Donnafugata
From Contessa Entellina to Etna: the art of telling Sicily through wine
In Sicily, Donnafugata embodies a distinctive vision of wine, one that is deeply rooted in family history while resolutely focused on expressing the island’s diverse terroirs. Founded in 1983 by Giacomo and Gabriella Rallo, the estate is nevertheless part of a much older tradition, with the family active in the wine trade since 1851. “I am the sixth generation,” recalls Gabriella, now involved in the estate’s international development.
From the outset, Donnafugata has been built around a clear idea: to reveal the richness and diversity of Sicily. “Unlike other major names, we chose to focus exclusively on Sicily,” she insists. “It is almost like a continent.” This statement finds its full meaning in the gradual structuring of the vineyard. In Contessa Entellina, in the western part of the island, lies the historic heart of the estate, where a wide range of grape varieties, both local and international, are cultivated. In 1989, the estate expanded to Pantelleria, where it began working with Zibibbo, the emblematic grape of the island’s sweet wines. More recently, in 2016, Donnafugata continued its exploration with new vineyards in Vittoria and on the slopes of Etna, multiplying the interpretations of Sicilian terroir.
With nearly 33 wines produced across these different estates and an annual production of around 2.5 million bottles, the domaine asserts a clear commitment to quality. “We prefer to focus on quality rather than quantity,” Gabriella explains. Each wine is conceived as the expression of a specific place, with particular attention paid to indigenous grape varieties, while not excluding international ones when suited to the terroir.
In the vineyard, this philosophy translates into rigorous practices. Harvesting is carried out by hand, and all work is guided by a commitment to sustainability and resource preservation. “Attention truly begins in the vineyards,” she explains. The aim is to pass on a living heritage to future generations while ensuring precision and quality in the grapes.
Beyond technical considerations, Donnafugata stands out for its strong artistic identity. Since 1994, the estate’s labels have been designed by Italian artist Stefano Vitale. “My grandmother wanted to tell a story with each wine,” Gabriella notes. At a time when labels were often minimalistic, this approach marked a clear departure. Each label becomes an extension of the wine itself, an invitation to imagine, to dream, and to enter the world of the estate.
The very name Donnafugata reflects this narrative dimension. Inspired by the novel The
Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, it refers to a fictional place deeply rooted in Sicilian imagination. “Donnafugata means ‘the woman in flight’,” she explains. This literary reference also echoes Gabriella Rallo’s personal story, as she left her career as a teacher to dedicate herself fully to viticulture. “We like to imagine this woman looking towards the future, towards Sicily and towards her family.”
This dialogue between tradition and modernity is also evident in the way the estate approaches its development. Aware of changing market dynamics, Donnafugata seeks to connect with younger generations. “Wine has the power to bring people together,” Gabriella emphasises. Through opening its estates to visitors, as well as through more contemporary initiatives such as cultural collaborations, the domaine multiplies opportunities to engage with a broader audience.
The recent example of the Mille e Una Notte cuvée, linked to a series inspired by The Leopard, illustrates this approach. “It is a way of attracting people who had never heard of our wines before,” she explains. A bridge between culture, territory and wine, fully aligned with the estate’s identity.
Through its various estates, aesthetic choices and winemaking philosophy, Donnafugata offers a multifaceted reading of Sicily. A vineyard in motion, where each wine tells a story of place, family and transmission.
• Donnafugata, Sul Vulcano 2022, Etna Bianco DOC