Page 527 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

Hopps and many more whose names can still be seen on some of the warehouse

doors. Interestingly, it was the English presence in Marsala that persuaded Garibaldi
to launch his campaign here rather than in Sciacca (his first choice), judging that the
Bourbon fleet wouldn’t dare to interfere so close to Her Majesty’s commercial
concerns.

Marsala owes much of its current prosperity to the marketing of its wine, which is
still a thriving industry, though no longer in British hands. You can visit some of the

bagli and sample the stuff for free: try the Cantine Montalto (Mon–Fri 9am–1pm &
3–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm, other times can be booked at 0923 969 667) at Contrada
Bérbaro, 3km along the road south towards Mazara del Vallo, reached along
Lungomare Mediterraneo. Free guided tours and samplings are offered, and there’s
an Enomuseum where you can look over the old apparatus and techniques for wine-

making. Otherwise, you’ll find marsala or the sweeter marsala all’uovo (mixed with
egg yolks) in every bar, enoteca and restaurant in town.