Donnafugata – Marsala
Donnafugata was founded by the Rallo family, which has over 150 years of experience in quality winemaking. The Donnafugata adventure began in 1983 in the family’s historic cellars in Marsala and the vineyards of Contessa Entellina, in the heart of western Sicily. In 1989, Donnafugata expanded to the island of Pantelleria, where it started producing natural sweet wines.

The basement
The Marsala cellars, built in 1851, retain the typical structure of a Mediterranean “baglio,” featuring a large internal courtyard dotted with citrus trees and olive trees, along with wooden trusses crafted by ancient master shipbuilders. Here, the products from Contessa Entellina and Pantelleria converge for aging processes (in steel, concrete, and wood) and bottling.

Given the importance of temperature control at every stage of the production process, the facilities are climate-controlled and insulated to maximize energy savings. Additionally, the tuff material used in the construction and the high ceilings, measuring 7 meters and supported by wooden trusses, naturally insulate the spaces from the high temperatures typical of Sicily.

The tour
Visit of the winery and “Mini Vertical” tasting, with a choice between two selections:

Vigna di Gabri (2006, 2007, 2011) & Ben Ryé (2004, 2006, 2010).
Chiarandà (2001, 2006, 2009) & Tancredi (1998, 2005, 2008).

Night Harvest
Night harvesting is a practice used to collect grapes during the cooler hours of the night, typically to preserve their freshness and acidity. This method helps protect the grapes from heat, reducing the risk of oxidation and ensuring that the fruit is in optimal condition when it reaches the winery.

Night harvesting is especially beneficial in warmer regions, like Sicily, where daytime temperatures can be quite high. By picking at night, winemakers can enhance the quality of their wines, resulting in more vibrant flavors and aromas.