The winery
Donnafugata
Sicilian family-owned winery producing wines and olive oil across different areas of the island; known for its commitment to sustainability and for iconic wines such as Ben Ryé, Mille e una Notte and Tancredi.
- Sicilia · Italia
- Since 1983
- 30 products
The story
Donnafugata began as an entrepreneurial project of the Rallo family, led by Giacomo and Gabriella Rallo. The modern company grew out of the family’s historical roots in the province of Marsala. Since its founding the brand has expanded its presence across several Sicilian territories and is now led by the next generation. Over the years the company has complemented its traditional production with sustainability initiatives, experimentation with indigenous grape varieties, and cultural projects connected to art and music.
Production philosophy
Enhancing biodiversity and Sicily's indigenous grape varieties, combining respect for the land with sustainable practices. Donnafugata focuses on carefully crafted, sometimes niche wines rooted in distinct territories, with a strong connection to the arts and cultural initiatives such as Donnafugata Music & Wine.
Terroir and vineyards
Production is spread across several estates in Sicily: Contessa Entellina, the volcanic island of Pantelleria, the Vittoria district, the slopes of Etna and the historic cellars of Marsala. Each area is employed to express different grape varieties and styles, from Pantelleria’s passito wines to the reds of Vittoria and Etna.
Awards and recognition
Donnafugata's iconic wines, particularly the Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé, have received accolades and high ratings from Italian and international guides and publications, including Gambero Rosso, DoctorWine, Veronelli, and other international reviewers cited by the company.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Nero d'Avola
- Frappato
- Nerello Mascalese
- Nerello Cappuccio
- Carricante
- Zibibbo
- Grillo
- Catarratto
- Ansonica (Inzolia)
What makes it distinctive
- Vineyards and estates across multiple areas of Sicily: Contessa Entellina, Pantelleria, Vittoria, Etna and Marsala.
- Ben Ryé: Passito di Pantelleria, considered one of the winery's iconic wines.
- Long-standing commitment to sustainability: herbicide-free agricultural practices, calculation of carbon and water footprints, and participation in local projects.
- An ongoing dialogue with art and music.
- Also produces extra virgin olive oil at Tenuta di Vittoria.
