Chardonnay in Sicily

Planeta ★ 4.7

Founded in 1995 by cousins Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta, Planeta operates six wineries across the island from Menfi to Etna, Noto and Milazzo, with native and international varieties grown across distinct Sicilian terroirs.

Tasting: Three estate cellar doors: Ulmo at Menfi, Buonivini at Noto, and Sciaranuova on Etna. Tasting experiences bookable on the Planeta estate website.

Signature wines: Planeta Santa Cecilia, Planeta Burdese, Planeta Cometa

Passopisciaro (Vini Franchetti) ★ 4.8

Founded in 2000 by the late Andrea Franchetti at approximately 1,000 metres on Etna's north slope, Passopisciaro produces site-expressive single-contrada Nerello reds including the rare Franchetti red from the high-altitude Solicchiata plots.

Tasting: Visits by appointment at the Passopisciaro estate. Contact via the Vini Franchetti website.

Signature wines: Passopisciaro Franchetti, Passopisciaro Passorosso, Passopisciaro Passobianco

Firriato ★ 4.3

Founded by Salvatore Di Gaetano in 1978, Firriato farms approximately 490 hectares across seven estates spanning the Trapani hills, 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 d'Avola

Cusumano ★ 4.4

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 [email protected] or call +39 091 8908713.

Signature wines: Cusumano Sagana, Cusumano Benuara, Alta Mora Etna Rosso

Settesoli Mandrarossa ★ 4.2

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 Fiano, Mandrarossa Timperosse, Mandrarossa Nero d'Avola

Tenuta Rapitala ★ 4.3

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

Donnafugata Marsala Cellars ★ 4.7

1851 historic baglio cellars in Marsala with underground barrique room inspired by Istanbul's Basilica Cistern; full suite of tasting experiences from Signature Wine Library to gourmet pairings.

Tip: The underground barrique cellar tour is the unmissable option; book via visit.donnafugata.it.

Valle dell'Acate ★ 4.6

Certified-organic estate in Acate producing Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG and a single-varietal Il Frappato di Vittoria from organic farming.

Tip: The single-varietal Il Frappato di Vittoria is Valle dell'Acate's calling card and an elegant varietal Frappato in the DOCG zone. Available at quality wine shops across Italy.