Maggio Vini produces Noto DOC Nero d'Avola and Moscato di Noto from the Maccari contrada in the Syracuse province, one of the warmest and most sun-drenched zones in Sicily.
Signature wines: maggio-vini-nero-davola, maggio-vini-moscato-di-noto
Address: Contrada Maccari, 96017 Noto (SR), Sicily, Italy
The Pietrarizzo contrada on the north slope of Etna at 800 metres produces Benanti's most mineral and savoury Nerello Mascalese. The Benanti family has farmed this plot since the 18th century, making it one of the oldest continuously cultivated contrade on the volcano.
Tasting: Visits available as part of the Benanti estate experience. Book via benanti.it.
Signature wines: benanti-pietrarizzo
Founded in 1824 by the Duke of Salaparuta, Duca di Salaparuta (Corvo) is one of Sicily's oldest commercial wine estates. Their Duca Enrico is a landmark 100% Nero d'Avola and the Bianca di Valguarnera a prestigious Inzolia white. Now owned by Illva Saronno.
Tasting: Visits and tastings at the historic Casteldaccia winery. Contact via the Duca di Salaparuta website.
Signature wines: duca-di-salaparuta-bianca-di-valguarnera, duca-enrico
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
Abele Ajello is a small organic producer in the Belice Valley near Castelvetrano, working with Catarratto and Nero d'Avola in the western Sicilian interior.
Tasting: Visits by appointment in the Belice Valley near Castelvetrano. Contact via the winery.
Signature wines: ajello-osa, ajello-tajuni-catarratto
One of Sicily's most influential estates, Planeta operates six wineries across the island from Menfi to Etna, Noto and Milazzo, showcasing the diversity of Sicilian terroir through native and international varieties.
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
One of Sicily's oldest and most storied family estates, Tasca d'Almerita has farmed the Regaleali plateau since 1830. Their Rosso del Conte, a Nero d'Avola-led flagship, is among the island's most age-worthy reds.
Tasting: Estate visits and tastings at the historic Regaleali property in the heart of Sicily, bookable via the Tasca d'Almerita website.
Signature wines: tasca-dalmerita-rosso-del-conte, tasca-dalmerita-chardonnay, tasca-dalmerita-leone-dalmerita
