WINE CELLAR TOUR AND WINE TASTING IN MARSALA

That strikes you when arriving in Lo Stagnone for the first time is the endless rows of vineyards lining the villages and the lagoon. Even during our kite sessions, it’s impossible not to notice them. Our spot lies at the heart of Sicily’s wine region, which today is the largest vineyard area in Italy.

The history of wine in this region goes back a very long way. The Phoenicians were the first to introduce grape varieties more than 2,800 years ago, followed by the Greeks and later the Romans. In the 18th century, a young English merchant, John Woodhouse, stopped at the port of Marsala and brought crates of Marsala wine (a fortified, cooked wine) back to England. It became a huge success, and thanks to him Sicilian wine production experienced a real boom and was exported throughout Europe.

Since then, fortified wines such as Marsala are consumed less than in the past and are produced in smaller quantities. However, during the 20th century Sicilian producers adapted to market demand and now produce various types of white wines (around 70% of total production) as well as reds, which are exported worldwide. A large part of Sicilian wine is produced by cooperatives for local sale, but more and more private wineries are developing, producing higher-quality wines mainly intended for export.

THE PRODUCERS WHO MADE THE HISTORY OF MARSALA

CANTINE PELLEGRINO

Cantine Pellegrino was founded in 1880 by the notary Paolo Pellegrino who, together with his son Carlo, chose to invest in the wine sector, focusing on the Sicilian lands of Marsala. Today, the sixth generation is at the helm of the company.

With 150 hectares of vineyards owned outright, plus an additional 150 hectares under lease, the winery produces over six million bottles per year. The Pellegrino cellars in Marsala represent an icon of Sicilian winemaking and one of the most important historic wineries in Italy.

Overlooking the breathtaking landscapes of the Egadi Islands, they operate across three different sites dedicated to the production and promotion of Marsala wine. These venues are also ideal for hosting private events, business meetings, and ceremonies.

Several tasting experiences and guided tours are available. You can find full details and book directly online through their website.

CANTINE FLORIO

Cantine Florio is one of the oldest wineries in the region, founded in 1833 and an authentic producer of Marsala wine. Located in the heart of Marsala near the port, its impressive buildings house giant 18th-century vats that are still used today for the aging of Marsala.

On-site tastings and guided tours allow visitors to discover the production process. The 1 hour and 30 minute tour (available in Italian or English) is particularly interesting. After a 30-minute walk through the barrel cellars, where the historic tuff stone floor has been restored, the visit continues in the modern Donna Franca and Duca Enrico tasting rooms.

Reservation is mandatory, you can book on their website directly.

RECENT AND MODERN PRODUCERS

CANTINA FINA

Located on a hill just a few kilometers from the kite spot, this impressive modern building offers breathtaking views over the lagoon and the Egadi Islands.

Founded 20 years ago by a passionate wine lover and now managed by his children, Cantina Fina produces high-quality white and red wines using grapes sourced from across Sicily. Recognized worldwide, most of its production is exported abroad. The visit includes a guided tour of the winery with explanations about the production process, followed by a wine tasting on the rooftop terrace.

Bookings can be made on their website

CANTINA DONNAFUGATA

Donnafugata was founded in 1983 and took over one of the historic winery sites dating back to 1851 in Marsala. The wines are produced from grapes grown across Sicily, including Mount Etna and even the island of Pantelleria.

Part of the estate is housed in a beautifully renovated historic building, while another section is more modern. The name Donnafugata refers to the novel Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) by Tomasi di Lampedusa. It means “woman in flight” and alludes to the story of a queen who found refuge in the part of Sicily where the company’s vineyards are located today.

This producer offers a very wide range of white and red wines, mainly intended for export. The visit is enjoyable, and the tasting experience is interactive and engaging. Several options are available, from simple tastings to full meals, and bookings can be made online through their website.

There are other producers offering tours and tastings that we have not yet had the opportunity to try. Among those with a strong reputation are Cantina Mothia and Marco De Bartoli in Marsala, as well as Cantina Firriato near Trapani.