olive oil heritage — pricing depends on the selected experience and group size.

As I left Sicily with a bottle of Oleifici Barbera olive oil, I had a deeper understanding of the labor put into it. The Olio Barbera Experience is not just about tasting olive oil but witnessing the traditions and people involved with its production. Whether it’s the history or craftsmanship, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to Sicily’s olive oil heritage.

Must-Know Before You Visit

• Starting Locations: Depending on your chosen itinerary, the experience begins in various locations. Visitors can select one activity or combine them for a more immersive journey.
• Reservations:
• Bookings can be made online through oliobarberaexperience.com or via email at [email protected].
• Personalized itineraries are available upon request.

• Pricing: Costs vary depending on the selected experience and group size.
• Olive Oil Tastings: Tastings are an integral part of the experience, allowing visitors to explore the flavors and aromas of Barbera’s premium oils.