About us
Donnafugata was established in Sicily by a family that, thanks to its passion, has been able to innovate the style and perception of Sicilian wine throughout the world. Giacomo Rallo, the fourth generation of a family with over 170 years of experience in quality wine, founded Donnafugata in 1983 together with his wife Gabriella, a pioneer of viticulture in Sicily. Today, their children José and Antonio lead the company and a team of people focused on excellence.
Since the 90s, Donnafugata has opened its cellars to wine lovers from all over the world, to share and spread the culture of wine. A welcome that conveys the values and secrets of a family business focused on excellence, together with the warmth of the most authentic Sicilian hospitality.
Meeting Donnafugata is an experience not to be missed. A unique experience, bookable all year.
The company can count on a historic winery and four estates.
In western Sicily, in Contessa Entellina, where Donnafugata was established, there is a winemaking cellar, 302 hectares of vineyards and 9 hectares of olive groves; in Pantelleria, a volcanic island between Sicily and Africa, the Khamma district winery boasts 68 hectares of Zibibbo vineyards cultivated with low bush vines called “alberello pantesco” (Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage) and 5 hectares of olive groves. In eastern Sicily, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, there is a winery with a barrique cellar in Randazzo, 35 hectares of vineyards and 2 hectares of olive groves. In the territory of DOC Vittoria, in Acate, the latest generation winery is surrounded by 36 hectares of vineyards. Finally, the historical family cellars in Marsala are an example of a productive reality that is being constantly updated. Here it is possible to visit the scenographic underground barrique cellar.
Donnafugata believes in sustainability and has been adopting more than 30 years of good practices. There are many areas of intervention: the vineyard, Carbon and Water Footprint, biodiversity and enhancement of native varieties, energy saving and clean energy, landscape and sustainable architecture.
In the dialogue with art, Donnafugata finds a way of being that makes it special. The name refers to the novel The Leopard and the story of the runaway Queen, who found refuge where the company’s vineyards are located today, and inspired the logo as well. Designer labels with a fantastic and feminine language of identity. Wines with a unique style, pleasant and elegant, able to delight those who taste them.
In the project Donnafugata Music & Wine: José Rallo recounts her wines through song in evocative venues.