8 editor-picked estates growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Sicily.
Where to taste Cabernet Sauvignon in Sicily: the estates that grow it, how the region expresses the grape, and how to book a visit.
Donnafugata, founded by the Rallo family in Marsala, has grown into a multi-estate Sicilian producer with vineyards in Contessa Entellina, Pantelleria and Etna, crafting wines from native varieties including the iconic Ben Rye passito.
Tasting: Daily guided tours and tastings at the historic Marsala cantina (10:00-18:00) and at the Contessa Entellina estate. Reservations required.
Signature wines: donnafugata-ben-rye, donnafugata-mille-e-una-notte, donnafugata-tancredi
Founded by Salvatore Di Gaetano in 1978, Firriato has grown into one of Sicily's largest and most diverse producers with approximately 490 hectares across seven estates. Their reach spans from the Trapani hills to Etna and the island of Favignana.
Tasting: Guided cellar tours, vineyard visits and tastings at the Baglio Soria resort in Paceco and at Cavanera Etnea on Etna. By appointment.
Signature wines: firriato-camelot, firriato-ribeca, firriato-chiaramonte-nero-davola
Brothers Alberto and Diego Cusumano founded their estate in 2001 at Partinico with five estate vineyards and more than 500 hectares. The Sagana single-vineyard Nero d'Avola from Riesi and Alta Mora Etna range mark their quality poles.
Tasting: Wine tastings and direct sales at the Partinico winery. Contact info@cusumano.it or call +39 091 8908713.
Signature wines: cusumano-sagana, cusumano-benuara, alta-mora-etna-rosso
Founded in 1997 by Count Paolo Marzotto, Baglio di Pianetto sits at 900 metres near Santa Cristina Gela, 25 kilometres from Palermo. The estate blends Sicilian and French winemaking traditions across 106 hectares, with an elegant agrirelais for overnight stays.
Tasting: Private visits and introductory wine courses at the 20-room agrirelais. Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 by appointment.
Signature wines: baglio-pianetto-ramione, baglio-pianetto-ficiligno, baglio-pianetto-viafrancia
Founded in 2000 by the Bonetta family near Agrigento, Baglio del Cristo di Campobello farms 50 hectares on calcareous chalky soils 8 kilometres from the sea. Their Adennzia white and Lu Patri red have earned international recognition for quality Sicilian DOC wines.
Tasting: Winery visits and tastings at the Campobello di Licata estate. Contact via the estate website.
Signature wines: baglio-cristo-adenzia, baglio-cristo-lu-patri
Cantine Settesoli is the cooperative giant of Menfi DOC, founded in 1958, with Mandrarossa as its premium terroir-selection brand launched in 1999. Over 2,000 grower-members supply grapes from more than 6,000 hectares, making this the largest wine operation in Sicily.
Tasting: Tuesday to Saturday 09:30 to 18:00. Guided cellar visits and wine tastings. Reservations required.
Signature wines: mandrarossa-terre-di-giumara, mandrarossa-timperosse, mandrarossa-nero-davola
A historic organic estate spanning 217 hectares founded in 1825 at Librizzi in the Messina province, set on the Nebrodi slopes with views to the Aeolian Islands. Tenuta Gatti cultivates an unusually diverse mix of native and international varieties.
Tasting: Visits and tastings at the historic Nebrodi estate with views toward the Aeolian Islands. Contact via winetourism.com.
Signature wines: tenuta-gatti-pinot-nero, tenuta-gatti-nero-davola
Tenuta Rapitala at Camporeale in the Palermo province was established by a Franco-Sicilian partnership in 1968. The estate produces a broad range of Sicilian varietal and blended wines across 170 hectares, with the Grand Cru their prestigious top bottling.
Tasting: Visits and tastings at the Camporeale estate. Contact via the Rapitala website.
Signature wines: rapitala-grand-cru, rapitala-hugonis