Sicilian Orange Harvest Experience: A German Family's Journey in Marsala

Mario G Figlioli
Mar 28
2 min read

Updated: Apr 18

Some days unfold slowly, like the sun between the leaves, and leave behind the scent of something real. That’s exactly what happened when a German family visiting Sicily in early March chose to take part in our Harvesting and Tasting Experience.

They weren’t looking for sightseeing. They were looking for connection — and they found it in a magical place nestled in the countryside of Marsala, surrounded by orange and lemon trees, guided by the warm light of the Sicilian sun.

A citrus grove just for us

The setting was my own family grove, just outside Marsala’s old town. No crowds, no noise — only the scent of citrus leaves, buzzing bees, and trees heavy with fruit, glowing under the clear blue sky.

The children ran between the rows, wide-eyed with curiosity. Little Emma stopped in front of an orange, looked up, and asked:“So… this is where orange juice comes from?”

We all laughed. Then we showed her exactly how it happens.

Harvesting by hand: connecting with the land

We handed out baskets and shears, and the parents jumped right in as if they’d done this a hundred times. Every orange they picked came with a laugh, a question, a photo.

The girls tried to guess which fruits were lemons just by feeling the skin. They used an old-fashioned bamboo pole to reach the higher branches — just like Sicilian farmers have done for generations.

The Sicilian orange harvest experience lasted just over an hour, but time seemed to stop.

Fresh juice, golden light, and laughter

That afternoon, under the trees, we set a table and began juicing the oranges we had just picked. The color was vibrant, the scent pure, the taste… pure sunshine.

Emma and her sister Greta took turns turning the handle of the old metal juicer, proud to pour juice into each guest’s glass. No sugar. No additives. Just oranges, joy, and Sicilian air.

Laughter echoed through the grove as the sun warmed our faces. For a moment, nothing else existed — only juice, nature, and genuine happiness.

Who is this experience for?