We start our hike with some sightseeing. Here, we approach the Greek amphitheater, which offers a fantastic view of the bay of Palermo.

Bring on the orators! The Greek chorus! The dancing girls!

Halfway around the mountain, we encounter a sanctuary shaded by almond trees. Mmm…almonds.

Eat local indeed. Claudio picks almonds to eat on the spot.

A flat rock serves as nutcracker. “This really is slow food,” says one guest.

Apricot nectar (my favorite!) and almonds. And what do you know, these almonds taste exactly like marzipan. Coincidence?

Another impromptu snack: Claudio scrambles up a fence to pick prickly pear, which he peels and de-thorns for the group.

“More snails, please!” Okay, that’s not what our guests said. But I’ve seen locals come out with plastic bags and gather dozen of snails for stew.

Instead of snails, we stop for blackberries. Then fresh figs a few yards away. Not bad for one hike: almonds, prickly pear, figs, and blackberries. Now that’s eating local.

Finally we arrive at the temple of Segesta, one of the great archaeological sites on western Sicily.

A three-hour hike warrants an hour-long lunch at Baglio Segesta, where cool shade and a light breeze provide the ideal setting.

Begin the feast: fresh ricotta and pecorino cheese. green olives with mint, sun-dried tomatoes….

…followed by delicious squash, stuffed mushrooms, and grilled eggplant. Then comes homemade pasta with pesto Trappanese (pesto and tomato sauce).

Afterwards, we head to CEUSO for some terrific nero d'avola blends.

Great wines, great hike, great day.